The recent weather in Massachusetts may have lots of us feeling like we’re on a wild rollercoaster ride, but don’t despair—spring is coming!

The sights, smells (looking at you, Skunk Cabbage), and sounds of spring—from the sweet fee-bee call of the late-winter chickadee to the spring peeper’s chorus of chirps—are popping up everywhere. Here are five signs of spring you can look for in the coming weeks to usher in the milder days of the season.

What signs of spring have you seen so far? Which do you look forward to every year?

Black-capped Chickadee © Laura Mysliwiec

Bloodroot © Maili Waters, 2016 Photo Contest Winner

Spring Peeper © Jana Trusz

American woodcock © Anna Jarosinski

Skunk Cabbage © Mass Audubon/Rene Laubach

The searing heat of the dog days of summer has finally passed, and cool autumn weather is upon us. Some much-needed rain has perked up sun-scorched grasses and with each passing day, more and more trees are displaying their radiant fall splendor.

To celebrate the turning of the seasons, here are five great photos of birds in fall, all past submissions to our annual Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest.

Barred Owl © Cheryl Rose, Photo Contest 2013

Canada Geese © Harold Dubnow, Photo Contest 2012

Golden-crowned Kinglet © Mary Keleher, Photo Contest 2013

Blue Jay © Davey Walters, Photo Contest 2014

Black-capped Chickadee © Rich Lewis, Photo Contest 2014