This early spring visit the the Redstone Pines as snowy and pleasant! This past Saturday, the largest snow storm of the season hit Burlington, leaving us with a thick layer of snow. Despite the recent storm, today (Monday, March 25th) certainly felt like Springtime. Birds were flying overhead, dogs were out playing, and the sun was shining through a blue sky.
As far as phenological signs of Spring, Redstone Pines certainly had a few. Unfortunately, no new signs of amphibians or new wildlife were present. However, squirrel tracks could be seen in the snow. According to Naturally Curious page 11, “the red squirrel has a definite sweet tooth- in the spring, it commonly bites into maples, allowing sap to run.” After the squirrel bites the trees releasing sap, it dries and becomes high in sugar content, and the squirrel returns to lick it. Perhaps this explains the many evidences of squirrel activity in the area.
Buds had not yet grown on maple trees, but this bush (possibly a rhododendron) was blooming at the entrance of the pines directly across from the interfaith center.
Overhead, seagulls from the nearby lake were swooping and singing. It was difficult to hear many bird songs because of the urban noises of the area. There were countless vehicles plowing snow at the time of my visit, many with loud alarms and engine sounds.
I can’t wait for the Pines to return as a social hub once Spring fully arrives in Burlington! Despite the cold weather today, I can always appreciate a beautiful day in the Pines.
