Thursday, April 4, 2013

We're in the Middle of a Northern Migration (not birds)

       Now most of my followers know that I have a keen interest in birds so northern and southern migrations are very interesting for me.

      But this northern migration is different! It's "snow birds" that are heading north. Snow birds are those people who leave us to spend the winter in southern states or Mexico.

      In Canada and some northern states retirees who have some money like to spend their winters in the south. These people don't like winter weather and they like it warm so that they can continue with summer activities. So south they go in the fall and golf, hike, swim or any number of summer recreational activities.

     I had always thought that only Canadians went south for the winter. When I went to Arizona I was surprised to find out that most snow birds were Americans.

    When I was a child, on the farm, some of our neighbors went south. They would bring things that would freeze to store in our house. They also brought their live stock to our place for us to look after. So that was in the ancient time of snowbirds.

    Right now snow birds  are moving back north. Some begin the northern trip in mid march and others stay another month until mid April. For some their six month time limit and insurance times out. Others have to get home to meet some income tax deadlines.

    So, many snow birds are leaving the south and arriving back home. My brother left  Arizona on Mon. morning and got home yesterday. My sister-in-law is leaving Arizona April 14.

    So at this time of year there is much excitement as people start returning home.

    Would I be a snow bird? I don't think so. I like good old winter things to do.

31 comments:

  1. Happy is the man who's happy where he is. Sounds like something from a fortune cookie, but still true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But some of these guys are happy vagabonds.

      Delete
  2. I am content to stay home, too, Red. I am happy to see the end of this winter, though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can always go for a short time to somewhere warm.

      Delete
  3. I bet you appreciate the summer more than they do. Change is good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes there's some theory about the value of four seasons.

      Delete
  4. Our neighbors have been back since the last week in March. Husband and I are not Snowbirds either! We stay right here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The snow birds seem to be completely addicted to it. My Dad spent 20 winters in Phoenix.

      Delete
  5. I couldn't imagine leaving our winters - I love winter - where would you skate, cross country ski, go sledding or sail across a frozen lake, hanging on for dear life. ha,ha I don't think I would ever fly south with the "snow birds" either Red.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a lot to be said about winter activities.

      Delete
  6. My sister lives in Florida and happily waved goodbye to her snowbird friends this month. The traffic and store volumes fall to reasonable levels. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure the southerners are too keen about all the extra people. My brother lives in a resort that has 3500 sites.

      Delete
  7. i don't think i'd be a good candidate for living in two different places. well, i know i wouldn't because i'd have to haul all my animals with me. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well in the old days we kept the neighbors horses, cows and chickens. So there you go!

      Delete
  8. I see that in my future. When I was younger, it was never even a thought. As I get older I am realizing how much I don't enjoy our long winters and how bad they are for my health (both mental and physical). I think that if we do go south when I retire, it will not be to some super hot spot, but perhaps to the 4 corners area where I can hike and explore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you do go to four corners , you will gradually move further south.

      Delete
  9. Red if I had the funds and time you bet I'd be a snow bird as well, unfortunately that's not in the cards for me just yet. I'll keep on dreaming, especially on days like today where the snow seems it's never going to end!

    Will you be having your family over for a reunion?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No family reunion as all my relatives are in Sask.
      People who go south just love it so I'm sure it would be your thing. Just think...you'd have many more ideas for posts.

      Delete
    2. Red I would love to capture the world and blog about my experiences but for now I have to stay put... maybe in time.

      Delete
  10. I have seen a few Canadian plates on the highway.I went to school in Tucson, so experienced the arrival and exit each year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'v e been down to visit so I know about different license plates. Some of these resorts can be very large.

      Delete
  11. Snow birds are arriving back here also! They are all tan and brown as nuts...we aren't we still wear our winter whites!

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same thing here. They come back and look great as they've really been on a 5 or 6 month vacation.

      Delete
  12. Here in Minnesota, the retired snow-bird migration is as prevalent as the homeless that fly out in November and return in March...

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must have wealthy homeless there . Our guys stay here. Some find somebody to stay with. others stay out all winter.

      Delete
  13. I'm with you on this one, Red. We like our 4 seasons just fine. Though since I took up birding we've added a short week to ten day jaunt to Florida...:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing wring with having a look somewhere else. For us birders there's always one more to see.

      Delete
  14. I'm with you, too, my friend. Gimme a good, cold hard winter and I feel good about myself!
    Cheers from Cottage Country!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For anybody who likes clearing snow as much as you do you just have to stay here. My Dad spent 20 winters in Phoenix. It was good for him. I felt sorry for him when he couldn't go south anymore.

      Delete
  15. I had never really thought about it like that. Living in New Zealand half the year and the Outer Hebrides of Scotland the other half would, I suppose, make me a snowbird although I'm usually called a Godwit. It is true that I love the sun and warmth but, for me, there is also the opportunity for a whole six months of croquet which I cannot play where I live in Scotland and, of course, the experience of a completely different place and culture.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would love to leave for the coldest part of the winter..even two weeks would help my outlook. I know you love winter Red..good for you! :)

    ReplyDelete