The vernal equinox marking the official change from winter to spring occurred on March 19. But it was only recently that we experienced the warming spring glow bringing on the full splendor of nature. Our trees and shrubs have miraculously transformed from their grayish slumber to full bloom as our world turns green again with deciduous trees wondrously growing back their leaves.
Multitudes of colorful flowers delight the eye. Migratory birds have returned from their winter sojourns in southern climates. They include goldfinches, bluebirds and warblers, the males having regained their eye-pleasing mating plumage.
Nothing signifies spring and the beginning of another natural chapter than the return of the osprey. These winged warriors migrate back from their winter homes in South America. Fish compose 99% of their diet so they go south to ensure a winter supply.
We see them daily as they rebuild nests on Oyster Creek. They fish, mate and raise their young, delighting us in their graceful flights with six-feet wingspans. We hear their high-pitched peep-whistling, never tiring of seeing them snatch fish in their long, sharp talons and dining on fresh sushi.
The Chesapeake Bay region supports the largest breeding population in the world — about 10,000 pairs. Never take this bird for granted as it was nearly wiped out with widespread use of DDT. When DDT was banned in 1972, just 1,450 breeding pairs were left in Bay Country.
There are still grave risks with the depletion of menh.
