By Biff and Susan Andrews

There are those who watch the calendar for signs of spring. There are those who watch the skies and heavens and meteorology reports for signs of spring and summer. For those of us who spend time outdoors, however, there are indicators that most folks miss. It’s not their fault. They’re not in the right environment. Or they’re relying on daffodils and crocus and such — too obvious signs.

Take laughing gulls for example. They’re a common bird, not all that pretty to look at (except for their eyes, which are striking) but they arrive every spring right about the time that crabbers start crabbing. The two go together like ham and eggs — the crab boats heading out with empty pots to set and the birds following them. For the entire summer the birds will follow the boats, feeding off the old bait that crabbers shake out — and shrieking their signature laughs. When you hear laughing gulls laughing, it’s time to go flounder fishing on the Eastern Shore.

And for the past few weeks, there have been dolphins in the James River. Mind you, we

are just back from Cape Hatteras, and there are no dolphins there, but they’re sure enough in the James. Ain’t life grand?

Upland woods trails sport May apples. We wrote an article a week or two ago about how beautiful and unusual they are. They still are, but they’re done blooming, making apples at the center of those blooms, and perhaps feeding box turtles with those apples. Another rite of spring for those in tune with the world around them.

The ospreys have been back for a while. A year or two ago, we wrote about their amazing migrations and returns to their nests from thousands of miles away. The scientists now say that more and more are choosing to stay here for the winter. Despite Mr. Pruitt and Mr. Zinke, the world is warming, and this may be the new normal. Anyway, they’re back, another sign that summer is coming.

My front yard is ankle deep in beautiful tulips. The tulip poplars do it to us every year. Imagine that every time you walk out of your front door that maidens are strewing your way with flowers. That’s what we face. Terrible, isn’t it? We persevere.

As I said, we’re just back from Cape Hatteras. Two more rites of spring — eating fresh asparagus by the dozen along with fresh, fresh (did I say fresh?) shrimp. This trip, we ate shrimp so fresh it was truly hard to peel them, and the asparagus was both tender and tasteful beyond belief. God is good.

Then there are the fish in the James. We wrote last week about the dozens of blue catfish available, but they are mixed with a few croaker. As spring goes on and summer nears, the croaker will slowly replace the catfish. There is someone up there watching over us.

So it’s spring leading to summer for those of us who are outdoorsy. Enjoy! And next year — look and listen for the laughing gulls yourself.

Susan and Bradford “Biff” Andrews are retired teachers and master naturalists who have been outdoor people all their lives, exploring and enjoying the woods, swamps, rivers and beaches throughout the region for many years. Email them at b.andrews22@live.com.