We've had 'maple syrup temperatures' for the past ten days or so (above freezing during the day, and below freezing at night), and the snow is evaporating steadily. The first really tangible sign is the opening of numerous little streams, creeks and drainage channels that have been frozen and white since early January. Here are a few comparisons.
This is Wodehouse Creek on the 7th Sideroad yesterday; it will soon be flooded with the spring runoff backing up from the sinkholes to form an ephemeral lake. You'll see more pictures from this spot soon. As you can see, most of our landscape is still white, though snow is probably less than a foot deep now.
And this is the same view two weeks ago, when temperatures were still bitterly cold.
This is Lake Eugenia today. The old channel of the Beaver River flowing through the lake is the first to appear, I guess because of the current along that channel. I'm watching for the swans to arrive here on their migration north, probably sometime in the next two weeks.
Two weeks ago it was just a sheet of white.
Just down the road from us is the spring of a small stream that flows down over the escarpment forming a double waterfall. I expect this is both flowing water from the spring 100 yards behind me, and some upwelling water right here. In any case it's opening rapidly in comparison to two weeks ago, below.
I like these kinds of comparisons showing the seasons as they progress. One of my goals this year is to take more seasonal pictures of the same view, but at different times of the year. So you'll probably see more comparisons like these.
The first spring migrants arrived today, some Starlings sitting on a roof in our neighbourhood. I'm expecting several other bird species in the next week or two. And thanks for those of you who contributed such thoughtful comments about my photography posts the last few days. I've learned quite a bit from your comments.
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Conditions are similar here- the snow still covers everything, but you can notice the levels of snow have started to drop.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a very bitter winter. Perhaps we should celebrate it's departure. :-)
ReplyDeleteHooray for spring!
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed the recent posts, and have learnt much. Comparisons, down here it is where the sun rises, how dark the mornings are, and earlier sunsets at night. Soon all deciduous leaves will have fallen.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and really enjoy your photography tips. I love taking pictures but I still haven't learned to use my camera. I bought a Nikon D5100 before we started rving. Reading blogs like yours helps.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are at Lake Mead Recreational Area where we volunteer. The weather here is getting very hot. We'll be moving on next week. Hope your weather warms up soon. Look forward to more pictures.
It's lovely to see everything melting.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos! Spring is in the air :)
ReplyDeleteIt was good to see the comparisons. Hopefully more of the land will be revealed next week with its green shoots beginning to show.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos ! Our Robins have been back for a week as have the feeder hogs of Starlings and Grackles and the pretty Red wing black birds in the marsh by the river ,the Canadian geese are on their spring home flight paths the Tundra Swans have taken to flight to and from their feeding grounds preparing to migrate , all signs of spring here to and still in a big melt down as well . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteI saw swans in the fields near the daffodils in the Skagit Valley last week. And the robins are back, with birdsong of every sort when I walk to the bus in the morning. A wonderful time of year, and I love your comparison pictures and will look forward to more of them. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo happy for ;you to finally see a bit of Spring after that incredible winter. Happy St. Patty's Day.
ReplyDeletenow this is what i was expecting yesterday!!! gorgeous images of winter, i do love the pretty white snow!! ours is all gone and i am hoping spring is right around the corner!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. We are away and your posts on the progress of Spring give a good indication of what the snow is like at our place since we are not that far from you.
ReplyDeleteLovely comparison photos. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteMost of the snow is gone here in the city except for some patches in the shade!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of comparison shots...or seasonal shots of the same spot. It will be interesting to watch your blog as the seaons come and go.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent wintry shots! And wonderful signs of Spring!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonder filled week,
artmusedog and carol
Spring is really making it's presence known there already. I like the comparison photos and will enjoy seeing them through the seasons.
ReplyDeleteI like these pictures, too. And the starlings blew in here yesterday.
ReplyDelete