How-to

Searching for Signs of Spring

By Jennifer Smart
March 6, 2009

Spring. Leading groundhog authorities and the calendar tell us it’s just a few weeks away, but depending on where you are in Canada, looking outside your window might bring on more of a spring chill than spring fever. As unpredictable as Mother Nature can be at this time of year, we do know that she won’t let us down. With the promise of warmer weather, singing birds and blooming flowers just a short wait away, make sure you keep your eyes open for these sure signs that spring has sprung.

Honk if You See Geese

A long-time symbol of Canada, the unique call and colouring of the Canada goose is a sure sign of spring’s return. Although some geese remain in southern Canada to overwinter, most travel further south before making the journey home to help welcome the changing of the season.

Rockin’ Robins

With a habitat range spanning nearly all of Canada, the robin is one of our country’s most common and delightful signs of spring. As the snow begins to thaw, watch for this little bird’s distinctive red breast and listen for its cheery chirp.

Learn more about Canada’s native bird species with our Wild About Birds I and II posters!

Crocus Pocus

If you’ve ever lived through a cold prairie winter you know what a welcome site the Prairie crocus can be. Found in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, this small, purple flower is a harbinger of the growing season to come.

Learn more about Canada’s native wildflowers with our Wild About Wildflowers poster!

How Sweet It Is

Canadians in the eastern part of the country start their spring sweet tooth salivating with the arrival of maple syrup. Produced from the sap of the native sugar maple, maple syrup is a delicious addition to the spring lineup.

Share signs of spring sightings in your area! Or upload your photos to the Reflections of Nature photo contest!

Tell us what what signs of sping you've seen!

Your Comments:

Submitted by wanda underhill, April 12, 2009

I am inquiring as to if anyone knows when I might expect to see crocuses this year around Regina, Saskatchewan. If anyone sees them, please let me know. Also, is there a way to know when to expect them from year to year?

Submitted by Linda , March 23, 2009

I saw a pair of Canada geese mating on our back pond in SW Ontario. I tried not to watch!

Submitted by Polly, March 17, 2009

Here in Eastern Ontario, I have seen this week: robins, red-wing blackbirds, Canada geese, & I think I heard a cardinal. No flowers yet.

Submitted by Christine Petersen, March 12, 2009

The Canadian geese have returned to BC's Interior! Also the buds are swelling on the trees!

Submitted by Diana, March 11, 2009

When the Cardinal begins exercising it's vocal chords, I know that Spring is just around the corner.

Submitted by pendlewitch, March 10, 2009

You are right, Michelle. There was a beautiful red cardinal at my bird feeder recently. The sparrows have come back to their same bird house and have started to throw all the old bedding out,(spring cleaning?)

Submitted by robins, March 10, 2009

a family of robins outside a window

Submitted by Patricia Radcliffe, March 10, 2009

My yellow crocuses (croci?) have been in bloom for the last couple of weeks, even though they've been covered with late snow several times, even here on Vancouver Island!

Submitted by Valerie, March 10, 2009

In Winnipeg today it is 21 below with wind gusts at 45 km. No Spring singns yet.

Submitted by Shari, March 9, 2009

I saw some geese yesterday in central Ontario. I also saw a dead skunk on the road.

Submitted by Michelle, March 3, 2009

It's more a prelude - the cardinals are back! They come in early winter, disappear in the middle of winter and then come back again in late winter. Almost spring!