Get Outside in March

Seeing Red

Springtime in Missouri may have you seeing red. Redbuds start blooming in late March and continue through early May. They’re one of our showiest native flowering trees. Adding to the color palette are Missouri’s red maples. Though their reddish flowers aren’t quite as spectacular as redbuds, they often pop out before anything else blooms, giving us reason to appreciate them as early signs of spring.

Luck of the Irish

Did you know there are shamrocks in Missouri? Clovers and wood-sorrels both have trifoliate leaves, like shamrocks. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, no need to travel to the Irish Isle. Just head outside and look for the luck of the Irish in your own backyard.

Setting Up Camp

You may notice webs in trees this time of year. These are silken tents made by eastern tent caterpillars. They set up camp in their host trees — usually trees in the rose family such as cherry, apple, and plums — just as their first leaves of the season appear. The severity of infestations is cyclical, and in many cases the defoliation is tolerated by the tree, so there is no need for alarm.

Swan Song

Trumpeter swans are a sight to behold. Considered critically imperiled in Missouri, these massive migrating birds may be present at marshes, lakes, and rivers this time of year. Their voice is a low trumpetlike sound, while young swans’ voices are higher and more nasal.

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Natural Events to See This Month

Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.

• Zebra swallowtails appear in late March.
• Red fox young are born. 
• Walleye spawning peaks in March.
• Pawpaws bloom through May. 
• Male common grackles arrive and set up territories.