Larry Weber is back from his eclipse exploits in the Ozarks of Arkansas with stories from the south and new observations of our upcoming spring in the northland.
"Arkansas country is absolutely beautiful in spring, and April is an incredibly wonderful month down there," says Larry. During his time in the south, Larry observed the eclipse and noted that when the moon covered the Sun, streetlights turned on and the temperature dropped. The most interesting part, according to Larry, was being able to see the corona of the sun.
Moving back up north, Larry noted the presence of vernal ponds thanks to the melting of snow and precipitation. If you go on a walk in the forest, you can hear a chorus of frogs from their puddle homes.
If you look up during your walk you will notice the first few trees that are blossoming are the elderberry trees, lilac bushes, red maples and catkins. The warmer the weather, the more these and other trees will open up.
Many migrant birds are travelling to and through the Northland, like American kestrels, turkey vultures, and ospreys. Other birds that we will be seeing more are pelicans, loons and king fishers. Keep your eyes out for mourning cloak butterflies and bumble bees.
You can hear Backyard Almanac every Friday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.
