How do you KNOW when its spring?

[Cheesecutter]

I know the calender says its spring but it sure doesn't feel like it. What do you use as a sign that spring is really here? I thought it might be interesting to see what others think. Myself,its when I hear my first red winged blackbird. When I hear that song... I KNOW spring is here!

 

[Whitespider]

That's easy!
When the first car (usually a mail person running radial tires) is swallowed by a frost boil in the gravel road... usually followed by the deafening roar of every diesel field tractor within earshot simultaneously firing-up the next morning. And if you somehow happen to miss that... the smell of manure and fertilizer will certainly get your attention.

Speaking of that, the ice went out on the river yesterday... spring must be finally thinking about an appearance.

 

[Blazin]

When one of the cats leave a Robin in front of the sliding glass door.

 

[Uncle John]

When all this snow melts!

 

[dave_dj1]

When the grass is green and the robins sing.

 

[Cheesecutter]

I asked the same question at work. I got the usual dandelions, lawn mowers ,robins, but I also got nightcrawlers, thunderstorm, gopher and my favorite"when the snow pile behind the shop melts and I have to buy ice for my beer".

 

[H 2 H]

When you use your lawn mower the first time - so far three times this year crazy weather here in the PNW this year

 

[Whitespider]

..."when the snow pile behind the shop melts and I have to buy ice for my beer".

I hate that when that happens!

 

[beerbelly]

When the snow finally leaves the yard, and the following day it is around 90 deg. We don't get spring anymore!! It goes from frozen tundra to summer within 24hrs. :msp_angry:

 

[beerbelly]

I have to buy ice for my beer".

That about says it all! Noooooooooooooooo!

 

[ETpilot]

I can't go by any of the indicators mentioned. I already have Blackbirds, Cardinals and other assorted birds on the feeder. Robins have setup shop. I have cut my grass two times already. My pastures are deep green and some areas are close to waist high. I drink some beer but mostly sip on rum.

My indicator is when the chimney swifts make a home in the chimney. They will treat me to their sounds all summer. Then then they leave and I know fall is here.

 

[Oldmaple]

Lots of bird clues here. With most people it's the robins but for me it's the red winged blackbirds coming back. Also the male goldfinches getting their gold (hey look at me) plumage. My personal favorite is the tom turkey in full strut, showing off and looking for a girlfriend.

 

[husqvarnaguy]

When I can where shorts, go turkey hunting, go fishing, and when my nose get slam full of snot and my eyes itch.

 

[lone wolf]

When the Spring Peepers start peeping! They will start on the first few warm days then the weather will cool off a bit but in a week or so after that they will start again and keep peeping then it is really here. Works every time pay attention I been observing this for years.

 

[D&B Mack]

First day of trout... 5 days to go.

 

[blacklocst]

Its that certain organic smell rising from the ground on a sunny warmish slightly breezy day.

 

[zogger]

Started seeing blue skinks and snapping turtles out this week, thats the major sign.

 

[Grandriverrat]

When it finally stops dipping into the forties!

Dipping into the forties? That is a heat wave around here these days.:smile2:

 

[740jsmayle]

When the Spring Peepers start peeping! They will start on the first few warm days then the weather will cool off a bit but in a week or so after that they will start again and keep peeping then it is really here. Works every time pay attention I been observing this for years.

It must be close. I heard the peppers last week now it is in low 30's and snowing. I hope the forecast stays true and it warms up next week.

 

[Cheesecutter]

I thought it would be interesting to see how folks in different regions of the country or even the world consider the real start of spring . In the Midwest where I am its different than Texas or Alaska, or the coasts. A couple other people I asked mentioned snowbirds leaving, tulips blooming, and the neighbor taking down his Christmas lights.