Even if the temperatures don't tell us so, the birds know that spring is coming. Many have arrived either to stay, like the cranes, or are on they way further north, waiting out the fierce winds of the day, this March 31. These winds are finally breaking up the ice on Lake Mendota, expanding the feeding grounds on the bay for the many ducks on their way further north. On March 30, you couldn't row a boat yet from Picnic Point to Maple Bluff, which is the official indicator for the Lake Mendota opening. But tomorrow, it won't be an April Fools joke if you boast you will kayak across the lake. This is the time to enjoy the many birds. An hour's walk easily produces over 30 bird species. Come and see yourself. And enjoy the photos of this month's by Mike Bailey who is sharing his stunning eBird posts with us. Thank you Mike!!

For the birds, spring is coming. They arriving at the preserve, scouting out the scene or intending to pass through. Birders are out in droves as well, and Mike Bailey is sharing with us what he saw and captured with his camera. This photos are also posted on eBird, at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.

Mike Bailey, along with many other birders, has enjoyed watching our winter residents and early arrivals during this warm January with little snow on the ground. He has captured some of them for us in these close ups. A Northern Cardinal found a warm spot in the sun, with a bit of snow still covering his perching branch. The first White-crowned sparrow came early this year and found bare ground. All photos copyright Mike Bailey.