Is it a matter of variety, or perhaps location?

Probably used to more water during the spring, and therefore late to bud
since there has not been a lot?

Well, it is in the creek bed, sitting on silt, maybe about 4-5 feet
above the water table, so it has it's roots in a lot more water than
most of the trees around. Tap root oughta be pretty wet.

Now, I can't swear it hasn't done this every year.