Spring snow

I bet just as many people as birds were surprised to see white everywhere this morning as a minor spring snow fell in Connecticut. While it was not a big deal, especially after what we had from Boxing Day through early February, it was a psychological hit for those of us who revelled in the spring air last week. It is hard to believe it was 76 degrees on the Connecticut coast last Friday and less than 72 hours later everything is covered in white. Here are some of the totals from Fairfield County since no others have been reported as of yet:

CONNECTICUT

...FAIRFIELD COUNTY...
NEW CANAAN             1.2  1000 AM  3/21  SKYWARN SPOTTER
WESTON                 0.8  1030 AM  3/21  SKYWARN SPOTTER
BRIDGEPORT             0.7  1045 AM  3/21  NWS COOP
DANBURY                0.6  1000 AM  3/21  SKYWARN SPOTTER

Again, while not overly impressive, they are notable for March 21 when birds like Tree Swallows, Eastern Phoebes, Pine Warblers, Piping Plovers, and more have returned. Nearby areas in other states received up to three inches. Below is a clever American Robin choosing to eat pieces of suet that fall to the ground after woodpeckers peck away at it.



Many species are as far as nest building already. Numerous plants have begun to grow as well. I snapped this casual shot of these tiny signs of spring growing in the shade of a large tree trunk at Boothe Park in Stratford last week.



They were probably covered up, though most of these early patches of green can sustain a hit or two of freezing temperatures and a quick shot of snow.




We hope the early birds did not take too much of a hit. That is the risk they take in returning before others of their species to set up territory and begin the breeding season. Tomorrow's highs near 50 under sunny skies should get rid of any lingering snow and put us back on track for a wonderful spring.


Photos © Scott Kruitbosch