Snow Mould Spider Webs Emerge From Drifts

Snow Mould  © SB

I saw the first snow mould in the garden today, and now I know why I've been sniffling for the past few days.

Fascinating stuff: While we're huddled inside, sheltered during seven months of winter, a fungus grows like spider webs across the dead leaves and stalks left in our garden. Under the snow! Beneath that weight of frozen water. 

Rain is forecast tonight, and then more snow... Then sunshine.

As soon as the ground dries, we'll rake* the snow mould — it emerged only in the last few days, as the  months-old drifts across our garden magically receded.

(*Or, then again, if eyes turn red and sneezing overcomes the rakers, we'll pray for heat and sunshine... Either way, the garden will be cleared for new growth; the snow mould will be gone. Until next spring...)

Achoo! 

What is this? Snow Mould. 
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: April 29, 2013.

~~~~~

American Tree Sparrows Arrive in Regina, Saskatchewan

Another wonderful sign of spring: American Tree Sparrows have arrived back in Regina, Saskatchewan — I wonder what they think of our remaining three feet of snow?

These red and gray native birds winter across the U.S., migrate through southern Canada, and summer in the north: the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Alaska. They're songbirds (yeah!), so a lovely — if temporary — addition to our backyard flock.

Two shots of the most visible
American Tree Sparrow.  © SB

I love that red crowned head! © SB

The American Tree Sparrows in my yard were shy, perhaps just because this was their first day near our feeders? If so, perhaps they'll be more bold if they stay a while? Whatever the reason, the two that dropped by hid deep in the lilacs and back near the garage.

I love their red heads and crisp marking — a lovely change from our resident gray and black House Sparrows.


What is this? An American Tree Sparrow, migrating north
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: April 3, 2013. 

~~~~~

Dark-eyed Junco: Northern Birds Return for Spring

Dark-eyed Juncos are among the birds now arriving in Saskatchewan, migrating north after our harsh winter — and so, despite the many feet of snow in our yard, I am starting to believe in spring!

Dark-eyed Junco, back in Regina, SK.
(See the lilac buds! Spring!)   © SB

We saw the first Dark-eyed Juncos on the weekend. These elegant pink-billed, gray and white birds were back this morning, hopping across the snow looking for seeds that the finches, sparrows and redpolls have scattered from the feeders.

I love the spring birds on the Prairies. So many flock north, brightening our lives at this time of year.


What are these? Dark-eyed Junco (Slate Coloured)
Location: Backyard bird feeder, Regina,Saskatchewan.  
Photo dates: March 30, 2013

~~~~~