An early morning hoarfrost frames an American gold finch that was photographed last week soaking up the warm sunlight in an area garden. Numerous birds are starting to return to the valley, bringing with them the first signs that spring may be just around the corner. February 17 to 20, valley bird watchers, especially those in the Upper North Thompson will be taking part in Cornell University’s Great Backyard Bird Count. Go to www.birdcount.org to find out how easy it is to submit your daily checklists about the birds you see in your garden, or around the community, and help the university with this important annual North American avian census.