"In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."
— Mark Twain
Happy March!
It was a weekend of unseasonably warm weather with strong southerly winds, but it was still great to spend a lot of time outdoors. Bird migration is picking up! In one form or another, migration is occurring somewhere in the world — birds are almost always on the move. Though some birds have been returning to southern Wisconsin since early February, things really begin to pick up during March.
At Pope Farm Conservancy, I was struck by the welcoming spring songs of Melospiza melodia during a midday walk. Perched on a thick branch, the sparrow's brown plumage blended with the early spring landscape, devoid of greenery. Despite the starkness, there was a unique charm to the brown tones of the season. The sparrow's melody seemed to fill the vastness of the conservancy, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This moment reminded me of nature's simple yet profound beauty, bringing joy even on a busy day of hiking.
Assessing the situation, a turn, and then ...
Full-send!
Though I covered Pope Farm's entire area, I found only a single male Sialia sialis...
He was using this post as an observation platform to find food ...
Something catches its eye!
And return with some kind of grub.
Soften it up ...
And down the hatch quicker than I could capture!
At the marsh and pond along Highway 14 just before Middleton, I found an opportunity to observe and photograph Agelaius phoeniceus in their element. These striking birds, with their glossy black plumage and vibrant red epaulettes, were a sight to behold against the early spring landscape. As I watched, the males were actively defending territories, engaging in impressive displays of aggression to ward off potential intruders. Despite their intense territorial behavior, they paid little attention to me, allowing me to observe and capture their beauty up close.
Having been a birder for over three decades, I have always been captivated by the displays of Red-winged Blackbirds — they're the true harbingers of spring with distinctive conk-la-reee calls, even though they're common. In a way, birders should be grateful that there are still avian species this abundant — a testament to their evolutionary success. Despite their sometimes aggressive nature, I have never experienced any direct hostility from these birds. Friends have told me they've been attacked by them, flying to the top of their heads, poking or biting their hair and scalp. I've been squawked at, but never attacked.
Wait a sec ... am I getting the low-angle stink eye?
Nope! Resumption of displays ...
The head-on angle is a little disconcerting, nearly intimidating ...
It's serious business and their determination cannot be denied.
Uh oh, intruder spotted ...
A face-off between two males ensues ...
Though it starts with what appears to be tolerance, they both flew off to the foot of the cattails and began fighting, flapping, and flopping around. The melee went on for a couple of minutes without the appearance of a clear winner. I suppose only they know the outcome.
One male returns to his perch ...
And the follows suit, carries on as well ...
Wow! Was this the victor's display?
Alas, the first ones to return are celebrated and praised, but eventually they become as ubiquitous across prairies and wetlands almost as stars in the night sky. Still, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and appreciation for the resilience of these remarkable icterids. They serve as a seasonal reminder that Nature has a way of captivating and inspiring us, if only we take the time to notice.
Given temperatures rising into the 70s on Sunday, I decided to check a few tiger beetle haunts. Alas, none were found but I did find a few Cuerna fenestella sharpshooter hoppers.
Onto the Sauk City Canoe Launch ...
Alas, no tiger beetles here either yet, but I did find a few small wolf spiders and dipterans on the beach.
In March, Nature orchestrates a symphony of life as creatures of all shapes and sizes come alive in a dazzling display of activity. Birds return to their breeding grounds, filling the air with their songs and vibrant colors. Meanwhile, insects emerge from dormancy, amphibians begin their annual migrations, and mammals become more active in preparation for the breeding season. Each species plays its part in this phenological spectacle, creating a harmonious tapestry of life that reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell