Scent of spring: Songbirds, cherry blossoms, and warmer days

   Spring, perhaps the most awaited season of the year, is about to grace this region of the world with its presence. I know spring is about to arrive in Delaware because after a series of unusually frigid mornings, which lasted from December through February, cheerful chirping of red-breasted robins, blue jays, and chickadees has now filled the morning air. In contrast to spring mornings, winter mornings are so hushed and uneventful that one may even question if birds exist in this land at all. To me, birdsongs are the harbinger of spring. 

With the first sight of a bluejay perched on the backyard fence or a cardinal dancing on a leafless cherry branch, I know that my wait for spring is almost over, for I’ve learned from past experiences that an increase in bird activity signifies the approach of spring! 

In this part of the world, during spring, nature comes alive with an abundance of activity. Everywhere I look, I witness signs of life. I witness new life in the pair of robins that’s building a nest outside our bathroom window. In May and June, we will discover blue eggshells in the garden! In spring, I witness life in the adult Eastern gray squirrels which munch on peanuts and bask in the spring sun, the young ones playfully leap from branch to branch. 

When the scent of spring fills the air, I am reminded that the time has come to clean the backyard birdbath. With the return of migratory birds and other species that sleep through winter, we see a lot of activity around the house. Feathered friends come searching for food and water in our backyard: mourning doves, blue jays, cardinals, sparrows, and robins are the most frequent visitors, often seen dancing, drinking, and/or bathing in the birdbath. 

Joy sweeps through the animal and plant kingdoms as everything in the natural world prepares for the arrival of pretty flowers, longer days, clear skies, and gentle breezes. Like everything else in nature, I also eagerly anticipate the time when the days will be warmer and the beauty of young leaves, vibrant daffodils, and delicate cherry blossoms will light up my world. Spring, though short-lived, is an enchanting season.  

Every spring may bring the same kind of energy and activity in nature, and yet every spring is unique. Springtime’s subtleties are only perceived and cherished by those who discover new ways to love the season every year. Every spring is therefore the same yet different.