In northern Minnesota, March is largely a winter month. Usually our snowpack depth is greatest during this month and we can expect a couple of nights of subzero temperatures. This is not the conditions that we are likely to see some insect or spider news. But March is a month with great diversity. Along with the snow and chill, we also see sunlight and temperatures that frequently reach the 50 to 60 degree range. Along with the other happenings of this month are the longer days as we approach and pass the spring equinox. In the waning days of this month, we have days of more light than darkness. And the sun gets higher with each day.

These longer times of light bring about many of the changes that March is well-known for. It is the lengthening daylight and rising temperatures along with snow melt that wake the hibernators. Usually, I expect to see the first chipmunk, woodchuck, garter snake and butterflies during this month. Migrants are swayed by these changes too and the return of Red-winged Blackbirds, grackles, robins and Killdeer to our yards while Canada Geese, Tundra Swans and mergansers arrive on rivers that now are winning their battles with the ice cover.

Read the rest of the Larry's column in our March issue...