Just when you’ve had enough of winter, Spring shows up—here are a few signs:

Robins are strutting on grassy spots.

One of the first signs of spring in the north used to be the robin. Now, with climate change, many robins are staying here year-round. But they still announce spring when the males break out of the flocks and begin to outline their territories and become less tolerant of other males being near them. They will “attack run”or lower their heads and lift the tails or simply taking short runs at the other male getting too close. 

Crocuses and Daffodils are poking up through the earth.

These colorful early spring flowers are a welcome sight in March and April. And remind us of William Wordsworth’s poem.

 I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud 

I wandered lonely as a cloud/ That floats on high o'er vales and hills,/ When all at once I saw a crowd,/ A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,/ Fluttering and dancing in the breeze./ Continuous as the stars that shine/ And twinkle on the milky way,/ They stretched in never-ending line/ Along the margin of a bay;

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,/ Tossing their heads in sprightly dance./ The waves beside them danced; but they/ Out-did the sparkling waves in glee;

A poet could not but be gay,/ In such a jocund company:/ I gazed—and gazed—but little thought/ What wealth the show to me had brought;

For oft, when on my couch I lie/ In vacant or in pensive mood,/ They flash upon that inward eye/ Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,/ And dances with the daffodils.

Weeping Willow branches are turning golden yellow.

The Weeping Willow, originally from China, has been naturalized in many US locations. There are several growing in North Point Park where the branches are turning golden yellow and telling us that spring is here. 

Canada Geese are pairing up.

They are getting ready to build their nests around mid- to late March. Most Canada geese pair with a mate at age two or three and they usually stay together for life. If one member of a pair dies, the other goose usually finds another mate within the same breeding season. As soon as a nest site is chosen, the male begins to defend a sizable area surrounding it while the female defends only the nest site. In our neighborhood, there have been three nest sites; one is along the Broad Canal and the other two are partially hidden by shrubs and grasses -- one on each side under the Longfellow Bridge.  As with any creature of nature, they should not be disturbed!

Redwing Blackbirds have returned to marshy spots.

The perfect place to see and hear them is at North Point Park. Listen for their characteristic sound  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3QicOAiBXk   The males usually arrive first, the less glamorous females a little later and then the courtship and mating activities begin.

Rowers and Sailboats are on the Charles River

Rowers from local universities, clubs and individuals just out for the fun of it are seen sculling up and down the river. Sailboats from Community Boating, Sailing Camps and university teams are now furling their colorful sails up river on the other side of the Longfellow Bridge.

The Floating Wetland is back in place 

The floating island is a research project of a partnership with the Charles River Conservancy and Northeastern University. Laura Jasinski, Executive Director of the Charles River Conservancy, explains: “We hope to see an increase in size and quantity of zooplankton around the floating wetland. These tiny creatures can be efficient grazers of algae - or cyanobacteria - that can be toxic to humans and animals. Algae blooms can limit recreational use of the river in summer, including swimming. Our hope is that by adding zooplankton habitat to the Charles, we can bolster their population and ultimately use this ecological intervention to make the river healthier.” It will be in our river neighborhood at least through this summer. Take a look and read the sign on the fence near it.

Potholes are at their finest.

In case you wanted more information about these annoying craters, they are caused by the expansion and contraction of ground water after the water has entered into the ground under the pavement. When the water freezes and thaws over and over in the Boston winter, the pavement weakens and cracks with the weight of cars and truck and potholes are born. The good news is that they are a sign of spring!

Esplanade Decks are blooming.

Linda Felter is taking advantage of a sunny spring day on her deck. Her new hi-tech gardening gloves (present from her husband, Ken) are perfect for preparing the soil for her new and ‘wintered over’ plants. Linda’s garden on her deck is a masterpiece in beauty and botany!  We’ll follow her over the course of the summer to share some of that beauty with our readers so stay tuned.  (Notice the sign on her shirt: “You’re never too old to play in the dirt.”) And, if others of you would like to share your deck gardens, please send us some photos.

The Duck Boats have returned to the Lower Basin.

These tour boats are seen all summer going up and down the lower basin—right in front of the Esplanade. A sure sign of spring when they begin their travels.

"So, get out and meet Spring’s Welcoming Committee. Enjoy!”

And, of course, the Red Sox who’ve welcomed spring in Boston since 1912!

 --Jane Hilburt-Davis