I saw my first osprey yesterday. It was a glorious spring sight and, despite its altitude, hard to miss with all the noise. The pinkletinks are back singing as well. At this time of year it’s habit to roll down my windows while driving through the corner at Brandy Brow. Such a melody those little frogs willingly share. If you need a boost to the spirits, I suggest the simplicity of rolling down your car windows. The sound, comparable to waves lapping on the shore or an owl’s trill call in the evening, is nature’s music.

Let’s send some well wishes to one of our resident birders, Andy Goldman, who has found himself hunkered down at the hospital just a tad under the weather. His teenage granddaughter, Beka Goldman, has been in town for a visit so perhaps her presence is enough of a spirit booster that home will be quickly on the horizon for Andy.

Timing was right and I had a moment to catch up with Susan Heilbron, Andy’s other half, and she was please to share that her new knee is treating her exceptionally well. She will be cane-less is no time.

Let’s send well wishes to another one of my favorite birders, Soo Whiting, who has recently undergone knee surgery. I trust she will be meandering the shorelines and fields soon.

Billie Hancock is a little lonelier now that her grandson, Christian Carroll, has made his way back north from a week palling around with her in Florida. According to Ms. Billie, Christian joined Joey Burkett for a day at The Players Club and then ventured a second time on his own. I’m sure it’s perfect golfing weather in Florida at this time of year.

Rev. Janet Stoddard and her pup Toby have been settling in at the parsonage. The two often take strolls and on one of her most recent, Stanley Larsen had the chance to meet her. He mentioned they had a nice chat. Welcome, Janet, may the extra light of these spring days allow you the opportunity to have continued pleasant interactions.

Drew Dubno, the go-to person at the Chilmark Library when it comes to kids stuff, shared that judges, Donald Nitchie, Susan Puciul and Claudia Taylor are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to review this year’s entries for the Elisa Brickner Poetry contest. The deadline for submissions is April 4, with entries divided into two groups: one for ninth and tenth grade writers and one for eleventh and twelfth. Winners will be celebrated on April 29 at 4 p.m. at the library. The contest has been an important part of library tradition since 1994.

This past weekend an impressive group of players comprised of Island police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, harbormasters and more took to the ice for the annual MV Fire/EMS vs. Police hockey game. The camaraderie on the ice during this duel between the Finest and the Bravest was palpable, and all done in an effort to raise some funds for Harbor Homes. The faces on the ice were familiar ones, including Tri-Town Ambulance chief Ben Retmier and Menemsha harbor master Ryan Rossi.

Members of the Chilmark Fire Department and countless numbers from West Tisbury responded to Quansoo Beach the other evening for a brush fire. Fortunately, the acre or so was easily contained and extinguished. This is a perfect teaching moment from Fire Chief Jeremy Bradshaw who reminds us that, despite the rain, natural fuels are prevalent and conditions are still conducive to fire. You are encouraged to recreate responsibly, create defensible space around your home, get a burn permit, be mindful of fire hazards and more. You can follow the Chilmark Fire Department on both Facebook and Instagram or check out the town website for fire safety tips.