Living in the stunning foothills of the San Juan Mountains, winter embraces us with its white blanket and cold embrace from mid November through March, give or take a month depending upon natures whim.

March is celebrated with the annual live music concert performed by the Birds of Paradise featuring a group performance by the red-winged black birds, magpies, stellar jays and several old crows. This time-honored tradition is the harbinger of spring in my remote valley of peace and beauty.

Click on the link below to enjoy this concert. Be aware that the performers eluded being captured by my novice video shooting technique. I stood for 1/2 hour, with my fingers being bitten by the cold and my neck contorting into a posture meant for laying down. I was unable to capture their images but their vocals say it all.

http://youtu.be/3aMimaLzhJc

Please take the time to comment and share the ways you recognize and/or celebrate the return of spring.

Meanwhile in San Diego the Birds of Paradise express their wild beauty without song.