Thursday, February 08, 2007

It's Spring!!


The outside thermometer registered over 80 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday. It's springtime in Tucson! We had a slightly wetter winter this year than last, so hopefully there will be some spring wildflowers. The birds are dancing in pairs - sparrows, finches, thrashers, cardinals. I've already seen a Redtailed Hawk mating flight. And now the Phainopeplas are returning. This gentleman was in the mesquite tree across the street.

Previous posts about Phainopeplas:
February 17, 2006 - Phainopepla - Backyard Visitor
February 5, 2006 - Mistletoe and Phainopepla

Firefly Forest's posts on Phainopeplas display her wonderful photography:
May 8, 2006 - Phainopepla, Male
May 4, 2005 - Phainopepla, Female

11 comments:

Peacechick Mary said...

Spring like weather is here as well. I'm hoping we can hold off on the hot stuff for awhile, tho.

Anonymous said...

What you takin about? It is 0nly 8 above here tonight...with lots of snow....Mybe I better move south.

Endment said...

OH - spring???? What are you talking about?
I miss the Phainopeplas!!! What a handsome shot

sonia a. mascaro said...

Beautiful photo! Lovely sky!

robin andrea said...

It's not nearly as warm here, but we're noticing the first signs too. It's magnificent! New birdsongs, flower buds, and frogs.

Pam in Tucson said...

pc mary - I hope the hot weather stays away for a while, too. It's back in the 70's today and we have clouds - much better.

jimmy - 8 above's a bit too cold for me at any time, but I do miss walking in the snow. Your land is beautiful and I love your photos.

endment - I know you remember :) Sometimes it's too hot. I love the Phainopeplas - they herald the new season.

Thanks, Sonia. Our clear blue skies are great for photos.

Pam in Tucson said...

ra - I look forward to your spring walks and the recordings thereof. To live near the water would be a dream come true for me.

Kay Cooke said...

Your the first Nrthrn Hemisphere blogger I read, who has mentioned Spring ... I have been waiting! :) What a stunning picture - the feathers are such a glossy black.

Pam in Tucson said...

CB - The temps. go up and down. We even had a little snow on the mountain tops after yesterday's rain. However, the birds and plants seem to be in spring behaviour. pc mary in Florida is also experiencing springtime, but up north the winds blow and the snow still comes. Lovely to hear from you.

Anonymous said...

oh what a wonderful season.. and beautiful photos! Our birds are beginning to sing a few spring songs, but we're a long ways from spring yet. I can't wait! Your post helps chase away those sick of winter blues, good to visit again :)

Kerri said...

Phoinopeplas are a new bird to me. Such pretty shiny feathers! You do a wonderful job with your photos and descriptions.
I just can't imagine 80ยบ at the moment, sitting here at the computer with cold feet, and seeing all that snow outside after our Valentine's Day blizzard! It must be lovely!