Top Photo: Canada geese are back.

It’s not officially spring, but signs of its arrival are peeking through.

Canada geese usually show up in February. With them comes the first signs of spring. The geese are here to attempt a nest. This has become a popular place for our state’s non-migratory, local breeding Canada geese.

Many local birds were out and about showing off spring behavior, like the downy woodpecker below. This male was drumming on a much too thin and solid limb (not much resonance on such a small branch).

The bird finally settled down to “regular” pecking in search of grubs. Look at the chips fly.

Hermit thrushes will be on site for at least another two months. They typically begin singing before their departure. I’ll be listening for them. This one, hanging low in the shadows, shows one of the species’ most distinctive characteristic, its rufous tail feathers.

Lemurs were out enjoying a warm, morning sun bath.

Mallards made an appearance. At least eight showed up, more males than females.

The downy woodpecker (above) is our smallest woodpecker, the pileated is our largest.

Commonly seen in the vegetation alongside our floating walkway, song sparrows have not yet begun to sing their varied tempo song mixed with trills, buzzes and musical notes. It won’t be long before they do.

Don’t miss a beat. Get outside and enjoy the wildlife. It’s what keeps me going.

Ranger Greg