If you are anxious for the arrival of spring, be on the lookout for signs of the approaching season. There are signs everywhere – in the sky, the garden, the woods, fields, and near water. In the city and the country, watch for the symptoms – the signs of spring’s approach.
Watch the Sky
The sun will begin to show up at an earlier hour and go down later as the spring nears. Notice the sky. Are you seeing more sunlight? A Farmer’s Almanac publishes the hour to expect sunrise and sunset, or listen to the weather forecast or check the weather page in the newspaper to see the time the sun will rise and set.
With spring, the sunlight is warmer and the air is too. The air grows balmy, warm and damp. You may notice more breezes from the south. In many regions there are tornadoes or other spring storms, including evening rain showers and snowfalls with large wet flakes.
There will be more fluffy cumulus clouds and more sunshine. You might also see Canada geese flying toward the north.
Watch the Ground
Snow melting and turning to dirty slush may not be, but it does prove that temperatures are rising and warmer days have arrived. So dirty snow and mud puddles are signs of spring. Water in ditches and along the streets, and frequent showers instead of snow is a sign that spring is coming.
A little farther along you may notice a pale green tinge beginning to show up. In some areas cold proof plants such as wild onions begin to sprout fueled by the extra moisture of spring rains and snow melt.
Crocus, hyacinth, tulips and daffodils begin to send up spears and the first blooms may appear before people recognize that spring is coming. Pansies can bloom in cold weather and they may be seen in flowerbeds in February and March. Cold, frost, even freezing temperatures do not affect these flowers much.
Watch the Animals
When spring is approaching, notice the birds. Watching bird activity can tell you much about spring’s approaching. Robins hopping on the lawn are is a sign of spring. Birds begin nest building and geese can be seen overhead flying north. Eastern bluebirds are one of the first kinds of birds to start nest building, so when you see those little songbirds it is a sign of spring.
Animals that hibernate might be observed. At the zoo, you will notice animals coming out of their dens and sunning themselves more often. Even domestic pets like cats and dogs like to take advantage of sunshine and the warming ground.
If you live in the country, you may have the opportunity to find some animal tracks in the damp ground near ponds or streams. Look for raccoon, skunk, possum, fox, armadillo, beaver, deer, rabbit, turkey, and coyote tracks.
More insects can be noted outside when the season begins to change. Swarms of gnats and flies hatch out in the warmer air, even if the air still seems cold to you it can be markedly warmer. Checking daily temperatures several times a day you will be able to see the definite warming trend.
Watch the Trees
Trees begin to bud and produce flowers. The earliest to bloom may be fruit trees. Buds on trees may form and begin to swell. This is a sure sign of spring. Trees start leafing out at different times and rates. Redbud trees make flowers that are later replaced by leaves. Watch the progression of the trees beginning to sip up the spring ground water and push out their leaves. Pecan trees are one of the last to put on leaves.
There are many subtle signs of weather changing from winter to spring. Learning what to look for can give you hope and a cheerful anticipation of warmer days ahead. Remember to watch the sky, the ground, the animals and the trees for many of these signs of the changing season.
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