California was hit by a relentless series of storms known as an atmospheric river this winter that resulted in record levels of precipitation. Here in the San Bernardino Mountains we experienced a rare blizzard that lasted nearly a week and dumped over eight feet of snow in late February. Colder than average temperatures have persisted through the winter and this cooler pattern is still holding on during the first few weeks of spring.
By mid-April, most of the snow had melted on the north side of Lake Arrowhead, but the southern side, along with surrounding communities at higher elevations or in north-facing exposures, still have several feet on the ground. The significant snow levels and colder temperatures seem to have incentivized many avian species to move to more hospitable conditions.
Things are starting to get back to normal, but the diversity and abundance of waterfowl is down compared to typical years. Even the population omni-present American coot appears to have thinned out, at least temporarily. We still have a few ring-necked ducks, ruddy ducks, and redheads on the lake. And, of course, the ubiquitous mallards.
As the days get longer, the snow is finally giving way to more sunlight and a few spring residents have begun to appear. Black-headed grosbeaks returned recently, along with a few swallows. Migrating warblers won't be far behind. If we're lucky, all the snow will be gone by the time they arrive!
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