Despite the 2-4 feet of snow piled in drifts, Spring is happening. Red-winged Blackbirds were staking out nesting territories and singing over a month ago. Meadowlarks have been singing for a week and yesterday Mountain Bluebirds have returned to Castle Rocks. Storksbill – a weedy geranium bloomed on February 24, and Wave-wing Spring Parslay bloomed near City of Rocks east entrance on February 29. Expect Sandhill Cranes today or tomorrow. Sagebrush buttercups and Anderson’s (Pink) Buttercups are also likely in bloom, but will require a quarter-mile hike to reach them for another week or two.