Before the first ephemeral flowers appear in the shady nooks and crannies among the rocks there are subtle signs of spring.

Dead Skunks on the Highway

Unfortunately, this is probably the first of the subtle signs of spring. It’s mating season for skunks and many of them are crossing roads at night to look for prospects.

Every year there are a lot of dead ones on the roads.

The Sound of Mating Calls

I haven’t heard any yet this year, but the first time I heard a bobcat looking for a mate, it was pretty eerie not knowing what was out there in the dark on the other side of the gully. Here’s a video from YouTube (not mine):

Paired Hawks

Today we saw a pair of redtail hawks sitting next to each other at the top of a tree snag. I’m assuming they were a couple, but that may not be true. I hope to eventually get a good enough photo to make another redtail painting, but that is proving to be difficult. They just won’t stay still or close enough long enough for me to fumble for my camera when I see them.

Screech Owl Staking Homestead Claims

A little screech owl we call Henrietta has staked her claims to the hole in a tree next to our gate. She doesn’t nest there every year, but seems to skip a few years between. I have no idea if it’s really the same owl. She usually appears in late winter to set up her nest. One year in April I managed to get good photos of some fledglings before they flew away. One of those became the painting ‘Grumpy Lil’ Fella‘ because of that expression on his face.

Less Subtle Signs of Spring Appearing Soon

It won’t be long now before the Dutchman’s Breeches and Bloodroot begin blooming. There’s literally a cornucopia of ephemeral flowers to watch for in spring aside from those – trout lilies, bellwort, rue and false rue anemone, and more. The orchids will follow soon after those.

Every year I take photos of the same plants again and again. I suppose I could just look at previous photos but there’s always the challenge to get even more beautiful captures than the last time.

They’re all like old friends and I enjoy looking forward seeing them begin their journey to the sun once more.

What are the earliest subtle signs of spring that you notice?