Miscellaneous phenological notes from around the region

From Lehigh Township on 2/17/11:

• 4 bluebirds observed scouting nesting sites in Lehigh Township - first to return
• Flock of 37 robins observed in field in Lehigh Township and 2 smaller flocks in Northampton County
• First crocus - also in Lehigh Township

Farther north on 2/17/11:

• Turkey Vultures are showing up in Shickshinny

2/20/11:

• Red-winged Blackbird in White Haven

2/21/11: 

• Immature and adult Bald Eagles in Luzerne County

2/25/11:

• Turkey and Black Vultures in Luzerne County

2/27/11:

• The northern counties are reporting snowbirds and redpolls but also gray squirrel activity
• The Dark-eyed Juncos are still around in Wilkes Barre

I had been seeing bluebirds and robins in southern Monroe County (Eldred Township) and on 3/2/11 the bluebirds sitting on the horse fences were singing.

From out and about on 3/3/11:

• The first crocus flower buds in Kunkletown (southwest facing exposure near the house).  I was surprised by these!
• A lot of grackles on wires and flying around near the quarry off Airport Road a few miles north of the airport
• Large flocks of Canada and snow geese flying every which way in Northampton County and southern Monroe County

The first crocus flower buds of the season in Kunketown -
unfortunately surrounded by new garlic mustard leaves.  With spring
comes weeding and invasives removal!   (Photo by H.David Husic)

I love the buttery color of this variety of crocus
(Photo by H. David Husic)

A fellow Master Gardener from Monroe County (Effort) told me about her gardening blog today that has lots of phenological data embedded in it along with wonderful images:  http://pamsenglishcottagegarden.blogspot.com/.  Her March 2nd posting includes snowdrops (not a surprise) but also Hellebore buds!

Dark-eyed Junco (Photo by  John Wasilosky)