Tulip leaves growing in Oakland, 25 Feb 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

28 February 2026

Yesterday in Schenley Park it was very sunny but without a spot of green. However, I found tulip sprouts in a garden (above).

Bright sunshine in Schenley Park, though not warm and not green, 27 Feb 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

It was so sunny that the rocks on the gravel trail made interesting shadows.

Bright sunshine created interesting shadows, 27 Feb 2026 (photo by Kate St. John)

The early birds are already singing. Yesterday I saw and heard northern cardinals and song sparrows in Schenley Park. Here are examples of the songs you will hear this week:

Northern Cardinal:

Northern cardinal singing (photo from Wikimedia Commons)

Song Sparrow:

Song sparrow (photo by Chuck Tague)

Bonus! Did you hear the red-winged blackbird on the song sparrow recording? I’ve only seen a handful of red-winged blackbirds this month but more are coming. Meanwhile, common grackles are back.

Common grackles, Bill Up Display (photo by Tony Morris via Flickr Creative Commons license)