Harbingers of Spring

Looking in the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, it was a word once used for an advance company of an army sent ahead to prepare a camping ground. It could also be a pioneer or a forerunner or to announce or presage.

Each year I look forward to these harbingers of gentler times and I often ask myself the question, if I had to choose just one which captures most completely that sense of anticipation or renewal, what would it be?

Although there are many and varied signs of Spring, my favourite harbinger is the brimstone butterfly. To glimpse this delicate pastel-yellow butterfly (especially the deeper, brighter male) flitting past the dark stands of leafless blackthorn in the early spring sunshine is to me a marvellous sight of coming regeneration and promise. I saw one this year as early as February 23rd in Langdon Hills.

Not one of mine this time - from Wikipedia

There must be countless choices but what is your favourite harbinger of spring?