January Thaw

Is our January thaw giving you spring fever? It's only January 11th, but it's raining, thundering and lightning. Warm temperatures, wind and rain has melted most of the snow on MDI, but further inland Eastbrook still has about 8 inches on the ground.

Well, if you have spring fever you're not alone. On Monday a poor yellow spotted salamander was seen crossing the road near Sand Beach bewildered when he blundered into a snowbank on the other side!

Crows have been perching in pairs, presumably pre-courtship behavior. Owls are calling to their mates at night. Leaf-footed bugs, flies and ladybugs have all been roused from their winter torpor and can be seen flying around outside.

But don't lose heart, winter will be back bringing lovely snowfalls, frozen ponds and flocks of birds to your feeders.

Enjoy the thunderstorm!
The Dorr Museum of Natural History