the most beautiful sign of spring: the return of the ospreys

[selinker]

What: The clockwork return of mated pairs of ospreys to the Pacific Northwest in early spring, to raise a family before returning south to California in the fall.

Comments

[qaqaq]

And then there's the tradition in Cicely, Alaska, where all the men of the town run naked after the ice cracks at the first thaw. Whether that is "beautiful" depends on your personal taste, I suppose (and the particular men involved).

[selinker]

Note to self: Do not move to Cicely, Alaska.

[tacotortoise]

In contrast to acroarcs, I'd like to offer a Boston-related sign I actually find enjoyable: lilacs. When passing through a residential area, you're never too far from a lilac bush, (and in Cambridge, you're never too far from a residential area) and the purple flowers herald weather that is not merely tolerable, but pleasant. If you just can't get enough, go over to the Arnold Arboretum on Lilac Sunday and wander among over 100 varieties.

My first year living in the Boston area, I could smell lilacs from my bedroom window for a good two weeks. I never saw the plants in question, but they made me happy nonetheless.

[selinker]

Lilacs were a close second to tulips on my list. Great choice.