It’s time! It’s here! Let the trumpets sound. Spring has arrived to the Concord River.

Or, as Margaret Wise Brown wrote in her iconic book, Pussy Willow: When the pussy willows happen …then it is spring.

Pussy Willow was my favorite book when I was a little girl. Simpler times.

The pussy willows are most certainly happening. In full bloom and bursting forth, eager to feel the warmth of the sun that has returned to press back the darkness.

Along with the pussy willows, the crocuses are happening too. Bright yellow and purple blossoms reaching between the dead, cracked leaves, hoping to get a little of Ra’s radiant heat.

The first day of spring heralded in on a cold breeze but that didn’t waver Franny in her pursuit of cracked corn.

Franny, coming up for breakfast. Look closely. You’ll see Clemant in the water, keeping watch.

Switching our sights to the side yard,  another breeding pair is celebrating Ostara.

Disregard my neighbor’s green monster in the background.

Love is grand. Sigh.

Joining in on the celebration are the American goldfinch males–molting and getting ready for some hanky-panky on the river.

Raggy-looking molting male on right, pristine female on left.

And no Ostara celebration would be complete without the goddess Eostre’s familiar.

Chilly wabbit.

And… wait for it… I can hear them… almost… ready?

Here they come!!

Bingo! The ruby-throated hummingbird migration has swung into gear. http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

It is a magical day, indeed. And my wish is that the season bestows her blessings on you and those you love.

Blessed Ostara and blessed be :}