Outdoors

10 photos that show the glorious first signs of spring

Published: May 20, 2020 Updated: October 7, 2022
loons gliding on a blue lake, spring
Photo by Deborah Collings
Return of an icon

The return of our beloved common loon in April is considered a sign that spring has arrived to cottage country.

black bears climbing a tree
Photo by Amanda Wallace
Cubs fans

Since healthy female black bears give birth before emerging from hibernation, by the time they leave their dens in April or May they often search for food with rambunctious cubs in tow.

blue robin eggs in a nest, spring
Photo by Erin Gamelin
Rockin' robins

Considered the first sign of spring by many, the sighting of a robin after a typical Canadian winter is very welcome. Robins tend to bring a sense of cheer with them as they are also one of the first birds to sing in the morning and they're one of the last birds to be heard at night.

bee collecting pollen on a pink flower
Photo by Chris Pudel
The bee's knees

We are happy for the warm days in March that bring with them bumble bees that awaken in time to collect pollen from the first blooms.

geese flying against a partially darkened sky
Photo by Peter Marcelli
Honk if you're home

Though a lot of geese tend to stick around Southern Ontario for the winter months, the spring migration will see more of them return home in March.

deer fawn in bright green grass, spring
Photo by Kristi Stokker
Babies everywhere

The adorable spotted fawns of white-tailed deer are typically born in late spring, with some births taking place as early as late March.

small plant growth seen against a dusky sky, spring
Photo by Olivia Taylor
Early bloomers

Once the ground has thawed, several bulbs will sprout even before the warm weather has fully arrived.

a cedar waxwing sits perched in a tree
Photo by Hunter Currie
Splash of colour

Spring blossoms signal that warmer weather is coming. We aren't the only ones who enjoy their showy display.

chipmunk perched on a wooden ledge
Photo by Jeff Gosse
We see our neighbours again

Just like us, chipmunks are happy to be active in the daytime during spring.

grey and yellow bird perched on a brach with it's beak open
Photo by Jason Dain
Spring migration

Spring signifies the return of many of our favourite migratory songbirds.

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10 photos that show the glorious first signs of spring

If there’s anything that this year has taught us, it’s that we shouldn’t take things for granted. That’s why, as the weather finally turns to spring and the days warm up, we can appreciate the beauty of the world around us now more than ever.

And spring really is one of the best times of year to do that. Animals are born, flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer—it might be a sneaky contender for the best season (hot take alert).

Did you know that white-tailed deer will be pregnant from November until springtime? That’s why the newly-grown plants are so important to them. Fawns will typically be born across the country between mid-May and early June. Does will chase away other offspring and find themselves a safe spot to give birth, such as a dense thicket.

And listen for the tell-tale “cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up” call of the American robin, which often camp out in mountain ash trees. You can plant things with the goal of attracting more wildlife to your property, just remember to buy seeds and plants from a nursery or greenhouse that uses native seeds. That way what you plant will be better suited to your area, and the plants are much less likely to be invasive.

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