This past week has been amazing with a new sign of spring for southeast Michigan showing up each day!
One of my favorite signs of spring was seeing a garter snake slithering on top of fallen dead oak and maple leaves along the Lakeside Trail at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus.
The snake was moving slowly; it wasn’t a particularly warm day with temperatures in the 40’s Fahrenheit and a strong wind, with feel-like temperatures in the 30’s.
I don’t know much about snakes, but I learned a garter snake’s red tongue is tipped in black.
I actually saw the black tip!
For readers wondering what other signs of spring I’ve seen this week, here’s what I saw:
- Monday, March 10: Housefly crawling on glass window and American Woodcock calling at dusk
- Tuesday, March 11: First Killdeer seen at edge of pond and crocuses blooming
- Wednesday, March 12: Chives sprouted in vegetable garden
- Thursday, March 13: Garter snake slithering on dead leaves and turtle sunbathing on log in lake
- Friday, March 14: Maple tree buds bursting
- Saturday, March 15: Daffodil leaves sprouted in front courtyard
- Sunday, March 16: Tree Swallows hawking insects over water and leaves sprouting from Wild Columbine
One of the gardening tips I’ve collected over the years says that when crocuses bloom, you can plan spinach, radishes, and peas.
Which is what I did yesterday afternoon.
For readers in the northern hemisphere, what signs of spring are you seeing this week in your area? Have you started planting flowers and vegetables?
