Mid-February and Signs of Spring

I post this every year around this time. It is the first indication that winter is losing its grip and spring will eventually arrive. I mark my calendar for February 15th, which is usually when I see the first Red-winged blackbird of the season. This year I didn’t detect one until the 16th. My friend Nicki H. (not to be confused with Nikki H.) lives in Red-winged blackbird prime habitat and had the first arrivals this year on February 8th. The first arrivals are all males. The females are still down in Boise or parts further south where there is lots of available food. The males are here searching for the occasional aquatic insect that might hatch. Mid-Februaryis a pastel painting that I did several years ago. It is a scene from the Jug Mountain Ranch ski trails. It is one of my favorites because it reminds me that all things are changing all the time and we must just appreciate that moment.