Whitecaps were charging across the river's surface this morning, something rare on this stretch of the Hudson even in a strong wind. The sky was a blazing blue, the sun bright, and the water rough and green. The grass is coming along and the daffodils (which may be narcissus, I don't know the difference) are glowing in protected spots and about to pop in more exposed ones. Brant geese circled and collected, trying flight patterns; they claim they're leaving for the north any day now. And one of my favorite phenomena, which requires the right combination of hard north wind and low tide, could be heard. The bridge that curves out over the water just north of my bench has a walkway made of open gratings. When there's enough space below it and the wind's strong enough, the bridge hums. It's a pleasant note that comes and goes with the wind, and is loud enough to be heard over it and over the traffic, too.