Spring comes slowly here in Maine and this year is no different. We are warming slowly and subtly, a few snow flurries this morning make that 
point. I notice that firewood does not need to be brought in as frequently. Most of the winter it is a daily task now every other day soon once a week and by summer occasionally. Progress to be sure.
Temperature over 30 when I got up this morning for the first time in a while. The finches at the feeder are clearly searching the yard for nest sites and the air has a softness to it. The forecast tells me that less wood 
will need to be fed to the stoves this week. Not to say winter is over, here in Maine March is very much a winter month but with longer days and the sun gaining strength we can begin to talk about ice out.
I know winter is hardly over. It is still February but two sunny days in a row with temperatures in the 40’s have me thinking that spring is not far off! It helped to have a flock of male bluebirds visit the feeder 
yesterday (second time this winter) and to hear the other birds singing.
