Yep- woodcocks returned here the night of the 3rd, ducks and geese and Rose-breasted grosbeaks following right behind. We've been watching eagles in the back yard for 2 weeks now. Our bantams are laying perfect ivory colored eggs again. Eight Turkey vultures wheeled through last week, resting for couple of days behind the yurt. Purple finches have slipped in with the goldfinches in the window cherry.

Arkie, our goldfinches are just beginning the changeover. It takes time to find the seeds with beta-carotene, leutin, and zeoxanthin, in the spring, especially with the deep snow of this winter covering much of the food plants.

Non-bird: Three deer on two different days wandered through the orchard/hay field areas. Their granddaddy dropped off orchard rent in the winter in the form of one perfect antler, found after the snow melted by the rose arbor. The young'uns only nibbled apple prunings and old hay, so we are still in their debt. Pussywillows are silently bursting forth, and Our first harvest of the year is from the basket willows- all cut and ready for sorting and drying. We had snow most of yesterday and first thing this morning.