Earliest spring arrivals

Just today I noticed that the butterflies have re-appeared.  And I suppose it's no coincidence that I also noticed, just today, that many of our flowering trees and bushes are starting to bud out.  Here's a "rare to occasional" Milbert's Tortoiseshell butterfly (who is supposedly very shy) gorging himself on the yummy nectar of a willow.

Today was 80 degrees, not too humid, and the warmer temps seem to have brought everything to life.  There is at least one pair of bluebirds (maybe two) occupying the nest boxes in the wildflower meadow.  The Spring Peepers have also made their debut, as have the bats.  And of course, the Wood Ducks have been showing up, on schedule, to lay their daily egg.

It's supposed to cool off later this week, coinciding with the arrival of our first thunderstorms of the year.  And so spring begins.