Finally, signs of spring are emerging, and that is a welcome sight!

For instance, male red-winged blackbirds, flashing their gorgeous red and yellow epaulettes and singing their strident konk-la-ree songs, are beginning to populate area marshes and claim their territories. That’s one sign.

Robins are now in our backyards and out on the soccer fields, hunting for worms. That’s another sign. And it won’t be long before the peepers start peeping, and the ospreys, our beloved fish hawks, fly in from as far away as the West Indies and take ownership of their nesting platforms.

Scientists say mating pairs of ospreys often winter apart, yet mysteriously know when to head north and rejoin each other, sometimes arriving on the exact same day, or within a day or two of each other, to reclaim their old nests. How do they do that?

Before the ospreys head south for the winter, I secretly believe they both check their calendars and say something like, “Honey, have a great winter. I’ll meet you back here, weather permitting, on March 25.” And darned if they don’t do it.

Indeed, tree buds are popping, insects are buzzing, woodpeckers are drumming, and crocuses and daffodils are sprouting. It’s undeniable. There’s something about spring that lifts the soul.

Let me leave you with these seasonal quotes from the website keepinspiring.me. They uplifted me. I hope they do the same for you during these difficult times.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’

Robin Williams

“Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.”

Anita Krizzan

And finally, these inspiring words from Robert Schuller, pastor and motivational speaker:

“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.”

Bill Hobbs lives in Stonington, writes a nature column for The Times and can be reached for comments at whobbs246@gmail.com.