Bird Arrives, Spring Officially Begins

The humble plover has returned again to Iceland, heralding the beginning of spring.

Vísir reports that photographer Guðmundur Falk spotted the plover near the Garðskagavita lighthouse in southwest Iceland. The bird has not yet molted and grown its summer colours, but that is expected to change soon.

The plover’s appearance is traditionally associated with the start of spring in Iceland. This year, the bird arrived a little late – last year, the first plover touched down in Iceland on March 19, which is even later than its 2012 arrival, on March 12.

Early March arrivals are rare. The average over the past two decades for the plover’s appearance is March 23.

Whether the plover will be able to fend off the snow predicted to fall over Iceland tomorrow still remains to be seen.