Hunt Country Vineyards on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes

We were busy bottling last week. More bottling this week.

We hesitate to declare that spring has arrived because the weather is never perfectly predictable (especially in this changing climate). But there are plenty of signs that make us confident: the days are wonderfully warmer, the green earth is free of snow, and the birds are soaring and singing all around the farm. In fact, this is one of the most notable changes of the seasons: the number and kinds of birds you see and hear. The small group of birds that tough out the Finger ...Lakes winter sparrows, blue jays, chickadees, juncos are joined by numerous others when spring arrives. Canada geese flying north. Robins perched on posts and high in trees. Blackbirds singing in the vineyards. Pileated woodpeckers drumming on trees in the woods. And a pair of kestrels returning to make their seasonal home in a nesting box on the barn. The next time you come down to the vineyard for a glass of wine, bring your binoculars and birding book. It's the perfect time of year to watch these little signs of spring!