Harbingers of Spring

The first day of spring has arrived. We got through the entire winter with only 5 inches of snow in total, the majority coming within the last couple of weeks.

Temperatures remain above average. There are harbingers of spring everywhere. The osprey returned right on schedule on St. Patrick’s Day. Warmer days see the peepers singing around the local freshwater ponds. Daffodils are blooming, along with crocuses and snowdrops. Many trees are budding and growing daily.

The weatherman predicts another 10 days of 50-degree-plus temperatures. We still have plenty of wind and wet weather. The spring rains have already started.

Last weekend, the heavy northwest winds produced some great low tides. Folks took advantage and caught some fresh hard clams. It’s a good time for a good clam chowder or clam pie. (If it’s a good clam pie you’re in search of, make a trip to Bennett Shellfish in Montauk. They have great clam pies along with other fresh local seafood.)

As wind has been a problem all winter, it has hampered codfishing. On days it cooperates, there seems to be better codfishing happening around Long Island, and from Block Island and Rhode Island. It seems the bite is early morning, and quite a few limits have been caught. With the upsurge of fish, it may last through the spring. I expect, with this warmer weather, that the first striped bass will be caught.

It’s time to try for some brackish water white perch. Freshwater fish will be starting to bite. It’s also time to uncover the boat and get to work. You can also spend time with binoculars and observe the waterfowl. They are in beautiful breeding plumage, and will be on their way north soon. Locally the skies are full of vultures, and there are eagles seen on a daily basis.

It’s time to think spring, enjoy the weather and go for a nice walk.