"Welcome to the wonderful weather of May," says Larry Weber, our resident expert. While the sunshine has been great for hikes and playing in the grass, there is a downside to it as well. Precipitation has been lower than normal, which means that the risk of fire has increased. Grass turning green means that there is enough moisture in the ground, but the presence of brown grass still means campers have to be careful.
While migration continues, it is nearing its end. The broad-winged hawk has been the most numerous raptor over the past few weeks, with many waterbirds and songbirds joining the fray as well. Other winged creatures out and about include bats, butterflies, and dragonflies. Mosquitos have not yet started to hatch in earnest yet, though that is expected to happen in the coming weeks.
The big winner of the increased sunlight has definitely been the plants. Trees and wildflowers have been blooming quickly, starting with small ones such as elderberry and raspberry. Larger trees will continue to bloom in the coming weeks.
You can hear Backyard Almanac every Friday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.
