Larry Weber

6 days ago | duluthnewstribune.com | Larry Weber

May is such a dynamic time in the Northland. Every day, when we look around, we see changes from the day before. The scene from early in the month is much different from what we see as we exit May. With warmer temperatures, ample rainfall and long days of sunlight, the surrounding plants respond. Our green lawns, the beginning of growth in the gardens and leaves starting to emerge on trees are some of the most obvious. The changes extend far beyond nearby nature. It is also a month of critical timing.

1 week ago | duluthnewstribune.com | Larry Weber

May is the greening month. We begin with trees bare of the new foliage, but by the end of the 31 days, the lengthening sunlight, warmer temperatures and ample rainfall give us a forest full of new green leaves. We see greening as well in the lawns and gardens. Some seem to green right before our eyes. Not only do we have the new leaves unfolding from the buds on the branches, but we also have many trees giving more colors to the scene with blossoms. The woods grow green from the ground up.

3 weeks ago | duluthnewstribune.com | Larry Weber

Each spring, as winter reluctantly exits from the scene, we experience a snow melt along with the ice giving way to the chilly water. The daylight quickly lengthens from 11 hours in early March and is more than 13 hours in mid-April, accompanied by warming temperatures, ushering in the migration of birds. Much of this avian activity is anticipated, and we are eager to see these migrants. The first to arrive are the hardy raptors.

1 month ago | duluthnewstribune.com | Larry Weber

The pre-dawn is clear, cool and calm when I step outside. In the fading darkness, a barred owl calls from the nearby woods. In the growing light of a new day, I hear songs of a robin and a phoebe, both in the yard where I expect they will nest a bit later. Conditions are great for a morning walk. I go onto the road that I will follow for about a mile, going past ponds, swamps, woods and fields until I reach a river. The usual crows, ravens and blue jays greet me.

1 month ago | duluthnewstribune.com | Larry Weber

The Northland is home to several large maple trees. Growing big with very colorful leaves, they dominate the forest in fall. It is hard not to notice their dynamic blended colors at that time. But in spring, they again put on a show of sorts, though not as dramatic. Late March and early April is the beginning of the flowering season for maples. Though some trees produce large flowers with showy petals, these early maples have less-noticeable flowers.