I just saw a buck still hanging onto both of his antlers around the Twin Cities Metro. I'm fascinated with phenology (cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life) and will be watching for differences in animal behavior, bugs, and plant life that with year's weird weather and drought have impacted.

Some things I've seen so far: I've wrapped maple sugar season, maples have budded out, woodpeckers are pecking for bugs, my red oaks have pushed their old leaves off, some spring plants are already pushing up, and the walleye spawn is in full swing mid-state.

Go ahead and post some things you've noticed this year that seem out of whack.

In the driftless area, there is still dead under growth from last season that is over three feet high. There was no snowpack to compress it. Also, with no snow melt the rivers are running low and clear and the fish are easily spooked. Usually spring fishing in the driftless is about managing high, muddy water.

I had an 8 point buck on my trail cam just a few days ago. I guess his testosterone hasn’t gone down yet!!

JW

JWilder: "I had an 8 point buck on my trail cam just a few days ago. I guess his testosterone hasn’t gone down yet!!


JW"

Still raging for those does! I was thinking that the increased availbility of food (no snow cover) has decreased their need to shed the weight due to starvation periods. The does I saw didn't look as rough as they typically do this time of year either.

from today

Noticed some of the shallower lakes around the area ( including Robinson Lake just south of Ely) had opened up and were mostly ice free. Now, with the recent cold temps, most have completely refrozen over.

In PA we had a weird deer season. The deer rut came way late. We have also noticed antlers being dropped way earlier too, I have one on my cams that dropped on December 8th. It's not totally uncommon for us to have one hanging onto their antlers into mid March but losing them that early is new.
Also got my first bear on cams at the end of February, we usually don't start getting them until end of March or April. I think the mild winter has messed up a lot of the wildlife.

Concerned about the comments about the undergrowth not being tamped down from snow pack. Hope that is not going to exacerbate the fire problem this season

Much of Minnesota deer bucks still have antlers this year. It is a proven fact when deer are healthier, they hold their antlers longer. This year with record warmth and no snow, they actually gained weight in parts of Minnesota.

Old Man Winter spent his time in places well to the south of us. Now he is about to show up in the midst of the northbound snowbird convoys, prompting this to go viral in Northern Minnesota:

OgimaaBines: " from today"

What is it with deer and cemeteries? We've got one close to us that always has deer in it as well.

okinaw55: "

OgimaaBines: " from today"

What is it with deer and cemeteries? We've got one close to us that always has deer in it as well."

Sanctuary and they are some of the best bird habitats around.

It's holy ground and the Highlander Rules apply.