“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.”

                                                                          ~ American writer Lewis Grizzard

Recent warm weather has transformed the foothills’ landscape from a season passed to one that is current … spring. Roses, flowers of all sorts, vegetables and fruit trees are in full bloom. The oaks, pines and other trees dust yellowish pollen over patio furniture, cars and most outside surfaces. Allergy sufferers will attest to its presence in the air, especially when the Santa Anas blow. By May, the winter rains will have come and gone. Normally, over the course of the rainy season, they fall poetically, replenishing the earth; however, in spite of a lower-than-average amount spring arrived! Listen to its soundtrack accompaniment: tweeting, chirping, hooting, squawking and cooing are heard. Birds are the noisiest.

The West Coast is known to be a major migratory path. Flocks of migratory birds are flying overhead to their spring and summer homes. Some are just “the locals” and are permanent residents. Migration is all about survival, i.e., breeding. And yes – weather comes into play.

As you can imagine, wind speeds are an important factor. There’s a pretty simple rule here: It’s easier for birds to migrate with a tailwind than a headwind. During spring migration, a period of sustained north wind will keep birds on the ground for days or even weeks. (Quick note: I always used to get this confused, but “north wind” means the wind is coming from the north, not blowing northward.) A steady north wind over the Gulf of Mexico will keep birds grounded in Mexico, for example. Another weather variable is precipitation. Birds know when to “come in from the rain” and stay put when it’s storming.

Right now, as you’re reading this, millions of tiny birds are working their way northward over the open water, past hungry hawks and cats, around tall buildings, dodging aircraft and traveling up the continent toward their nesting grounds. If the timing is right and the weather cooperates, you might have a chance to see them on their way.

Most species – humans included – operate on a seasonal “clock.” Changes in activity patterns, the arrival of temporary visitors, and other natural happenings occur on a seasonal basis. Getting the pool ready for summer was underway until I read the following NWS forecast …

“Drizzle or light rain is possible at times through Thursday (today). High pressure aloft will bring slight warming over the weekend, then a storm system could bring rain and mountain snow later Sunday into Monday.”

As previously said, especially about weather conditions, “expect the unexpected!”