The signs of spring

The pairing

The robins return

The grass starts growing

One sure sign that spring is on its way is "the pairing."  The pairing is most apparent among all the birds that suddenly appear in pairs.  The geese, that had arrived earlier this year, were frequently sighted waddling around together perhaps looking for a place to build a nest.  The ducks too are notorious for pairing up sidling off in twos to paddle in secluded areas of the stream. The sudden influx of robins is another sure sign that spring is on its way in. Although the robins began emerging in late winter, they seemed to be everywhere by early spring. Bright and alert they are always a welcome sight. Other birds appear too all chirping loudly now that old man winter was on his way out. Then, of course, there are the flowers that cautiously open their petals to the rays of sunshine that stay longer and grow stronger with each passing day.  And so, with all these signs, spring made its way into calendar. 

The flowers 

Thistle