The forest floor currently looks like this
A year ago the majority of the forest floor was open and it has remained much colder this spring, than last year. Insect eating birds such as Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts have not yet arrived here and with the majority of lakes and rivers still frozen, we have no waders or waterfowl.
Last year I had the first Chiffchaff on 17th April, but I have not heard one yet this year and last year I had the first Redwing on 24th April, but did not hear the first one singing until yesterday.
People here say that some years when spring is late, many birds do not come at all and it will be interesting to see what happens during the next couple of weeks.
In some ways I am quite pleased, because I do not feel that I am missing out on not being out in the forest every day, due to my hip and back problems!
We’ve been snow-free here in Eastern Finland for a few weeks now. It seems we are about 2 weeks or so “behind schedule” as compared to other years. Strange that we got a late start to winter and a late end as well!
Hope your hip and back heal soon!
weekendwoodsman
Yes, I had estimated two and a half to three weeks late here.