With sunrise temperatures still well below freezing and a seemingly endless blanket of white still covering almost every inch of ground it may not appear as though spring is on the way but it is.

The thermometer is now making its way above freezing on a more regular basis and small signs of last years life are beginning to peek out from under the snow. Grass has started to appear at the waters edge and under a few trees. Soon larger hills that are in the open and exposed to the wind will begin to appear almost as if they are surfacing from below the silent winter waves.

The waterfowl certainly seem to know what time of year it is. The ducks that have been at the pond since my last post seem to be more active each time I manage a visit. The Goldeneye drakes are beginning to change into their summer plumage and are all busy trying to lay claim to the pond. There always seems to be at least one pair chasing each other back and forth across the pond.

The Mallard drakes are sticking very close to their hens go to great lengths to keep them away from any unattached male that wanders to close.

During these past two visits I have also seen at least three different eagles. One that looks like last years eaglet, one that I would guess is three or four years old, and my old banded friend.

This morning the mature bird and the youngest one were both perched in the same tree. Perhaps its one of her young from last year but I’ll bet that a month or so from now you won’t see that happening. Once the mature birds start to prepare for this year’s young they won’t tolerate any older offspring in their territory.

Because of the mini thaws the deer have been able to safely wander farther and farther out of the dense cedars in search of food. They are still moving in their large winter groups and for the most part look as though they have done ok through what some say has been a harder than normal winter.

Unfortunately the warm weather didn’t arrive at the Fish Pond soon enough for all of them.

This small deer might have died of starvation while trying to compete with larger deer for the meager amounts of winter food. It might have been that the cold combined with an injury or illness were more than it could take. Regardless of the cause scenes like these serve as a reminder of how hard and unforgiving life in the wild really is and how much animals depend on their natural habitat and a healthy ecosystem.

Fortunately for others its failure to survive could mean that they will. Birds and all other sorts of animals will benefit from the meals its carcass will provide over the next several days.

Melting snow uncovers lots hidden treasures. Signs of where many forest residents spent their winter are now easy to see. Last years deer antlers that have lay hidden in the snow will soon be uncovered and if your lucky enough to find one before the porcupines do it could be quite a prize.

As always, get outside. It’s the perfect cure for cabin fever!

Have a great one!

Kevin