E is for early spring effervescence

It got warm today.

And, after church, I suddenly felt a need to be outside, exploring nature and the wonders of the change of seasons.

So, off I went to Buckhorn Island State Park. The park looks sparse. I wondered what was happening and soon had my answer in a sign that said that the park was in the midst of a restoration project. 

Buckhorn Island State Park has been full of invasive plant species for some time. And, now, those plants are being removed so that native species can grow again without being crowded out by the aggressive invasives.

The park also looked kind of sparse because the park's many ash trees were either dead or dying.

Buckhorn was full of life, however, in the form of migratory birds, especially gulls and geese.

Smaller birds were chirping overhead.  As I walked on the path and headed out on the peninsula, I saw more and more birds, swimming in the river.

As I got nearer to the end of the peninsula, I could hear the birds, screaming and crying out to one another. I could see them standing in large groups on a nearby small island.

Spring is unfolding slowly. But unfolding it is, with bird cries and swimming geese.

For me, the experience of watching the birds felt like early spring effervescence. The river was full of energy and excitement. And hope for a spring renewal, as well as for a beautiful restoration that will bring back the native species of plants. That will mean more butterflies and bees and more song birds. There is much to look forward to as spring continues to unfold.