On March 20 2012 when this was first published –and now in April 2024– exactly on the spring equinox (or nearly so) the amphibian universe activates in Maine. The biological chorus switches on. The air is wet and cool, sweet with spring and as our car travels through the tunnel…

She is a Helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) also known as a gleanie on our front porch Yarmouth, Maine USA Ne’er so fair a day as this day.First was frost which rises in the warming light while all live things are busy with the preparations of fall.Our house, barn, and…