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Phenology with local naturalist Larry Weber every Friday morning at 8:20 on Northland Morning.

Backyard Almanac: Signs of Spring Amid a Persistent Winter

A crocus growing through the snow
Mika JC [via Flickr]

Twenty-five inches. That’s the total snowfall for March this year. The typical total at this time: 7 inches. And the total snowfall for the winter is suddenly flirting again with the record of 135 inches. Right now, we're at 121. "There have only been a few winters
where the total has gotten over 120," says Weber. "The average for Duluth is about 90."

Some critters are having difficulties and have ventured to more fruitful areas; some are gravitating toward feeders. Squirrels and deer alike are seeking out proffered food and finding alternatives to their usual routine.

Migrants continue to make their way through the Norland. Trumpeter swans and Canada Geese can be seen sporadically in open waters. And the Northland, as it turns out, is one of the best locations in the country to see Bald Eagles in the springtime.

And if you're looking for signs of spring, well, there aren't many. However, Weber had a recent sighting. "I saw not one, but two different clumps of chutes of crocuses,” says Weber. "We are moving toward spring."

Luke Moravec is the host for Northland Morning on The North 103.3. He’s also a local actor, musician and writer. He loves puzzles, riddles and fun mysteries.
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