Animals to Watch in Spring

Are you excited about spring’s arrival? I am. I’ve been watching for it for longer than I probably ought to. (Winter in Wisconsin, as you may have heard, seems interminable.)
Officially spring began on the Vernal Equinox, when the length of days and nights are the closest to equal because the tilt of the Earth's axis is virtually straight, neither leaning toward or away from the Sun.

The Vernal Equinox is usually March 20 or March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, so that means it’s already behind us and each day is growing progressively longer.

Those of us who aren’t trying to gaze into the depth of the solar system or comparing the day-to-night length can search for other signs of spring. We look for animals.

1. Robins. When we spot one, we know that winter either has or will soon vanish.
2.Rabbits. You’ll probably notice them seeking bunny partners. It’s time to start a family.
3. Whooping Cranes. We seldom see them, but occasionally one or two wade in the pond nearby.
4. Bald Eagles. They, too, are rare in our parts, but in less densely populated areas of Wisconsin, close to a body of water that serves as a feeding grounds, to catch a glimpse of this majestic bird is not unusual.

5. Loons – if you’re fortunate enough to live on or near a lake.
6. Hummingbirds. These amazing creatures with their super-speedy wingbeat are returning to their Northern homes to build nests. My father tries to entice them with a hanging globe filled with red sugar water, with some success.
7.Gray Whales migrate, too. They return to their breeding grounds in spring. We don’t see many in Wisconsin (none, in fact) but we do dream of vacations on ocean shores.
8. Frogs.
9. Bears, awakening from hibernation. My brother who lives in Northern Wisconsin sometimes spots them.
10. Groundhogs awaken from hibernation, too, including Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania (for Groundhog Day).

11. Sea otters look for mates in spring. Sometimes biting noses to show attraction.
12. Foxes move about, and have kits.

13. And deer have fawns in spring.

In my backyard I have the pleasure of observing deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and robins. What animals do you watch? What animals do you associate with spring?

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Sources
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/spring-watch/spring-facts/spring-facts_02.html,
http://en.wikipedia.org