They Are Back!

We have quite a few signs that spring is here. Well, technically summer for most of the US. The first telltale sign is the ground squirrels. They have come out of their Winter boroughs. The little buggers are so cute but create holes everywhere and steal the hen's feed. 

They also attract badgers. We have a rather large badger that shows up around sunset every night. She had three cubs over the winter. They have left their mothers' side already and have gone their own way. She keeps her distance from us so far, so I haven't been able to snap a picture. Badgers also make very large and deep holes every night. 

American BAD-ger. They have bad in their name for a reason. They are proficient killers.

We lost one of our hens a couple of days ago. Her name was Henryetta. Our flock is pretty old, but they are still laying eggs.

Our beautiful bluebirds are back. This is usually the first sign of springtime in our area. They are industrious little birds because they know that their time here is short. Both males and females build a nest and care for their young together. They have great parenting skills. 

Thunderstorms are back in our forecast along with snow showers. We get thundersnow this time of the year along with hail. We need all the moisture that we can get. It is so dry. Fire season is early this year.

Last but not least is the appearance of our beloved hummingbirds. I was buzzed by one yesterday, so we immediately put the feeders out. The little bird was so fast that I did not get to see it, but the familiar sound of their hum is unmistakable. 

The cows are calving, the burros are foaling, and it won't be long before the antelope give birth. Little sprigs of new grass are shooting up and turning the brown landscape into a pale shade of green. I enjoy the refreshing effect that spring has on everything, especially after the long winter months. 

Mrs. Smith