FOS's

Slowly but surely, the FOS's (First of the Seasons) accumulate. A small accipiter dashing across the marsh was, almost certainly, a Sharp-shinned Hawk. A calling White-breasted Nuthatch was a return from last year's successful breeding; since it is a year-rounder there is a strong probability that it is already nesting. The distant but unmistakeable sing-song of a Red-eyed Vireo allows me to count that species in (it breeds in the oak woods not very far away and might breed around here as well). The rather distinct low-pitched slightly buzzy calls of the terns on the creek are typical of Forster's Terns (and not of Common Terns).

Among the early spring flowers, Shadbush and High-bush Blueberry are notable as native species. Almost all the low-growing flowering plants now in view are introduced or escapes including the dreaded Garlic Mustard and the more attractive Wisteria, Lilac and various azeleas. There are also a couple of tiny white and blue flowers that I always have trouble identifying. For the moment, I'm looking up more often than I look down.

Eric Salzman