Zugunruhe!

Every week, Rob and Laura Pilewski send out a report from the experiences as the winter rangers in Tuolumne Meadows. The reports always feature some wonderful photos, notes on winter travel in the Sierra, and wildlife observations. A recent post included this:

"We heard the Cassin's finch in Tuolumne Meadows for the first time this year. ... Like most human and animal species, birds will migrate if there is declining food availability or even social pressure. Temperature also acts as a trigger. And with the upcoming forecast, I think many creatures will be feeling the Zugunruhe (German for migration anxiety or restlessness). With two more monthly snow surveys to go, this is too early for the winter rangers to be feeling this way!"

Go here for the full report: https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/update-for-march-11-2026.htm