March is probably the ugliest time of the year for Appleton, and a difficult time for those who expect warm weather and lush green. Patience! Spring is coming, but slowly. I previously reported the return of blackbirds in mid-March. More recently, on March 24, I spotted robins back in the area. Yesterday, March 26, I also saw some kildeer. The birds are back and buds are about to spring into life on the trees - but there is still the possibility of more snow in the next few weeks. Right now, though, the ground is bare and vegetation a dull brown. Patience!