Yes, spring is coming

Alaskans’ appreciation of spring signals is huge. It is an annual yearning to see and touch the solid signs of forthcoming spring. March is one of the most beautiful months, but it tantalizes us with sly hints and winks of spring temperatures. We aren’t suckers……we know March flirts shamelessly with spring and this is a giant tease. But our reverence for the value of spring’s return is deep-seated and authentic. Only the peoples of the highest latitudes truly honor and admire the spring warm up. We recognize the brave little green blade of grass that shows up in a brown and ice yard. We have huge gratitude for temps in the 30s and 40’s despite the overnight refreezes. We are enthusiastic and delighted admirers of even the littlest signs of spring. Palmer sidewalks are mostly clear now and pedestrians are thankful for no ice, in most areas. Here is a following of other documented signals of spring!

Documented this weekend were the first sightings of SWANS. The first to return and last to leave, for which we honor them and are ever so grateful. Documented last week are at least four different species of owl voices involved in mating or courting.

Documented this past week are sprigs of grass peaking out and hugging the southern exposure foundations of homes. Also it is factually correct that in the last month there is a steady increase in local chickens’ egg production.

Documented during past weekend were motorcycle brigades. Bikes and skateboards are being retrieved and tested on large cleared parking lots.There are appearances of shorts, flip flops, and t shirts and an occasional sports car. Rubber boots are in high demand. Snow piles are diminishing and squishy snow residue is everywhere combined with pieces of ice, snow mold, rotting leaves and brown lawns. Dog poop and garbage is generously found nearly everywhere.

Documented on Sunday is the officious statement that our daylight now finally exceeds 12 hours daily

Documented Northern Hawks, Bald Eagles, Canada Jay, a few Snow Buntings, Common Redpolls and White Winged Crossbills have migrated back to Alaska according to the wonderful Bird Count folks at the flyway up the Glenn Highway. It seems that things are just a bit late this year probably because of the impressive snowpack and weather challenges. However, things are certain to improve. Just to give you an idea of how many birds were recorded last year, there were 14 species of raptors and a total of 4138 birds were recorded. Here is a partial list of what was documented: 1702 Golden Eagle, 139 Bald Eagle. 286 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 32 Northern Goshawk. 869 Harlan's (Red-tailed) Hawk, 286 Rough-legged Hawk, 16 Swainson's Hawk, 3 unidentified Buteos, 687 Northern Harrier, 53 Osprey. 4 American Kestrel, 42 Merlin, 17 Peregrine Falcon, 1 Gyrfalcon. 1 Short-eared Owl. The bird count info is a result of hard work and support of the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Anchorage Audubon Society, Mat-Su Birders, and the Nelchina Lodge.

Last week in Palmer—The Arctic Winter Games were terrific. It was wonderful seeing the various clusters of teams walking through P town in their matching jackets. It was exciting to see their countries’ flags and the fireworks. Also last week was Palmer Pie Day aka 3.14 Pi Day and St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Bleeding Heart Brewery.

This week in Palmer—There is the Palmer Chamber Auction on Saturday night; Palm Sunday; Easter Egg Decorating at 203 Kombucha on Friday; Spring Seed Starting class on Wednesday at the Annex; Yoga; Open Stage on Tuesday at Klondike Mikes and lots of other celebratory clubs and gatherings through out the week. Palmer has it all going on now and it will only increase as spring unfolds. The well-loved Palmer Friday Fling events are going to happen this year thanks to all the good work of volunteers, emergency meetings, rapid responses and communicative committees.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222