Where are the birds? While out gardening and admiring the green lushness of our landscaping, I took notice of the empty spaces beneath the eaves. Others have also noticed a decline of diners at their bird feeders. Normally these places are all atwitter, with builders of the small incubators hastily constructed from all natural materials for the baby hatchlings. The birds of La Crescenta and La Cañada that ordinarily occupy these homes – better known as nests – are sparrows and finches.

The generous winter rains came, an extraordinary spring “super bloom” followed but, lost amid these weather-related circumstances, were the birds. The very definition of springtime must include both the “birds and the bees.” Before migrating too far off course in addressing the actions of our fine-feathered friends, a brief mention of our continuing rainy season is cardinal.

As of Wednesday, May 15, the 2018-19 Rain Season Total has reached an impressive 29.80 inches. If all goes as planned by the NWS meteorologists, the upcoming forecast should bump our totals beyond the 30-inch mark.

Back to the birds! In addition to me, scientists and birdwatchers have taken notice of the missing birds. It just so happens their absence is weather-related. Fierce storms during migrations can affect distribution and final settlement of birds. It seems our little feathered friends can get wind-blown off course, sending them to areas far from home.

On Wednesday night, rain spread southward from the Central Coast into the Los Angeles area. Arrival time, if all goes as predicted, will be this morning. Periods of moderate rainfall and a slight chance of thunderstorms are expected today. Dry weather returns by midday Friday then there is another chance of showers Saturday night. So goes a similar pattern through next week as a series of storms are in the forecast.

Rain boosts the economy! Buy umbrellas only made in the U.S.A.

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and  Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at
suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.