Islanders can take solace from the fact that this dance of one step forward, two back, is the norm and not the exception where our season of spring is concerned.

It is March and, as expected, the pace of the northward migration has increased. Southwesterly winds brought a variety of birds northward. Can spring and summer be far behind?

In these early days of spring an Islander is as likely to see morning frost as a blooming crocus, and one day's heat is the next day's chill.

Vineyarders mobilized by the Coalition to Create the Martha’s Vineyard Housing Bank had one mission on Thursday in Boston: to encourage legislators to pass the Island housing bank bill.

The Martha’s Vineyard Prescribed Fire Partnership held a controlled burn in Katama this week. Controlled burns are used to reduce the amount of fuel for wildfires, and to help to restore the health of plants and natural areas.

The faint stirrings of spring are felt. The pinkletinks sing their songs of love, the lambs begin to take their first steps. The light changes and the wind carries with it a hint of warmth. The den begins to feel too small and the wider world awaits.

The Vineyard's most peaceful and least frantic week of the year is drawing to an end. It's the turning point of winter as spring appears on the horizon. The week’s earlier snow has retreated into puddles, then disappeared.

The Vineyard girls hockey team season ended sooner than planned Thursday, with the girls losing 5-2 at home to Norwood.