Signs of spring are everywhere in this second week of March.  The amount of daylight is becoming longer at an ever increasing rate as the Vernal Equinox - this year on 19 March - approaches.  Although there are no flowers in evidence just yet, in the early morning hours, a trip out the door ushers in a chorus of glorious noise from the bushes and trees.  The birds are keenly aware that the season is upon us.  Assorted finches, juncos, bluebirds, solitaires, sparrows, jays, crows, canyon and rufous sided towhees, and ravens are vying for attention.  But the robins in massive numbers are the most evident.  In addition to assorted chirps and other sounds, there are several songs they sing.  Set aside the fact that some of those probably mean, "Hey, this is my territory" or "I saw her first".  Whatever the reason, they are speed dating and making preparations to nest.  And the warmer temperatures lure them to assorted water dishes to bathe.  It seems there is nothing robins like more than bathing.   Note the lone solitaire on the rock, waiting for the basin to clear.

Depending on the dish size, several can bathe together while others drink.  Note the juncos hanging around the side of the dish in the upper third and lower half of this photograph.  They particularly like to slurp water off plants and other objects as the drops fall.

This robin required a private bath.

So as many of you plan or begin spring travel, I hope that your cameras and phones will accompany you to document the season.

Thanks to Barbara F. R., Robert, Tim, Jean & Sam, Kay C., TTT, Marilyn G., Steve, and Rebecca for writing this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©