Seasonal Scavenger Hunt

“March is a time when winter’s grip finally begins to loosen. Large numbers of migrating birds return, bird song greets us as we step outside in the morning, the buds of several tree species begin to open, and the longer days and warmer sun rekindle our spirits.” 

Drew Monkman’s Monthly Almanac 

 

Keep a lookout for northward-bound ducks on open stretches of lakes and rivers; loud red squirrels trying to find a mate; owls, such as the barred owl, calling “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you”; the bird songs of the house finch and cardinal; the reappearance of raccoons, pussy willows, chipmunks, robins, grackles, and red-winged blackbirds; the sap of the maple trees starting to flow. On a warm day in late March, you may get a glimpse of a mourning cloak butterfly taking its first flight since last fall. These purple-black and yellow butterflies will often feed on sap dripping from maple trees in spring.   The mourning cloak butterfly overwinters in the adult stage of the life cycle. If the weather becomes particularly warm, you may see the odd honey bee on a crocus or snowdrop in your garden.  Honeybees are one of the few insects that remain active all winter. Coyotes give birth to three to seven pups in late March or April.

There is a tug of war going on in March and April as spring tries to defeat winter.  Most of us are rooting for spring as we enjoy longer days and mud puddles.  Try this scavenger hunt as you look for evidence of the emergence of spring. Download the PDF here.