Nature Notes

• While we 3 C's were at the east window reviewing our plans to order seeds , Richard noted a Krider's Red-tailed Hawk out back. We stopped, pulled out the scope, and took a look. This hawk is uncommon especially this far east. This beautiful light colored bird was radiant with the sun streaming through its feathers and distinctive reddish tail.
• Richard noted the sun is coming up perceptibly earlier. Its rise on the eastern horizon is moving north. We had not been able to see such subtle differences when we lived in the city
• Richard noted those energetic Tufted Titmice are beginning spring rituals, singing courtship calls ("peter-peter-peter"), and setting up territories in response to lenthening days. The little guys are sometimes in our backyard but more often in the woods nearby.
• Cardinals seem more active when daylight is lower. Late this afternoon, Melanie counted 10 Cardinals in our backyard.