Photos: Start of Spring on the St. Croix

This year’s first day of spring is much colder than last year, and less hospitable to the river’s birds.

March 20, 2013

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St. Croix Falls photographer (and St. Croix River Association board member) Gary Noren sent over some photos today contrasting the start of spring in the St. Croix River region this year and last year.

Gary reported that this morning the temperature was 5 degrees and the windchill at -11 degrees. Two photos below show the icy river at Interstate State Park. The other three are from a year ago, two at Crex Meadows on March 21st and one at Interstate Park. As you can see, this time last year, the sandhill cranes and herons were already busy.

Today, those birds are likely hunkered down, wondering if they need a new calendar. (The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway did report via Facebook yesterday that cranes have been heard.)