April’s rebirth

Like a soothing whisper offering relief from a bad dream, so does April lend relief from the last lingering grasp of winter by offering up rebirth of life, colors and opportunity. Climate makes a welcome tranquil debut with longer days and more sunshine.

Birds, buds and blooms appear and morph to ever increasing colorful maturity. Lawns turn from a dusky brown to lush green. Birds dance their mating rituals wearing their colorful plumage and seeking nesting sites. Maples still drip some sap providing birds and small mammals a sweet treat. Deer find bountiful nourishment for their soon to be born fawns. Bears have emerged from hibernating and roaming for food sources to replentish lost winter fat reserves. Sows could be accompanied by winter born cubs. Don’t get between Mama Bear and her babies or feed the bears. You may be sorry. Coyotes will be having their litters within the next month. Tom turkeys are gallantly strutting to attract their girl friends and hens are seeking out ground nesting sites. Some geese and ducks are already nesting and will soon be trailed by the little ones.

April, a time that soothes the soul and reminds me of many ‘must-do’ chores. Gotta clean and clear the lawn for mowing, prepare and till the vegetable garden for planting, clean and nourish our too many flower beds and trees and order and stack fire wood.

My thoughts turn to fish and game: Gotta clean fly lines, swapping out equipment and accessories while looking forward to a couple firm-fleshed trout for dinner. My turkey gun is to receive another light cleaning and yearly patterning to assure accuracy prior to the NYS May 1st season opener when I look forward to a month of dueling with Toms.

Perhaps even being given the rare opportunity to see a doe giving birth. I purchased a new hunting ladder stand during the winter to be placed before increasing foliage decreases optimum line of sight.

These are great days to increase outdoor exercise and activity thereby improving your physical and mental health while getting a free shot of Mother Nature’s vitamin D. I’m looking forward to the last seasonal breakfasts by American Legion Millerton Post 178 and the Millerton Fire Department. Always filling and yummy and a great chance to reunite with friends.

April, so much awaits us in the months ahead, so much to do. God bless you patriotic readers and your families. Enjoy the improved weather to the fullest and please say a little prayer for the health and safety of those protecting our freedoms and safely. Til next time.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.