Spring has sprung in the West Kootenays
Over the past 25 year, I noticed that certain natural events took place with the regularity of a clock. Within the first ten days of April, mallard ducks would gather in our swampy village drainage ditches. From their winter quarters in the south, Canada geese are returning to their favourite home turf near Fauquier, BC. Let’s not forget the swallows gathering in entire flocks on the ubiquitous power lines. Along the highways, poplars and birches begin to show their light green colours so refreshing for the winter-weary eyes. Impressive are the swollen chestnut buds, ready to burst. Farther west, beyond the Monashee Mountains, I once discovered on a steep hillside overlooking the Kalamalka Lake a floral carpet of arnica flowers. Welcome Spring!
The Peter and Gertrud Klopp Family 
Peter. thank you for sharing the signs of Spring in your area. It is so good to see the birds, buds, flowers, and natural beauty in your home area.
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After living in the same place for many years a person tunes in to the cycles of nature there and comes to anticipate certain things at certain times, with leeway for yearly variations that don’t alter the overall patterns. On the other hand, familiarity with established patterns makes a person aware when the pattern changes significantly. I saw on television yesterday that last month was the hottest March on record, an indication that the climate is warming up.
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It’s a beautiful time of the year.
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The swallows arrived here this week. I ought to record the date, as it seems as though they’re as dependable as the ones at Capistrano.
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What spectacular signs of the changing season! Being able to witness them over many years is a privilege, and your photos are wonderful as always, Peter.
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It is starting here as well now, the first small tulips are flowering, the wild garlic and the wild anemona. I am always so grateful when nature is “starting up” again. Sometimes I doubt that it will happen, but it always does. I hope we have seen the last night frosts. Greetings from Denmark!
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