Spring has definitely sprung at the Sanctuary and thanks to the recent rains water levels have more or less returned to where they were last year.  The Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight on willows beside the boardwalk and you’re almost sure to hear the “pure sweet Canada, Canada, Canada” call of the White-throated sparrow.  Chokecherry and Saskatoon bushes are pretty much done blooming, but the wild roses are starting to appear already.  Watch on the water for the beautiful Blue-winged Teal – easy to spot because they have a violet-grey head with a white crescent on each side.  If you’re hiking in the evening also listen for the unusual “swooping” sound of the Common Snipe as it dives through the air high overhead – making the noise with wind rushing over its tail feathers.