Seasonal Changes
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Heading into spring.
The last week I’ve started to feel the shift in the seasons again - that slow realization like the soft tick ticking of a clock that slowly worms its way into my consciousness. That’s how spring has felt to me - watching the sunrise coming earlier each day by 1 - 2 minutes and noticing the sun sink behind the mountains a little later each day too. Those minutes are stacking up and shifting our daily routine just slightly each day.
The creek is now free of ice, but it’s still cold enough to form icicles on the ends of branches trailing in the water. (EXIF data f5.6, 1/160s, 400mm, ISO64, -1.67EV).
I’ve also noticed that the quality of the light is changing as the days get longer - the duration of the sunrise and the sunset seems to extend longer to bookend each day - like it can’t wait to get started and then is loathe to let go and fall into slumber.
The warmer temperatures are melting the residual mounds of white stuff and any new snow doesn’t seem to stick quite as long on the ground.
Wildlife changes
Jackrabbit in the late evening showing how exposed he is now that the snow is disappearing. (EXIF data f5.6, 1/400s, ISO12800, 400mm)
I’ve noticed the wildlife is much more active - we’ve spotted Jack (our resident jackrabbit - link to post) and his new ladyfriend (Jill) cozying up under various shrubs or bounding across the yard. His white coat a stark reminder that he hasn’t quite given up on winter yet - leaving him very exposed and visible to any predators. Last year we found his cousin “Jimmy” resting for all eternity under a tree after an encounter - likely with a coyote.
Common redpoll waiting for a turn at the feeder as we get a late dusting of snow. (EXIF data f6.3, 1/2500s, 400mm, ISO1600)
There are more birds coming to the trees and feeders - finches, redpolls, sparrows, crossbills as well as woodpeckers and juncos. I’ve also seen the odd hawk and bald eagles are much more active in the skies too. There is a restless sort of energy as they flit about exploring potential nesting sites.
I have even received notification that the first mountain bluebird has been sighted near Olds - a sure sign of the approaching spring season. Reminding me that it’s time to start work on some new nest boxes (link to blog post) as the time for the new generation draws near.
My restlessness
I’ve also noticed my feelings of restlessness and increased energy - the winter pursuits of reading, puzzle making and getting after indoor projects no longer feeling as satisfying. I’ve been feeling an increased urge to get outside - taking turns around the yard and noticing subtle changes in the trees and shrubs - those patches of dirt that I seeded with grass last fall are showing some signs of new growth as tender green shoots start to push up through the soil.
Finding tender green shoots in the garden as the snow melts and reveals the rich soil. (EXIF data f5.6, 1/800s, 300mm, ISO200)
I’m feeling a sense of urgency to start getting after the spring cleanup and the camper van needs some spring maintenance to get ready for an exciting season of travel and camping. So much organization after a bit of a lazy winter - we really felt the need to take a break after such a hectic summer, but now it’s time to get motivated and start the push for another season setting up house - getting after new projects and finally finding those last remaining items that went MIA after the move.
It’s not spring yet
Strong lines and angular shapes in the shallow ice crusted puddles. (EXIF data f5, 1/1000s, 240mm, ISO2000)
I’m having to temper my excitement as experience tells me that March does not mark the start of spring in Calgary - we are as like to get snow well into May, so it’s best to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather without putting away the winter wear. The overnight lows are still below freezing which means thin crusts of ice form on the pools of snow melt water. I find it fascinating to photograph these ice puddles with their angular shapes and strong lines.
American three toed woodpecker eyeing me from above. (EXIF data f5.6, 1/1000s, 400mm, ISO1100)
I have noticed a shift in my photographic subjects as the birds are starting to return and getting more active. I enjoy stopping to listen for their different songs and try to identify them. I headed out for a photo walk on the first day of March and was rewarded with seeing an American Three Toed Woodpecker which is about the same size as a Downy, but a bit beefier looking and with white barred markings down its back.
Nature’s way of signalling change
I have always enjoyed marking the changing of the seasons and while there are certain times of the year that I look forward to more than others - I have learned to appreciate all seasons. It is important that I practice slowing down so that I am able to notice these subtle changes in the seasonal transitions. In the space and time that I carve out to observe these changes I find such rich experiences and creative insights - it happens 4 times a year and yet it feels new every season - like this is the first time.
How do you mark the changing of the seasons? Do you have a favourite ritual or practice as you observe the seasonal transitions? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or reach out to me directly by clicking on the Connect With Me button.
New greenery sprouting beneath the thin crust of ice on the creek near our home. (EXIF Data f5, 1/1000s, 200mm, ISO2500)
Just a side note - I wrote this blog post 2 weeks ago and today (March 29th we had a good 4” of snow - wet heavy spring snow).
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
