Environment & Outdoors

Backyard Almanac

Backyard Almanac: Nature’s Weekly Rhythms with Larry WeberEvery Friday morning at 8:20am, Backyard Almanac brings you the latest observations on the changing seasons, wildlife activity, and natural phenomena of Northern Minnesota. Hosted by Luke Moravec and featuring naturalist Larry Weber, this segment explores the rhythms of nature—from migrating birds to blooming wildflowers, shifting weather patterns to the quiet transformations happening all around us.Backyard Almanac – Fridays at 8:20am – Only on The North 103.3FM.

Backyard Almanac: Spring is springing

The North 103.3 | By Chris Harwood

Published March 18, 2022 at 12:31 PM CDT

Polygonia faunus, one of several butterfly species called anglewing butterflies, common in the Great Lakes region.

As we approach the 2022 vernal equinox (occurring at 10:33 a.m. CDT on Sunday, 3/20), daylight will exceed darkness in the northern hemisphere for the next six months. March is the month of crusty snow, but the past week has shown strong indications that spring is arriving. Temperatures in the past several days have been very warm around the region, rarely dropping below freezing if at all. Sap is flowing in many trees now, fueling new buds and providing food for anglewing butterflies who are hungry following their winter hibernation.

With the increasing daylight, Larry Weber has noticed the return of many birds to the area, including Canada geese and trumpeter swans along the St. Louis River. Bald eagles and golden eagles have been spotted in the sky from Enger Tower in the last few days as well. As the snow recedes from area tree trunks, Larry has also spotted mosses starting to sprout new growth. But if you still think you need more evidence that spring is arriving, he has also seen crocuses emerging, too.