Breeding Season's Early Signs

This weekend I have become aware of trends pointing distinctly at spring's arrival.  One is the emergence of flowering buds for the Red Maples.  Another: noisier birds.  The Tufted Titmice, and others, are more fussy, singing more, and giving all the signs that they are re-establishing territories.  It is not usually too much later in the winter that the perennials start nest building, so none of this is a big surprise.  Frankly, given the kind of winter we have had I am ecstatic about any signs of nicer times.  So let's hear more birdsong!