By Kevin Pieper Photos by Kevin Pieper
WELCOME SIGHTS REVEAL NEW SEASON IN OZARKS U
nlike humans, nature seldom designates definitive boundaries in either space or time. Granted, the first day of spring does correspond
to a moment when nature appears, to some degree, to be in a mathematical or geometric sync. It’s a time when the sun is directly above the equator and ev-
Amale spring peeper tree frog croaks out a tune. Only the males sing. Why? Why does any male sing? To get the girl.
erywhere on Earth receives equal amounts of daylight and darkness (the spring or vernal equinox, occurring around March 21). Long before that official date, however, as winter stubborn- ly melts away, nature an- nounces spring’s impending arrival in a myriad of unique ways. The first robins of the year, it is told to many kids up north, are harbingers of the warmer weather spring prom- ises. Those living in the Rock- ies see the first mountain wildflowers straining through the last remaining snows as showing spring the way to go. And on the coasts, the return of migrating shorebirds brings the warmth of spring to one’s heart. Here in the Ozarks, the
song of a tiny, seldom seen creature is just one of the signs of spring’s arrival. The high-pitched whistle of the spring peeper, aone-inch long brownish tree frog, is a sure signal spring is near. Their high-pitched ascending whistles carry on the night air for long distances, and when listened for, are easily discern- ible.
Of course, redbud trees show spring the way to go when
their flowers burst forth in area forests. Dogwood blooms are a highlight for many and is another sure sign of spring. Wildflowers and waterfalls swell with spring rains. So, after a long winter, it’s time to celebrate spring’s arrival.
Adragonfly emerges from its nymphal stage in spring.
22 Living Well i April/May 2014
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