Grackles
 

The grackles are usually the first birds to arrive in the area each spring. I can almost count on them being here on or about March 15th. They may be a little late this year, as I have seen nary a one. Not that I look forward to their arrival, as they raid my feeders and their chatter is far from sweet and melodic, but they are a harbinger of spring. Has anyone seen a gracle yet?

The Grackes are Here!
 

Saw the first Grackle of the season at my feeder this morning. They have arrived and are as hungry as bears. Expect to see the sunflower seeds dwindle today.

Speaking about feeders.
 

The bears will soon be out from hibernation. Fish & Game will be sending out a notice to bring in your bird feeders as the bears will be hungry!

A week or so ago...
 

...the Fish and Game people said that normally they issue the warning to take in bird feeders around April 1st, but asked that they be taken in now (a week or so ago) because there had been bear sightings in various areas of the state, indicating that the bears were apparently coming out early this year.

Can't remember if it was on FB or one of the local newspapers.

Regardless, it is certainly time to consider removing the bird feeders now, and a good warning to heed.