Signs of Spring!

There are lots of things that are signs of spring to us, after the hesitant days of early April tempt you into thinking that spring is here.  These are signs that spring is really here, usually by the end of April.

The willows have been somewhat yellow all winter, but by mid-April they are really yellow.

Lots of farm fields feature a small lake or two.  If the field is green like this one, it's likely winter wheat.

But a lot of fields in Grey County are like this, the light brown stubble of last year's hay crop.

 down on Lake Eugenia, the pair of Osprey who have used the nesting platform there for several years is back, though they obviously haven't laid eggs yet.

In the small urban stream valley around the corner, the grass is brilliant green in the sfternoon sun, and the water is flowing high.
 
At the end of that street there's a bright yellow patch of Sweet Coltsfoot, just the flower stems yet; the large leaves will come later.

Beautiful blue Eyed Grass coming up in a lawn around the corner.

A blurry long distance picture, but it's a Red Admiral, the first butterfly of the yearjust emerged from over-wintering larvae.

I think spring is really here!