Spring, a time of renewal
Each Spring, certainly in all places on the planet that ‘have seasons’, we get to witness the anticipated welcome of the obvious signs of Spring. The trees, bushes and shrubs budding out and popping before our eyes, blossoms enveloping the landscape for short windows at times, giving us that welcome break from the drab or what some call bleakness that a late fall and winter season can have us live through. Being that I have made virtually my entire living in the outside world, I have found many special aspects in each season to look forward to and appreciate. Spring though, has always been my hands down winner as far as seasons go to look forward to. Spring in Western Canada, specifically North Central Alberta where I am from, really doesn’t arrive until mid to late April, with ‘green up’ honestly only happening in mid to late May or even early June. But being able to experience the longer days of March and even a few warming rays of the sun, the natural world tells us that ‘Spring’ is not far away. Since I was a kid, Spring for me has always been a welcome reminder of a time of renewal for the land. New green shoots, pussy willows popping, early arrival of some bird species from the far south, have always been noticeable welcomes after the long 6 months of bitter cold. During my field research each spring, antlers that I happen to bump into that have been shed over the winter are a poignant reminder of this annual renewal as well. Each antler tells quite a story if you both have the time to read it, but also if it comes from a buck or an area that I have come to know well over the years. Quietly reflecting on how an antler got to the size that it did, or where the buck that shed it spent his fall, winter, and early spring, are all enjoyable thoughts from days spent afield. These thoughts happen to coincide with my particular connection to nature, but anyone getting out for fresh air and exercise in the spring months have a full compliment of sights, sounds, and feels to soak up and appreciate.
Another Alberta Spring day in the field…
A rare find…