Finally, it's April. And today has dawned quite beautifully with a full clear blue sky and the sun riding bright and warm in that ocean of blue. March didn't so much as exit like either a lamb or a lion, but in fairly ill humour, since the night-time low was minus12-degrees Celsius, a mite too cold for March transitioning to April.

Still, we're on an upward temperature trajectory, so there's little need to look April first too closely in the eye demanding an explanation. Snow and ice are both melting. Taking their time, it's true, but they're on the way out. And that will accelerate in tone the closer into April's centre we move as the weeks proceed.

Bilberry Creek ravine remains heavily snow packed, but it too is beginning to melt, the creek now freed of its ice cap, and clear runoff beginning to swell the as-yet modest rush of water downstream to find its way to the mighty Ottawa River. Where yesterday the trails were threateningly icy to traverse (not so for us, wearing cleats over our boots), today they're a trifle less so. And the top layer of snow has begun to take on that characteristic loose, pebbly appearance that we recall from other springs past.

Tree wells are beginning to form around the base of the trees, as the dark trunks take on the warmth of the sun and begin to melt the snow hugging the base of the trunks. And soon the snow that remains as a well will begin to turn yellow from tannin leaking from the bark. Little doubt now that the sap is running. Area maple lot owners will be most pleased.

The enchantment of spring has arrived, despite a robust, cold wind and temperature seemingly stuck at the freezing level. Due to taper upward, however, as the week progresses. Finally, we're seeing a few squirrels out and about though not many. Despite which the peanuts I'd scattered liberally in the usual cache places yesterday have disappeared.

Crows have begun to mob, and we've heard the doves that visit our porch and the feeders nearby begin cooing. A few squirrels, we've noted, have bare patches on their fur, and they've likely lined the nest they prepared for their young with it.

Not the least bit sad to see winter finally depart, knowing it'll be back all too soon. But awfully glad to note the arrival of April.