Olivia Merva ’29
EE Staff Writer
Even though February often feels like the dead of winter, there’s something quietly happening around us, spring is slowly creeping in. You might not notice it at first, especially when a blizzard warning is plastered across the news, but subtle signs of the changing season are all around.
One of the easiest ways to spot this transition is the sunlight. Even in the middle of a snowstorm, the sun is setting a little later each day. Afternoons feel slightly brighter, and there’s a subtle warmth in the light that wasn’t there in December or January. If you step outside on a calm day, you might notice that the snow shines differently or that shadows are slightly sharper. The lengthening daylight is nature’s quiet reminder that winter isn’t permanent.
Animals also give clues that spring is on its way. Birds are starting to return, and if you listen carefully, you might catch the first chirps of the season. Even squirrels seem more active, and some early blooms are beginning to peek through the snow in milder areas. These signs are subtle, but they quietly signal that the earth is preparing for a new chapter.
People notice the shift too, even if they aren’t paying attention. Stores start stocking spring clothes, and you might find yourself thinking about outdoor activities or sports that will soon return. Your mood may feel lighter on sunny days, even if the wind is still biting. Psychologists call this a response to longer daylight, which can naturally lift energy levels after weeks of short, gray days.
February is an odd month. It can be harsh and cold one day, with snow and ice making everything feel frozen in place, and warm and bright the next, teasing up with the first whispers of spring. It’s an “in-between” season, a time where winter still dominates, but spring is gaining ground. You may not notice it if you are only focused on the snowstorm outside, but if you pay attention to light, nature, and little changes in your environment, you’ll see that the world is slowly shifting.
In the end, February is a month of inconsistency. It reminds us that change doesn’t always happen dramatically, it often comes in small, almost invisible steps. Even when winter rages around us, spring is quietly on its way, and all we have to do is notice it