First Butterflies of the year!

I have been watching for butterflies as I usually see a few at this time of year.

Two Mourning Cloaks were spotted during a burst of sunshine yesterday afternoon!   

This one looks like it has been in a battle, but Mourning Cloaks are considered to be one of the longest living butterflies in our climate, living an average of 10 months. Although somewhat tattered, it looks pretty good for having survived a Canadian winter!  It tucks itself into tree bark crevices and is able to make a specialized type of antifreeze to survive the frigid temperatures.  

Just down the path, a flash of orange caught my attention and I saw my second butterfly

 species of the day, an Eastern Comma! This butterfly also over winters as an adult.

When it closes its wings, it "disappears" in the surrounding foliage.

The white coloured "comma" is visible on the lower wing.

A turkey track and a deer track are visible on a muddy trail.

Pussy Willows are bursting from the buds!

Red-winged Blackbirds and other birds are singing 

to defend their territory and attract a mate.

It has been a few years since we last noticed Coopers Hawks nesting in Canatara. Earlier this week, a pair were checking out a "sub-standard" squirrels nest.  I haven't seen them back to that nest so assume they are searching for alternate real estate!

I hope you have a chance to spend some time outside while maintaining physical distance.(6 feet, the wing span of a Turkey Vulture!)  Listen for the sound of Sandhill Cranes. (a loud, rattling bugle call). I saw/heard  3 migrating flocks yesterday. Eleven cranes are visible in this photo flying over Canatara last evening.