The winds of March bring changes to the natural world of Cleveland Metroparks reservations, but unlike the cold winds of December, these winds begin to blow friendly and warm. March is a month of blue skies and gray; of wind, rain and snow and of the first appearances of wildflowers and migrating birds. March exists as a promise to all creatures of longer days filled with warmth and abundant food and shelter.

By month's end pussy willows begin to bloom in low wet places throughout Cleveland Metroparks. Days grow longer. Spring is here. Celebrate the arrival of the new season in Cleveland Metroparks with wood frogs, woodcocks and woodchucks.

Birds-

Bluebirds may have returned to Hinckley Reservation by now if the winter has not been too harsh and cold.

Early migrating robins feed among the holly berries and crab apples throughout Cleveland Metroparks.

Mammals-

Where have all the bucks gone? By early March, all but a few of the bucks in Cleveland Metroparks have lost their antlers. It becomes hard to tell male from female deer until the bucks begin to regrow their antlers in early May.

Wildflowers-

Pungent skunk cabbage begins to bloom in low wet places in Cleveland Metroparks valleys. The hooded flower pokes its head up through ice to attract early spring insects.

Birds-

Great blue herons reappear as soon as open water makes fish available for them to eat. They first reappear along Cleveland Metroparks rivers, but quickly move to lakes and ponds as soon as the shore ice melts.

The song sparrow, one of the first and most vocal of the spring sparrows, should have arrived by now. The male's calls begin with three sharp notes, then blur into a melodious trill.

Wildflowers-

Colorful wildflowers at last! The dandelion-like blossoms of the coltsfoot may even poke their determined heads through the snow to bloom. They prefer recently disturbed soils as blooming places. Watch for them along road cuts and construction sites.

Birds-

The first of the migrating woodcocks may begin their spring mating flights in certain secret places this week. Watch the nature centers' program listings and join a naturalist in April to view this spectacle!

The buzzards are back! On March 15, legend has it that the buzzards (turkey vultures) return to Hinckley. Visit the famous "buzzard roost" on the first Sunday after March 15 and watch for the newly arrived migrants.

Mammals-

Female woodchucks have awakened to greet the males who awakened in February. Spring comes quickly and summer is only a few weeks away! The rapid changes of April give way to a slower and more stately procession of nature as May begins.

Birds-

The phoebe's raspy "fee-bree" call reassures forest hikers that spring is truly here.

Male goldfinches grow progressively more brilliant yellow each week. Set out fresh thistle seed for them!

Golden-crowned kinglets return to Cleveland Metroparks on their way northward to Canada. Only half the size of chickadees, they flit continuously from branch to branch in search of food.

Amphibians-

Spring peepers "peep" and wood frogs "quack" as their spring mating cycle begins. Shallow temporary ponds in Big Creek, Brecksville, Mill Stream Run and North Chagrin reservations are home to these small frogs for only a few days each spring as mates are found and eggs are laid.