Nature’s Revelations Almanac
A seasonal record of the unfolding year in the Northland.
Seasonal Almanac — Nature’s Revelations
The Seasonal Almanac is a daily record of the slow and steady movement of the seasons in the Northland along Lake Superior. While a calendar measures the year by dates, the Almanac measures the year by light, weather, ice, water, plants, birds, and wildlife — the natural signs that mark the true progress of the seasons.
Each day may appear much like the one before it, especially in the long stretches of winter or summer, but over time the changes become clear. Daylight grows or fades, snow deepens or melts away, lakes freeze and open again, birds migrate, leaves emerge and fall, and the great cycle of the year continues.
This Almanac is not a record of dramatic events, but of small daily observations — the darkening of lake ice, the first robin, the sound of geese overhead, maple sap running, the first frost, the first snow, and the quiet days in between when almost nothing seems to change, yet everything is slowly changing.
Over the course of a full year, these daily entries become a record of one complete seasonal cycle in the Northland — from deep winter, to spring melt, to the long days of summer, to autumn color, and back again to winter.
The Seasonal Almanac is a reminder that the seasons do not change all at once, but a little each day, and that there is something worth noticing in every day of the year.
March – Early Spring
March is a month of transition in the Northland. Snow still covers the ground and lakes remain frozen, but the sun grows stronger and daylight increases rapidly. Maple sap begins to run, rivers begin to open, and the first migrants return. Winter does not leave all at once here — it slowly loosens its grip throughout March as light, water, and life begin to return to the landscape.
Season: Early Spring
Position in the Year: Day 83 of 365 (23% of the year complete)
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 20 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Snow Depth: Approximately 6 inches
Lake Superior Water Temperature: Approximately 36 °F
Weather Pattern:
Cold nights and mild afternoons are common now. Late snowstorms are still possible, but the strengthening sun accelerates melting on clear days.
High: 43° Low: 28° Conditions: Partly cloudy with light northeast winds.
On the Land:
Tree buds are swelling and beginning their slow spring growth. Pussy willows are starting to appear along roadsides and wetlands, one of the first clear signs that winter is losing its grip.
On the Water:
Ice on Caribou Lake remains thick but is beginning to darken slightly. Ice in the Duluth Harbor is breaking up quickly, with several miles of ice still covering Lake Superior in front of the canal. The Hon James L Oberstar departed Duluth as the first Laker to depart gor the season
Birds & Wildlife:
Blue jay activity at the feeder seems to be diminishing as red-winged blackbirds and grackles occasionally appear, signaling a gradual shift toward spring bird activity.
Sky & Stars:
Orion is sliding toward the western horizon in the evening sky while the Big Dipper stands high in the north, pointing the way toward spring.
Seasonal Notes:
This is a quiet turning point in the year. Winter still appears in the mornings, but spring can be felt in the afternoon sun. The landscape is not yet green, not yet alive with growth, but the change has begun. The mileposts of the season begin to appear now, small signs that the long winter is slowly giving way to spring.Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day — a day to read Your Word and a day to read the story of creation all around me. Each day is a gift. My hope is to glorify You in all that I do today.
Season: Early Spring
Position in the Year: Day 84 of 365 (24% of the year complete)
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 25 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Snow Depth: Approximately 6 inches
Lake Superior Water Temperature: Approximately 35°F
Weather Pattern:
Cold nights and mild afternoons are common now. Late snowstorms are still possible, but the strengthening sun accelerates melting on clear days.
High: 55° Low: 32° Conditions: Partly cloudy with light northeast winds. A fresh weather system is brewing in the west.
On the Land:
I photographed a drop of maple sap dripping out of a tap, a true sign of the season
On the Water:
Ice on Caribou Lake remains thick but is beginning to darken slightly. Ice in the Duluth Harbor is breaking up rapidly after today’s warm weather
Birds & Wildlife:
Heard the first robins in the morning and saw one in the afternoon, another sign of the season.
Sky & Stars:
Orion is sliding toward the western horizon in the evening sky while the Big Dipper stands high in the north, pointing the way toward spring.
Seasonal Notes:
From the pussy willows to the skink that just ran across the yard, things are truly waking up.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day, with signs of new life all around; it’s easy to give you praise and glory for your creation that you surround us with each day.
Season: Early Spring
Position in the Year: Day 85 of 365 (24% of the year complete)
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 27 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Snow Depth: Approximately 5 inches
Lake Superior Water Temperature: Approximately 35°F
Weather Pattern:
Today -A 20 percent chance of snow before 11 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
On the Land:
Snow melt has paused for now, with cool weather moving in for a few days.
On the Water:
Ice on Caribou Lake remains thick but is beginning to darken slightly. Ice in the Duluth Harbor persists, but, is still diminishing.
Birds & Wildlife:
Heard the first geese og the season flying overhead.
Sky & Stars:
Cloudy skies
Seasonal Notes:
Even with the cool weather, things are slowly waking up.
Vert of the day!
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that even on cool gray days, you are working in nature and in us to glorify you.
Seasonal Almanac — March 27
Season: Early Spring
Position in the Year: Day 85 of 365 (24% of the year complete)
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 27 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Snow Depth: Approximately 5 inches
Lake Superior Water Temperature: Approximately 35°F
Weather Pattern:
Today -A 20 percent chance of snow before 11 am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
On the Land:
Snow melt has paused for now, with cool weather moving in for a few days.
On the Water:
Ice on Caribou Lake remains thick but is beginning to darken slightly. Ice in the Duluth Harbor persists, but, is still diminishing.
Birds & Wildlife:
Heard the first geese og the season flying overhead.
Sky & Stars:
Cloudy skies
Seasonal Notes:
Even with the cool weather, things are slowly waking up.
Vert of the day!
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that even on cool gray days, you are working in nature and in us to glorify you.
Seasonal Almanac — March 28
Season: Early Spring
Seasonal Position: Early Migration / Late Sap Season / Pre Ice-Out
Day of the Year: 87 of 365
Year Progress: 24% complete
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 40 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:54 AM / ~7:33 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Snow Depth: Snow remaining in woods and shaded areas, melting in open areas
Lake Superior Water Temperature: ~34°F
Lake Condition: Large ice fields remain in the western arm and Whitefish Bay
Caribou Lake Ice: Late season ice, still solid with animal activity at air holes
Weather Pattern
Late March continues the slow seasonal transition. Cold nights preserve ice and snow, while warmer afternoons and stronger sunlight continue the daily melt cycle. This freeze–thaw pattern defines this time of year in the Northland.
On the Land
Snow continues to settle and shrink, especially in open areas and along south-facing slopes. Around trees and brush, the snow pulls away first as sunlight and reflected heat accelerate melting. Pussy willows are blooming, and maple sap continues to run during freeze–thaw cycles.
On the Water
Ice remains on inland lakes, though it is now clearly late-season ice. An air hole in the ice with animal tracks nearby is likely the work of a muskrat, which maintains breathing holes throughout the winter. On Lake Superior, large lake freighters remain frozen into the ice fields in Whitefish Bay, a reminder that despite the stronger sun, winter still holds the big lake in its grip.
Birds & Wildlife
Wildlife activity is increasing as daylight grows longer. Muskrats are active under the ice, maintaining air holes and traveling between feeding areas. Bird activity continues to increase as early migrants move north and resident birds become more active with the longer days.
Change From Last Week
Daylight has increased noticeably over the past week, snowbanks have begun to settle, and animal tracks are more visible as the snow surface softens during the day and refreezes at night. The seasonal shift toward spring is underway, even though winter conditions still dominate the landscape.
Seasonal Note
Muskrats spend the winter living in lodges or bank dens and maintain air holes in the ice so they can breathe and access feeding areas. These holes often appear in late winter as snow melts off the ice and animal activity increases.
Reflection
Late March is a season that feels caught between two worlds. Winter still surrounds us with snow and ice, yet signs of spring appear everywhere if you pay attention. Animal tracks, air holes in the ice, longer evenings, and the growing strength of the sun all tell the same story. The season is changing, slowly and quietly, one day at a time.
Seasonal Almanac — March 29
Season: Early Spring
Seasonal Position: Early Migration / Late Sap Season / Pre Ice-Out
Day of the Year: 88 of 365
Year Progress: 24% complete
Daylight: 12 hours 43 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:52 AM / ~7:35 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Snow Depth: Snow remaining in woods and shaded areas, melting in open areas
Lake Superior Water Temperature: ~34°F
Lake Condition: Open water, very cold nearshore water
Caribou Lake Ice: Approximately 6 inches thick
Weather Pattern
Late March continues the transition season in the Northland. Cold nights keep ice and snow around, but the strengthening sun is melting snow quickly during the day. Freeze–thaw cycles dominate this time of year, and each sunny day makes noticeable progress toward spring.
On the Land
Pussy willows are now in full bloom, one of the clearest natural signs that early spring has arrived. Snow continues to settle and shrink, especially on south-facing slopes and around tree trunks. Maple sap is running, and the woods are beginning to open up visually as the snowpack slowly lowers.
On the Water
Ice still covers inland lakes, with about 6 inches remaining on Caribou Lake. The ice is entering the late season now — still thick, but slowly weakening from sunlight and meltwater on the surface. Rivers and creeks are running higher with snowmelt, and the sound of moving water is returning to the landscape.
Birds & Wildlife
Today marks a noticeable increase in bird activity. Robins have returned, grackles are active, and woodpeckers are moving through the trees and drumming regularly. A flock of geese was heard flying overhead, another sure sign that migration is underway and the seasonal shift toward spring is accelerating.
Change From Last Week
Bird migration has clearly begun in the past week, with robins, grackles, and geese now present. Daylight has increased significantly, and pussy willows have moved into full bloom. The seasonal transition is becoming very noticeable now.
Seasonal Note
Late March is typically when early migrants return to northern Minnesota, especially robins, red-winged blackbirds, grackles, and Canada geese. Ice-out on most inland lakes in this region usually occurs sometime in April, depending on temperatures and snowpack.
Reflection
This time of year feels like the world is slowly waking up. The snow is still here, the lakes are still frozen, and winter has not fully left, but the sounds of birds, the soft buds of pussy willows, and the distant calls of geese overhead all tell the same story. The season has turned. Spring is not here all at once — it arrives in small signs, one by one, until one day winter is simply a memory.
Seasonal Almanac — March 30
Season: Early Spring
Seasonal Position: Early Migration / Late Sap Season / Pre Ice-Out
Day of the Year: 89 of 365
Year Progress: 24% complete
Daylight: 12 hours 47 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:50 AM / ~7:37 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Snow Depth: Snow slowly shrinking, especially in open areas
Lake Superior Water Temperature: ~34°F
Lake Condition: Open water with remaining ice fields in the eastern lake
Caribou Lake Ice: Late season ice, darkening and weakening
Weather Pattern
A stormy pattern is moving into the region and is expected to continue through much of the coming week. Late March storms are common as winter and spring air masses collide, often bringing a mix of snow, rain, wind, and rapidly changing conditions.
On the Land
Snow continues to slowly disappear through the daily freeze–thaw cycle, melting during the day and shrinking even when temperatures remain cold through sublimation and evaporation. The woods are beginning to open up visually as the snowpack lowers, and early spring plants like pussy willows remain one of the most visible signs that the season has turned.
On the Water
Ice on Caribou Lake continues to darken, a clear sign that the ice is aging and weakening as sunlight penetrates the surface and meltwater forms on warm afternoons. This late-season ice can still be thick but is slowly losing strength from the top down as spring approaches.
Birds & Wildlife
Robins are becoming more numerous now, a sure sign that migration is underway. Owls can still be heard in the forest at night during late winter and early spring, which is part of their nesting season. A fox was heard moving through the night making its strange screaming mating call, another reminder that late winter and early spring is breeding season for many animals.
Change From Last Week
Bird activity has increased significantly over the past week, with robins returning and more wildlife movement visible in the snow. The snowpack is settling and shrinking, lake ice is darkening, and daylight is noticeably longer each evening. The seasonal transition toward spring is clearly underway now.
Seasonal Note
Foxes often make loud screaming calls during late winter and early spring, especially during mating season, which typically occurs from January through March. These calls can sound surprisingly human and are often heard at night across rural and wooded areas.
Reflection
Late March is a season of change that is often heard before it is seen. The calls of geese overhead, robins returning, owls in the night, and even the strange cry of a fox all signal that winter is loosening its grip. The snow still covers the ground and the lakes are still frozen, but the world is slowly waking again. Each day the light lasts a little longer, the sun feels a little warmer, and the quiet shift toward spring continues
April — Ice-Out & Spring Melt
April is the month of movement. Snow melts quickly, rivers run high with runoff, waterfalls roar, and lake ice darkens and disappears. The landscape changes rapidly now as brown earth replaces white snow and the first hints of green begin to appear. Ice-out, flowing water, and migrating birds define this season of change.
Seasonal Almanac — April 1
Season: Early Spring
Seasonal Position: Early Migration / Pre Ice-Out / Late Sap Season
Day of the Year: 91 of 365
Year Progress: 25% complete
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 54 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:46 AM / ~7:40 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Snow Depth: Snow remains in woods and shaded areas, melting in open areas
Lake Superior Water Temperature: ~34°F
Lake Condition: Open water with very cold nearshore water
Caribou Lake Ice: Late season ice still present
Weather Pattern
Early April often brings some of the last winter storms of the season. Back-to-back snowstorms are not unusual this time of year, even as the days grow longer and the sun grows stronger. These storms usually do not last long, but they remind us that winter does not leave quietly in the Northland.
On the Land
The landscape continues its slow transition toward spring. Snow melts steadily on sunny days and settles lower each week. Maple sap season continues during freeze–thaw cycles. Even with new snowstorms, the overall direction of the season is toward melting and warming.
On the Water
Ice remains on inland lakes, but it is now clearly late-season ice. The sun is higher in the sky now, and even cold days slowly weaken the ice. Ice-out is still ahead, but each warm day and each longer evening brings it closer.
Birds & Wildlife
Bird activity continues to change with the season. Blue jays are beginning to move deeper into the woods and are spending less time at feeders. Chickadees remain active around the feeders, and red-winged blackbirds are now moving through the area in flocks, another clear sign that spring migration is underway.
Change From Last Week
Compared to last week, bird activity has increased noticeably, pussy willows are fully out, and daylight has increased significantly. The season continues to move toward spring even though winter storms are still possible.
Seasonal Note
Early April in northern Minnesota is often a transition period where winter storms can still occur, but the increasing daylight and stronger sun quickly begin melting new snow. Snow that falls in April rarely lasts long compared to midwinter snow.
Reflection
April begins in a familiar way in the Northland — with winter not quite finished and spring not fully arrived. Snowstorms may still come, ice still covers the lakes, and the nights are still cold, but the birds are returning, the days are longer, and the season is clearly turning. This is a season of patience, where each day brings small changes that slowly transform the landscape from winter to spring.
Seasonal Almanac — April 2
Season: Early Spring
Seasonal Position: Early Migration / Pre Ice-Out / Late Sap Season
Day of the Year: 92 of 365
Year Progress: 25% complete
Daylight: Approximately 12 hours 58 minutes (gaining about 3 minutes per day)
Sunrise / Sunset: ~6:44 AM / ~7:42 PM
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous
Snow Depth: Snow remains in woods and shaded areas; new snow expected
Lake Superior Water Temperature: ~34°F
Lake Condition: Open water with very cold nearshore water
Caribou Lake Ice: Late season ice still present
Weather Pattern
The Northland is under a winter weather advisory with back-to-back winter storms expected over the next few days. Early April often brings these last reminders of winter. Even though snowfall is still possible, the stronger sun and longer days usually melt April snow much faster than midwinter storms.
On the Land
Spring appears to be on hold for a few days as winter weather returns. Snow cover may increase temporarily, but the overall seasonal trend continues toward melting and warming. Maple sap season continues during the freeze–thaw cycle, and the woods remain in the transition period between winter and spring.
On the Water
Ice remains on inland lakes, though it is now late-season ice that is slowly weakening from the increasing sun angle. Even during colder stretches, the longer daylight continues to work against the ice. Ice-out is approaching in the coming weeks.
Birds & Wildlife
More juncos are appearing around the feeders, a common sign of early spring migration. Chickadees remain active, and red-winged blackbirds continue moving through the area in groups. Blue jays are spending more time in the woods and less time at the feeders as natural food sources begin to appear and the season changes.
Change From Last Week
Bird activity has increased noticeably over the past week, with robins, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, and now more juncos appearing. Daylight has increased significantly, and even though winter weather is returning briefly, the seasonal transition toward spring continues overall.
Seasonal Note
Dark-eyed juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they are commonly seen during late winter and early spring in northern Minnesota. Their increased activity at feeders often coincides with late snowfalls and the transition between winter and spring.
Reflection
Early April often reminds us that spring does not arrive in a straight line. Warm days and melting snow can quickly be followed by winter storms and cold winds. It can feel like the season is moving backward, but it is not. The days are longer, the sun is higher, and the birds are returning. Spring may pause for a few days, but it does not turn back.