Backyard proof that spring is coming, and even if it’s still really cold out. Even when there is snow threatening to fall. Again. Absolute proof rests with my birds.
And the goldfinches are turning yellow.
Female blackbirds, hummingbirds and orioles will be here soon. Guaranteed.
I'm a long time banker having worked in banks since the age of 17. I took a break when I turned 50 and went back to school. I graduated right when the economy took a turn for the worst and after a year of library work found myself unemployed. I was lucky that my previous bank employer wanted me back. So here I am again, a long time banker. Change is hard.
Hi Dawn! I was watching some juncos flit about my yard and I wondered how much longer they would be here. Cardinal pairs have been searching for nesting spots and the bluebirds are back, claiming their house. I have not seen goldfinches in their spring/summer wardrobe yet, but know they are near from their song.
Our cardinals have begun to pair up too. Though I still have 5 males at the feeder every day. And a few females. And I did see a junco a couple days ago and wondered the same thing you did. I’ve had the goldfinches here all winter, just chowing down on thistle. They’re still being pigs but are now turning yellow. The guys anyway. The girls stay the same olive color.
It was 80 here today, but I’m told we have a cold front arriving this evening. Sigh. Will this winter ever end?? I love your finches turning gold. And, like Laurie, I’m smiling big time over Penny’s incoming leap!
We got to 70 once a week or more ago…for a day. It felt heavenly. Now it’s in the 30s again in the mornings and sometimes stays that way all day. Sometimes it gets as high as 50. No sun to speak of. I hope you send some of that 80 to us.
I hope we are headed into better weather soon – unfortunately Accuweather (if they are correct) says we will have a cool Spring. Sigh. But I did read this info posted earlier today by the site Michigan Storm Chasers and went back to get it for you. “A whopping 67 million birds were migrating northward last night! Another sign of spring is ramping up.” They’ll be hitting up your feeder for sure!
Change Is Hard 
March 22, 2026 at 1:20 pm
The goldfinches are beautiful, but I love the header photo of Penny flying like the wind!!
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:09 am
She sure loves to run!
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 1:42 pm
How wonderful, Dawn! Here in Montreal, it is all white and the snow is still falling. Sigh.
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:09 am
We’ve still got a bit of snow falling too, but now it’s not staying long. I’m sure it will snow at least once in April. Just because it can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2026 at 8:16 am
Right. Sigh!!
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 1:56 pm
Hi Dawn! I was watching some juncos flit about my yard and I wondered how much longer they would be here. Cardinal pairs have been searching for nesting spots and the bluebirds are back, claiming their house. I have not seen goldfinches in their spring/summer wardrobe yet, but know they are near from their song.
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:11 am
Our cardinals have begun to pair up too. Though I still have 5 males at the feeder every day. And a few females. And I did see a junco a couple days ago and wondered the same thing you did. I’ve had the goldfinches here all winter, just chowing down on thistle. They’re still being pigs but are now turning yellow. The guys anyway. The girls stay the same olive color.
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 2:34 pm
It was 80 here today, but I’m told we have a cold front arriving this evening. Sigh. Will this winter ever end?? I love your finches turning gold. And, like Laurie, I’m smiling big time over Penny’s incoming leap!
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:12 am
We got to 70 once a week or more ago…for a day. It felt heavenly. Now it’s in the 30s again in the mornings and sometimes stays that way all day. Sometimes it gets as high as 50. No sun to speak of. I hope you send some of that 80 to us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2026 at 3:25 pm
Hurrah! 👏🏼
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:12 am
I agree!
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 4:02 pm
What a huge change in just a week!
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:13 am
At least on that one bird. I haven’t seen any others that are that advanced.
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 4:02 pm
What a huge change in just a week!
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 4:06 pm
Oh, yes! I have noticed the change yet with the finches in my backyard.
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:13 am
I’m sure you will very soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2026 at 7:37 pm
I hope we are headed into better weather soon – unfortunately Accuweather (if they are correct) says we will have a cool Spring. Sigh. But I did read this info posted earlier today by the site Michigan Storm Chasers and went back to get it for you. “A whopping 67 million birds were migrating northward last night! Another sign of spring is ramping up.” They’ll be hitting up your feeder for sure!
LikeLike
March 22, 2026 at 8:57 pm
thats crazy cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 22, 2026 at 11:10 pm
Yay!!!
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 8:13 am
I know! Definitely!
LikeLike
March 23, 2026 at 3:17 pm
Good sign, and boy, am I ready for it!
LikeLike