Here in Michigan spring can be a long time coming. Oh, I definitely have specific things that herald winter’s exit, like the sound of red winged blackbirds and singing frogs hanging at the pond across the street.

And there are the marsh marigolds brightening up banks of our local streams.

Still, we know that the snow could return any day, and likely will. We dream of warmth and trilliums, still a few weeks away.

Goldfinches turning yellow are a definite sign we’re finally on our way out of the gray, cold weather.

In the winter both the male and female goldfinches are an olive green. But once the weather warms up the males start to sport bright yellow feathers. I began to notice the color change last week, even as the icy rain continues.

Today I glanced up and my finch feeder was full of birds, all cold and hungry. You can see the patchy yellow on the male birds.

I could feel sad about all the grey skies and cold rain. But it’s impossible to feel down when my finches are turning gold!

Spring is here, I’m positive. And I dare mother nature to even think about snowing on us now!