Spring into action

The snow has melted, the sun is out and noses are sniffling as they inhale the newly spawned allergens floating in the air. March 20 marks the first official day of spring this year in the Northern Hemisphere.

So far, it’s come in more like a lamb than a lion— fingers crossed.

The days leading to spring’s start recorded highs of 65. Flowers are blooming and new calves are mooing. Rainy days are certain to come, but that only means greener grass and more plentiful gardens.

Although the winter was a bit harsher, and whiter, than usual, livestock are thriving. Central Whidbey’s Bell’s Farm and Bailey Farm both reported early arrivals of lambs and calves respectively. Tiny fuzzy bunnies and puny peeping chicks have also been seen bouncing and flapping around Willowood Farm.

Even more baby animals are expected any day.

A calf gnaws on hay with the older cows, despite being not old enough to actually eat it.

A calf gnaws on hay with the older cows, despite being not old enough to actually eat it.

Kyle Flack holds Mussels, born during Musselfest weekend. The lamb was the Bell’s Farm’s latest addition at the time.

Kyle Flack holds Mussels, born during Musselfest weekend. The lamb was the Bell’s Farm’s latest addition at the time.

Georgie Smith holds two French angora rabbits at Willowood Farm of Ebey’s Prairie. The bunnies were only about 3-weeks old.

Georgie Smith holds two French angora rabbits at Willowood Farm of Ebey’s Prairie. The bunnies were only about 3-weeks old.

A ruby-eyed white French Angora baby bunny peeks out from its enclosure at Willowood Farm.

A ruby-eyed white French Angora baby bunny peeks out from its enclosure at Willowood Farm.

Chicks that just barely grew their wing feathers scramble over each other to get some food at Willowood Farm.

Chicks that just barely grew their wing feathers scramble over each other to get some food at Willowood Farm.

One of the several new lambs at Bell’s Farm struts around the field on a sunny day.

One of the several new lambs at Bell’s Farm struts around the field on a sunny day.

A calf sticks its tongue out hoping to get a taste of some hay at Bailey Farm.

A calf sticks its tongue out hoping to get a taste of some hay at Bailey Farm.