Migrating red-winged blackbirds have arrived! The red-wings that had left last fall are beginning to return after spending the winter in the southeastern United States. A sure sign of the coming spring even though it is still February. They announce their presence by their arrival at bird feeders, their brilliant red epaulets on their wings flashing and contrasting to the black everywhere else, and their singing from treetops. Soon they will be singing from our wetlands as the males set up their territories. The females, which are streaked brown sparrow-like birds, will arrive in another few weeks.

By LYNNE IRONS

Well, I squandered perfectly good advice by giving it away while failing to heed it myself. My ornamental grasses were never cut and now, as a result of the snow and ice, are strewn all over in a jumbled mess still attached to the plant. They are woven into neighboring shrubs and are hindering the just-barely-emerging snowdrops and crocus. I see hours spent on a stool making sense of the debacle. I love the word debacle. It can be used interchangeably with train wreck when describing one’s own garden.

There is no need for speed if you are a snail. Life in the fast lane is not a high priority for the whelk, a common marine snail found in the ocean.