The season of blustery winds shaking bare trees and blowing branches across snow covered trails is passing at last. This winter was a roller coaster of weather warming up and cooling down, freezing everything over to thaw and start all over again.
The birds started their migration north weeks ago, not waiting for the calendar to announce the season. They have paired at the lakes and ponds to scout out spots for nests. The grass may still be faded and the trees still bare, but winter has definitely passed and spring has arrived early this year.
I look back in pictures as winter exits for the year.