You might think of it as a homecoming; a return to that time of year when all begins again. Slowly. Ever Evolving.

A time when one needs to stand watch and listen. And so My Guy and I did yesterday when we heard this Red-bellied Woodpecker before we finally spotted it. And for the first time I could actually see the red belly for which it is named.

A time when I start visiting vernal pools and can be found with my hands on my knees as I lean forward to peer into the water.

A time to be in shock at spying such large Fairy Shrimp on this date, March 19. There were dozens and they were at least an inch and a half long. I have never seen such big Fairy Shrimp and can’t help but wonder the size of those I hope to see in other pools going forward. In the past they’ve been about a half inch long in April, and might grow close to an inch by May.

A time for catching a dash of a look at a Predaceous Diving Beetle heading for cover to avoid becoming prey in my presence.

A time to notice the minute, such as this wee bright orangey-red water mite that could easily be mistaken for a spider.

A time to return home and walk the path of the now snow-free labyrinth I created a few years ago.

A time to visit the vernal pool on a neighbor’s land and notice that only the edges are ice-free.

A time to peer into the water along those edges and watch a multitude of larval mosquitoes wriggling as is their custom.

A time to poke a Balsam Fir blister with a stick to get some sticky resin on the tip and then place it in a puddle along the path and watch the essential oils form rainbow designs.

A time to look up before heading indoors and realize that the Quaking Aspen flower buds are starting to fluff out much like Pussy Willow buds.

A time to realize that this spring’s season opener officially begins at 11:06 tonight, but the Fairy Shrimp suggest it may have started earlier than normal.

Not necessarily a good thing. Not at all. But . . . if you are looking for me in the next few months, you know where I’ll be. Somewhere near water.

Happy Vernal Equinox 2024.