Just this week in Maryland, I’m finally starting to see sure signs of Spring.  Granted, the lows at night still dip below freezing and the snow from the February storms still is heavy on the ground in some places, but signs are everywhere that Winter’s icy grip finally is broken.  Some of my “new” favorite things?

Great flocks of geese heading north at all times of the day and night.  You can hear them in the middle of the night flying overhead quietly calling out to each other to stay in formation even in the dark of night.  As morning light appears, the v-shaped flocks of 20 to 50 birds can be seen all over the sky.  Thrilling!

Birds returning from their winter vacations.  No, not the gray haired types, but the real birds of Spring.  We’re starting to hear more robins, sparrows, etc.  Very nice to hear these sounds again.

Crocuses poking up through the still melting snow.  No blooms yet from these early harbingers of Spring, but they can’t be far off.

Daffodils, the ones planted too shallow, are starting to appear.  Hope they don’t freeze in the next few weeks!  Nice to see them too, though.

And finally, warm sunshine!  50s and 60s with bright, clear sunshine during the day this week has everyone aching for Spring to arrive.  Over 80 inches of snow this year has us done with winter.  Forget the sledding and skiing!  Bring on springtime gardening and camping!

Welcome back Spring.  It’s good to see you again.