Spring Plants and Birds in Southwest VA

Posted by Georgene A. Bramlage Mar 25, 2009

Spring came roaring into southwest VA (plant hardiness zone 7) a little on the early side in mid-February, but was sidetracked due to a spell of cold weather. However, snowpdrops, species crocus, early daffodils and hybrid witchhazels blossomed. Temperatures heated up again at the beginning of March. Bradford pears, red maples, flowering plums, forsythia and more daffodils and hybrid crocus made their appearances. Now when redbuds and flowering cherries are beginning to blossom, temperatures are dipping again and rain is predicted for the next few days.

Birds are also doing their spring things. Since mid-February, we've had several pair of bluebirds showing up at the feeder. The American goldfinches have resumed their spring and summer breeding colors with the males, particularly making bright splashes of gold at the feeder and birdbath. We've also had various wrens,including the Carolina, other finches such as the House and Purple, and woodpeckers like the red-bellied and flicker showing up. Mourning dove pairs continue to feed on the corn and sunflower hearts I scatter for them. The feeder and birdbath are right outside the window where I work, so when I give my eyes a rest, I also give them a treat.

A short video about the Lab's NestWatch project specifically dealing with the effects of climate on nesting and breeding is at the ScienCentral website.