Gandle, I'm amazed at what you know and what you observe.
Re your comment"eating so much spinach that our complexion might be tinted a bit green just in time for St. Patricks day".
I remember as a young bride that my mother in law was on a kick on juicing carrots and "offering" the juice to me. I drank it and I turned orange in some places. Especially my eyes and skin.
I eventually learned that moderation and balance was the key.

Im not happy with this unseasonable heat either. I went out and gathered all the mantis cocoons i could find and put them in the fridge and will bring them out again in May. Ive seen them hatch with abnormal high temps in April and then die when the temps returned to normal. Plus there isnt much for them to eat...besides other mantis.

I've seen Sandhill Cranes mentioned a number of times on this forum. Could maybe someone post a picture? I have no idea what they are.

Big birds...secretive except when they are migrating by the masses.

Here is a link that might be useful: cranes

Things got green in a hurry around here. Need to cut grass as soon as the mower don't sink into the ground, everything is soaking wet. As fare as temps go, I should plant seeds for lettuce and peas, but the ground is too wet for turning. The dogwoods are opening up but the petals are not grown enough, usually they open mid to end of April.
Have not been around much, too much going on with family.