It’s been much warmer than usual in Southcentral Alaska and the seasonal change has come early—way early! One of the markers is the return of waterfowl. The first gulls showed up yesterday; geese should follow soon. The arrival of these two migration leaders usually occurs in the first or second week of April, but the lakes and marshes are opening up rapidly and many more species will be here shortly. Winter is behind us, though there may well be more inclement weather, including snow, before summer is actually here.