It is the first day of Spring, and while we will still likely see lots of snow, there are some sure signs that Spring is arriving.

Other than the tremendous amount of snow melting which Lynne posted about recently, there are other signs:

• There is now more than 12 hours of official sunlight each day. The batteries are getting a full charge by early afternoon.
• Instead of snow, we have mud. You can tell it is Spring by the amount of dirt on the entry rug.
• There is the slightest hint of a green hue in the prairie grasses.
• Prairie dogs are out of hibernation and active. The hawks and eagles love this!
• Lots of "new" birds are around: Colorado Mountain Bluebirds, Evening Grosbeaks, Robins, Pine Siskens.
• The owl is starting his evening ritual of hoo-hoo-hooing.
• People are starting to venture into the area, driving around to see which roads are open. Landowners are assessing access to their cabins.
• The heater has not run overnight in almost a week. Overnight temperatures are staying well above freezing. (That can change!) It is warm enough for us to sit on the porch for lunch or for an evening glass of wine.

We are watching for other signs, too. More active wild animals; the first pasque flowers (a wild crocus); buds on the trees promising leaves soon.