Signs of Spring

Although winter has held us in its clutches for far too long, spring is starting to show itself. The land is thawing, the earth is awakening and the silent skies are once again filled with song. Here are a few photos of spring's subtle arrival on the ranch. 

Above image is of a sharp-tailed grouse with a meadowlark to the right. The male grouse will soon start dancing on the "dancing grounds"—posturing and sparing with other males in hope of luring a mate. 

This meadowlark arrived a couple of weeks ago and can often be found on his new "Conservation Easement Boundary" perch—singing his beautiful song, claiming his territory. The meadowlark and the grouse are both ground-nesting birds. 

Most of the buffalo have returned home from their winter grazing pasture on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. They are as fat as bears, the mothers heavy with calves. Soon, very soon - new baby buffaloes!

Spring isn't spring without robins. Always the first to arrive. Welcome home.

They sky has started to soften with its pastel colors, illuminating a hint of green on the prairie. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and a wonderful spring.