Even though there was a little snow to start off the week (or almost a foot in some places north of the Twin Ports), this spring has been abnormally warm. With the early warmth come many signs of summer, including the return of our state bird to the Great White North.

According to the Minnesota DNR (via MPR), at least 6 of the 29 loons tagged for tracking have already returned to Minnesota as of last week. According to the report, loons generally don't return to the area until the end of April or the early part of May.

As temperatures rebound into the 50's later this week, things should be more hospitable for the migratory birds that flock to the Gulf of Mexico for the winter. While you're out enjoying the nice weather (when it returns), here's to also enjoying the distant call of a loon or two to make it feel more like spring.

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