Pussy willow.

First day of spring, 2014. The forecast called for snow over much of the state, but here on the coast the temperature stayed high enough that all we got was rain. Not heavy rain, just liquid precipitation. In fact, the whole world seemed to be runny and gurgling. Fitting, I suppose, for the first day of spring.

I didn’t get out until late in the day, when I thought I’d run over to Buttermilk Lane to see if the snowy owl was still there—not least because I’d suggested that someone who had yet to see one check it out today—and it wasn’t. At least I didn’t see it anywhere. Drove over to Weskeag Marsh nearby, and I thought I saw an owl shape way out on the flats, but it was jut an owl-shaped pile of old snow. I did, however, see four or five vultures circling low over Rockland and three turkeys browsing in an old cornfield near the marsh.

Jack and I hit Beech Hill thereafter, and there were plenty of birds up there. Oddly, I didn’t see any of them. Six voices of species.

And also—as I stood in the parking lot listening to the call of a Brown Creeper—I heard faint sounds of liquidity from multiple directions. The ice is loosening up.

Beech Hill List
Beginning at 4:45 p.m., I hiked the open trail.

1. American Crow* (v)
2. Tufted Titmouse (v)
3. American Robin (v)
4. Black-Capped Chickadee** (v)
5. Northern Cardinal (v)
6. Brown Creeper (v)

Elsewhere

7. Herring Gull
8. Turkey Vulture
9. Wild Turkey

v = Voice only
*Also elsewhere
**Voice only elsewhere