by Nona Estrin
Our first sign of spring, right on schedule in spite of the cold! We look out the window on Groundhog Day to see two crows, removed from the flock, sitting quietly, side by side, on a branch arching over the yard. Both winter and their flocks are beginning to break up, and pairs are bonding! Such pleasure, witnessing the first signs of regular and expected seasonal change. And the reverse is true as well. This year our tribe of blue jays has stopped singing its pre-mating flock calls. These flute-like, unison two-note calls have been the etherial soundtrack of our January and February mornings for years. We see the jays, but they are not singing … just cawing. This morning I think I’ll try to find time to tour the area — have they simply moved the venue to another location?
