Years ago, my wife started to keep an outdoor journal of her observations and especially the dates of changes in our flora and fauna appearances each year.

According to her journal, this weekend marks the return of the Hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles and Rose Breasted Grosbeaks to our neighborhood.

If by schedule, the female grosbeak arrived a few days early, which means that the males will not be far behind. She also predicted by her journal that the Canada goose will be showing off their goslings this week and sure enough I spotted seven new hatchlings being paraded around by the parents at the local fishing lake. I also knew it was time to finish my fencing around the perennial gardens and vegetable garden.

This is no exaggeration, I completed putting up new fencing in the evening and I was able to observe a deer, a groundhog and a rabbit circle the perimeter of the fence in an effort to nibble on the new plant shoots … no journal — just good instincts!

According to my fishing buddies, this will be a good year for catching fish. I've had an exceptional year with landing two 24-inch trout and losing a third whopper at the net.I kept my promise and shared my catch with everyone who had asked me for some fresh trout. A friend Bob Schmoll brought me some Rainbow trout that he had prepared on his smoker and they were delicious despite my skepticism.I guess you always need to keep an open mind about trying new things before you form an opinion. The trout gear will be put away soon because I am thinking about some lake fishing for walleye and crappies. They are without a doubt some of the best fresh fish to pan fry for dinner in May along with fresh garden greens and asparagus.

May also brings the opening of Spring Gobbler across the state, and I have seen and heard plenty of birds sounding off.I am honestly a little hesitant to enter the woods in the spring as it is prime Deer tick season. Lyme's Disease is nothing to take lightly and there seems to be a good hatch of the ticks this year. The good news is that there is a new report of a vaccine being developed for general use by next year.It will be required to be administered annually like a flu shot but, in my opinion, it will be well worth it.Check with your PCP for updates on its availability; It will be very beneficial for people in our region. You do not have to be a hunter or fisherman to get a tick on you. They are easily picked up from pets, walking in grassy areas and in or near any wooded area events.

Are you observant enough to notice all of the wildflowers beginning to appear?I have noticed many blooming spring flowers that are common to see in our area including the Spring beauty, Common blue violets, Early buttercups, Coltsfoot, Rue Anemone and the Common Dandelion.If you are a trout fisherman and have walked streamside in wetland areas, I am sure that you have also crossed paths with the Yellow Trout lily, Snow trillium, Skunk cabbage and May apples. Interestingly enough a colony of these flowers can be very striking or a lone plant in contrast represents beauty equally as well. The leaves of the trout lily are mottled in colors that resemble a brook trout pattern and are lovely on their own.Two great resources for wild flower information are the Western PA Conservancy and the Jennings Environmental Education Center. The WPC can show you colored pictures of western Pennsylvania wildflowers as a guide for what to look for when you are afield. The Jennings Environmental Education Center provides a Self-guided Spring Wildflower Walkabout. This self-guided tour follows the Jennings trails already established in the nature center.Visitors can pick up a guide and follow the designated routes.To check on programs offered at Jennings call 724-794-6011 or go online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ Until we meet again stay on the paths and don't step on those lovely blue violets!<i>Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.</i>