March 2026 SOLC–Day 22
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Friday was the first day of spring.
Yesterday, I saw crocuses, bright purple exclamations of hope in the dull winter-worn front yard.
Today, we have a Winter Weather Advisory and a snow map. (My home falls within the 2-5 inches band.)
The snow hasn’t started yet, so I step outside into the chilly morning air. It’s dim, as the sun hasn’t risen, but I can see patches of white snow glowing hither and yon across the yard. Soon it will all be white again. I sigh and feel bad for the crocuses.
The green bird feeder has been taken down yet again. This time part of it has been moved out into the driveway. I haven’t managed to figure out who the culprit is, but they are definitely persistent. As I walk over to retrieve the tube of the feeder, I hear bright notes of bird song. Out of curiosity, I turn on Merlin, wondering what birds it will pick up. Is our bird population shifting yet? As I stand still to record, I hear a far off sound.
What’s that?
I hear it again.
I’m pretty sure it’s wild turkeys gobbling. The sound comes again, louder, and my certainty increases. Merlin is stubbornly refusing to pick the sound up and confirm this for me, but it does note a variety of bird song closer at hand, including robins, which is quite hopeful.
I step toward the backyard, hoping if I get a little closer to the distant gobbling that Merlin will be able to pick it up. It’s not working, but I walk a little further, ever optimistic.
Suddenly, I catch sight of a slight movement. I stop.
There’s a humpbacked shape ambling through the backyard. Porcupine? Raccoon? Bird food thief? I watch it casually walk toward the old chicken coop. From this distance I can’t tell if it goes inside it or behind it. I walk a little closer, but am reluctant to get too close.
Hmmmm….maybe that snow will be good for something after all. Note to self: check for tracks tomorrow!
Nix the comfort zone 
You brought us into your moment, not just with the pictures, but with the writing. I wanted to hear the sound again and know what Merlin had to say about it, but instead, you moved on to something else, just like you would! I hope there’s not too much snow and that it sticks around only long enough for you to find some tracks!
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I sketched the crocuses yesterday! I thought this slice was going to be spring, but no the clearly, winter weather up north! I love how slow this piece is, making me listen as I read. Thanks Molly
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We had a more springy day down here. Crocuses are blooming, Daffodils are budding. I finally scraped up all the dead fronds from last year’s irises. The lack of snow meant I could see clearly how unkempt our yard is. Like you, I am welcoming all the birdsongs.
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