Signs of Spring 2

Suddenly we can see the driveway.
It has been hidden under snow since early December. Two days ago small patches began to appear here and there and today they suddenly joined and here we are.
Another sign of spring is seen under the bird feeders.  Blackbirds have appeared and even a pigeon. (The pigeon is a first for us!) Driving along yesterday we saw two lapwings standing on the snow. They feed off ploughed fields and meadows, eating insects, and usually time their arrival to coincide with the thaw.  Are they early or do they know something we don't.
As we got our skis out of the car two days ago a butterfly flitted by; a butterfly in all this snow - strange!