Spring marks a season of renewal and fresh starts. Nature wakes up, flowers blossom and animals return.
Even though its exact timing varies by area, there are certain telltale signs that Spring has finally arrived. We enlisted local experts’ help in creating this list of 10 indicators to look out for as spring progresses.
1. Birds
Springtime marks nature’s awakening and fresh start, when birds emerge from winter hibernation to return home and begin life anew.
Birds sing and dance during spring to attract potential mates, usually female birds that lay eggs and give birth. With this attraction comes an increase in songbird activity which provides new life for our ecosystem.
Frogs and toads also emerge from winter dormancy in freshwater ponds, marshes, and lakes to search for food sources and mates. As their numbers increase exponentially each spring, spring has arrived!
Male birds use their loud chirps in spring to attract mates by singing melodically to attract female birds while intimidating potential competitors.
Spring sees many birds returning after wintering in South and Central America, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird which returns every spring with male adults sporting bright red throats while females or juveniles lack this feature.
One of the earliest signs of spring in birds is seen through their plumage change; an American goldfinch male typically loses their vibrant yellow coloring during winter and becomes greenish-gray in coloration instead.
As spring unfolds, male goldfinches slowly return to their original yellow hue; some also feature an unique patch of color on their breasts.
Some birds like nightingales may be harder to spot, but their stunning songs will catch your ear if you listen closely. Their melodious songs have become one of nature’s most beautiful sounds.
As spring arrives, various other species of birds such as robins and red-winged blackbirds become prevalent across the state, especially where there are plenty of trees or bushes to shelter them.
2. Flowers
Flowers are one of the most delightful sights to see as temperatures heat up, adding color and drawing birds and butterflies into gardens and parks alike. Plus, their blooms often attract other creatures such as hummingbirds!
Feng shui flowers can also be an ideal way to start prepping your home for spring, providing a beautiful addition to window boxes or bouquets.
Flowers not only possess aesthetic value, but can also hold special symbolic meaning. Tulips, for instance, often serve as symbols for renewal and new beginnings.
Daffodils are one of the hallmarks of spring, with their tiny petals that resemble tiny faces and their sunny hues including yellow, white and orange blooming throughout springtime. Popular choices for flower beds or indoor containers, they symbolize free thinking and admiration.
Forsythia is an iconic landscape shrub and outdoor plant, heralding spring’s arrival with its bright yellow buds that appear late winter – a sure sign that spring has arrived!
Snowdrops are one of the hallmarks of spring, bursting into bloom even in cold climates from February on. Their small white flowers represent hope and have even been known to push through layers of snow to bloom!
Early spring flowers typically make an appearance in March or April and typically include hyacinths, daffodils, pansies, and tulips. Later blooming varieties typically bloom between May and June as they require additional sun exposure and time for their full development before blooming.
Flowers are more than just pretty; they play an essential role in pollination – the process by which plants attract other species such as bees to visit them and collect pollen – thus helping ensure their success and ensure flowers evolve to attract specific pollinating animals that ensure pollination takes place successfully.
3. Birds’ Nests
Birds are one of the most easily identifiable wildlife species to spot during spring, as many migrate back home after a harsh winter and enjoy fresher air and no snowfall or frost.
Spring marks the season when birds flock together in search of partners, using vocalizations and chirps to attract potential mates. Birds become louder during this period as they use calls and vocalizations to find potential matches.
Male birds also use nest-building as part of their strategy for courting potential mates in spring. Their nests may be covered with lichen, moss or soft leaves to protect the eggs contained inside it.
When visiting nests during spring, avoid disturbing them as much as possible to protect the birds inside. Even though a baby bird might fall out accidentally, it would be prudent to reintroduce it gently back into its nest if one does slip out.
Spring birds include robins, larks, song thrushes, dunnocks and chaffinches as well as red-winged blackbirds and wrens; setting up a bird feeding station in your garden can be an ideal way to observe these species while providing them with enough sustenance. If any damaged nests come your way don’t hesitate to notify local animal control authorities as well as wildlife rehabilitators immediately!
4. Plants
Plants are intelligent creatures, and one of the early indicators of spring’s arrival is when new growth emerges from under the soil. As temperatures increase, plants release hormones telling them it’s time for new growth – not only plants either – fish also start awakening after sleeping through a long winter slumber and begin making noise again as spring’s arrival is recognized.
Lilacs are an early indicator that spring has arrived in the US, often being among the first plants to put out leaves and bloom – though you may need to wait a couple weeks until their full splendor appears.
Maple trees likewise tap their sap for making syrup in mid-February to March (a sure sign of warmer weather). To obtain delicious sugary treats from your maple tree, wait until after its sap has completely cooled before tapping it off.
At last, spring can officially arrive when the Vernal Equinox (22-23 September) falls between Leo and Virgo signs; this marks an ideal opportunity to prune roses, fertilize most lawns, and apply Crabgrass pre-emergent when Forsythia flowers or Crocus bulbs begin blooming.
5. Water
Water often serves as the first sign of spring. This may take the form of natural springs where water springs up from beneath the ground, or human-contaminated sources like lakes or rivers.
Spring’s early signs in water may resemble those on land: flowers, birds, trees and grass. You should also keep an eye out for other things that signal spring’s arrival, such as daffodils and snowdrops emerging after an extended winter; delicate crocuses with delicate blossoms; or vibrant tulips blooming brightly throughout spring.
Spring marks nature’s revival after a long winter, when temperatures begin to warm and nature blooms with new life and blooming flowers. Now is an excellent time to get outside and appreciate some fresh air and nature’s stunning sights!
Most people consume spring or bottled waters from these sources for its many advantages, particularly its unfiltered nature and lack of chemicals used to filter it; furthermore, its natural minerals offer several health advantages for our bodies.
Spring water can help cleanse your body of any toxins you’ve been exposed to during winter, which is especially helpful if you suffer from stress or an illness; drinking spring water will likely alleviate symptoms more effectively.
Water is essential to our bodies; we rely on it for hydration, digestion and the removal of waste products from our systems. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in strengthening our immune systems so as to ward off illnesses and infection.