February 25

Thursday, Remi and I stayed in Alma to hike at the Pine River Park and Outdoor Center. The mid-afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 32 degrees and a stiff north wind. With blue skies overhead, we left the car and trudged west along the river's edge through 10 inches of new snow from last night’s storm. Gazing north at the river, I noticed a dozen Trumpeter Swans swimming in open water near the far shore. An early sign of spring, these birds have returned from wintering in western Canada and Alaska. While this swan’s population has made a comeback, they were nearly extirpated as a result of over-harvesting and widespread destruction and degradation of wetlands. In 1932, fewer than 70 trumpeters were known to exist worldwide. Continuing west on virgin snow while overlooking the frozen river, I was admiring the shadow patterns on the snow when I came across fresh squirrel tracks. Next, I turned south away from the cold wind and looped east through a stand of mature spruce and pine heavily laden with snow where I paused to scan the snowy landscape. Also, I was reminded of seeing another sign of spring earlier this week when a male Cardinal, perched high above was singing to establish his territory. Finally, after Remi stopped to roll in the snow, we returned to the car and headed home.

February’s finale

Lingering chill

Creatures hiding

Sounds are nil

Out of silence

A song is heard

Morning music

Nature’s word

High in the pines

Message to bring

Cardinal of winter

Beckoning spring

D. DeGraaf