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SPRING ARRIVALS IN MY YARD
Woodchucks, Chipmunks, and Skunks
I have been awaiting their arrival
During March, I routinely inspect the den openings of our resident woodchucks and chipmunks, looking for signs that the creatures are up and clearing the winter accumulation of branches and leaves covering their entrances.
By the third week, I saw dirt and sticks tossed into the air, accompanied by the furiously twirling tail and bobbing rump of my neighbor’s woodchuck as he removed the debris blocking his den entrance.
On the way home from the grocery store later that day, stomping on the brake pedal to avoid a woodchuck crossing the road confirmed their arrival.
Daylight hours reveal patches of overturned grass and small depressions indicating skunk activity during the night, searching for grubs, worms, and other insects for their evening meal.
The male red-wing blackbirds arrived first, filling the air with their chatter and song. Now, I see the less colorfully females at our feeders. There is much to accomplish in the spring: establishing territories, pairing off, building nests, mating, and incubating eggs. All this to enchant me in June and July with our yard full of begging baby birds.
