The unstoppable incursion of spring is beginning to dominate the northland, breaking the cold, iron-hard grip of winter... and what a welcome seasonal advance it is!

Spring meltwater in the wetlands at the foot of the Cathedral Mountains.

Tags:   spring meltwater Cathedral Mountains

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A flock of snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) flitted and fluttered through the yard, picking up wind-blown seeds. They are on their way to the high reaches of the Arctic where they nest on bare rocky outcroppings.

Farthest north passerine on planet Earth. I believe this one is a female.

Tags:   bunting snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

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Crystal 'bouquet' created in frost at -36°F (-38°C)

This was a record cold temperature for this day in history, in my location.

Tags:   frost patio door frost bouquet cold snap

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Tags:   Cathedral Mountains spring water ice thaw

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Each time the northern lights shine in our spring night sky, I think it might be the last of the season, because the night is no longer very dark. I had to darken and vignette this photo to showcase the cosmic display.

Tags:   northern lights aurora aurora borealis spring night sky

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