Signs of Spring

We had our first picnic of the year (and since we moved back) at Parson's Gardens this last Friday. It was a sunny day, although the breeze from the west was chilly. We plopped down on a picnic blanket and had our picnic fare while listening to Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Flickers and Anna's Hummingbirds all voice their springtime thoughts. It does seem like spring is finally moving into our area. Later that same day, I stuck my nose in the first Daphne bloom of the season outside the Elizabeth C. Miller library at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Glorious. The following few days lent more signs of spring. Like the first blooming daffodil showing its sunny face amongst the gardens at Interbay P-Patch. There was the blooming and odoriferous skunk cabbage along the Wolf Tree Trail in Discovery Park. It was along that same trail that I spotted a single open salmon berry blossom - a sure sign of the coming spring and the coming Rufous Hummingbirds, now I'll be keeping my eyes out more closely. The stinging nettles are popping up along side the trails out at Discovery Park as well and the Osoberry or Indian Plum is bursting with green. I love this time of year. There is so much new growth, new hope, new energy. The birds begin to carry nest material and do their little dances to impress potential mates. The Anna's Hummingbirds sit at the top of the trees and chatter and skritch and if another male comes into the area you'll hear just how loud such a little bird can be as it goes diving after its rival. Ducks are paired up for the most part. I see the crows hanging out more in twos and threes lately. Gardeners are preparing their soil for potatoes and radishes and other early spring plantings. And I am eagerly awaiting the full blown spring, enjoying these little signs of winter's end while the rain pours once again outside my window.