SPRING: We are getting calls about the signs of Spring in the area. One resident saw a flock of geese, another a red-winged blackbird, and during the snow on Thursday, a robin.

For those who aren’t sure what to keep an eye out for, here are some other signs (both nature-related and not) that Spring is coming soon:

The male American Goldfinch is returning to its golden color, rather than sporting the drab olive color that they wear throughout the winter.

Silver maples, followed closely by red maples, begin to show buds.

Witch hazel shows bursts of yellow flowers on the plant.

The air changes, smelling of gentle rain, new grass, ozone and fresh soil — typically this is noticed more at dawn or dusk.

On the roads, you pass one of the fleet of white trout stocking trucks operated by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

You notice a lot of outdoor sport shows scheduled in your area or throughout the state.

Skunks, groundhogs and the Jefferson salamander are all making an appearance after a long winter slumber.

Seed catalogs show up in the mail.

Mud

Turkeys gobble differently in the Spring. It’s typically related to sorting out territories and gathering hens.

Grouse drumming begins in early March and peaks in mid-April.

For those out in the woods, antlers shed by deer begin to show up regularly.

Crocuses pop up, usually as soon as the first few inches of topsoil begin to warm up. These are considered a strong sign that Spring is coming soon.

The high-pitched calls of male peepers begin around the vernal equinox.

And of course, that perennial Pennsylvania sign of spring — potholes galore!