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Heart Lake Almanac

Updated March 15, 2010

The Time of AriesHeart Lake

Soon March 21 will be upon us, the first day of spring. In the big wheel in the sky, this will be marked by the time that the sun enters into the constellation Aries according to the astrological zodiac. The zodiac is a system of 12 constellations that line up within the same arc as the sun, moon, and planets make across our southern sky. Aries represents the ram with the Golden Fleece, of Jason and the Argonauts fame, a famous Greek and Roman legend.

With the coming of the time of Aries on March 21, spring officially arrives at Heart Lake. The term spring of course is relative and often more of a state of mind. Here in the High Peaks, the beginning of spring can be sunny and pleasant or bitterly cold with deep snows. Spring comes slower to the elevations of the peaks and those venturing into the mountain backcountry should be prepared for deep snow, ice, and cold temperatures, so plan accordingly.

As it stands now, Heart Lake in mid-March is bathing in warm temperatures that have been consistently reaching 40 degrees during the day and a bit below freezing at night, decidedly warmer than usual. There’s still plenty of snow in the backcountry for skiing and snowshoeing though, and considerably more above 2,500 feet in elevation. Without question, these warm temperatures won’t last the whole month, but we’re on our gradual way toward spring. The telltale sign of increased bird song greets the ears of early risers who walk down to enjoy the morning on frozen Heart Lake. Just the other day, several guests saw a bear near the Mt. Van Hoevenberg trail, so even the slumbering bears have been inspired by the recent warm weather. It won’t be long before we see our first awakened chipmunks on the property.

By the end of March, ruffed grouse will commence with their seasonal drumming, in hopes of attracting a mate or two or three. An exhilarating sound of the season, the drumming seems to resonate deep in your chest and the sound seems to come from everywhere, as if the forest itself was issuing forth the deep, whirring noise. But the sound is indeed coming from the ruffed grouse, a chicken-like bird of our woods. The males find a prominent spot such as a log or open knoll and proceed to beat their wings together faster and faster, creating a low, resonant, and slightly eerie sound. If you’re in the woods near Heart Lake in late March and April, you’re sure to hear this sound at any time of day. Most people never have a clue what makes this fascinating sound, but now you know, so go and listen for it if you can. Enjoy the rest of the month wherever you may wander and go explore the season.

-- Matt Maloney, ADK Interpretive Programs Coordinator

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