BANGOR DAILY NEWS • March 8, 2024
Spring has begun. Here are some early signs. Common grackles and red-winged blackbirds are moving in. Some of our eastern Maine vultures are starting to return. Wild turkey toms are fanning their tails and strutting their stuff for the ladies. The first pine warblers, common yellowthroats, swamp sparrows and chipping sparrows crossed the New Hampshire border a week ago. American goldfinches are beginning to molt into their bright summer colors. Crows are chasing hawks and eagles away from their nests. Northern cardinals are getting pretty noisy, as they turn to thoughts of love. Watch for eagles carrying sticks for a little nest repair. Ospreys will do likewise when they arrive in about four weeks. Every year, I try to guess when bears will come out of hibernation. I hope to bring my feeders indoors before they demolish them. The last two years, the bears have won. ~ Bob Duchesne