The low snow winter here has evolved into a powder-dry spring. I drove over Windy Ridge north of Donnelly Dome Saturday in my Prius. The road was dusty. There was very little snow, even at the higher elevations. Unless we have some significant rain soon, I worry about another bad fire season.
Lots of waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. Sparrows in good numbers. A few warblers already. Oddly, not one Hawk Owl or Boreal Owl. Speculation is that the low snow reduced survival in small rodents, the prey species for those birds, and they've moved elsewhere.
Drove as far south as Rainbow Ridge. There's a bit more snow in Black Rapids Canyon, but still well below average. Caribou and Dahl Sheep still low and reasonably close to the road.
Jim, I think you're right about it being awfully dry. Around SouthCentral, they already have bans on burning. Lots of wind in the last couple weeks, no leaves or grass yet, and lots of tinder dry duff left over from last year. The ground is still frozen in the shady spots. Here we go again.... look out for those fires.
It seemed to me that the birds were a little late, as I've seen big flocks of cranes and geese going high overhead in just the last week
The robins have certainly showed up!!! Love to hear their songs first thing in the morning!
Discussion
1 repliesLots of waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. Sparrows in good numbers. A few warblers already. Oddly, not one Hawk Owl or Boreal Owl. Speculation is that the low snow reduced survival in small rodents, the prey species for those birds, and they've moved elsewhere.
Drove as far south as Rainbow Ridge. There's a bit more snow in Black Rapids Canyon, but still well below average. Caribou and Dahl Sheep still low and reasonably close to the road.
More at my blog, if you are curious.
It seemed to me that the birds were a little late, as I've seen big flocks of cranes and geese going high overhead in just the last week
The robins have certainly showed up!!! Love to hear their songs first thing in the morning!