Fish Hawk Day

The National Aeronautic and Space Administration reports that all but one of the 16 hottest years in its 134-year-long record have occurred since 2000. The data underscore the truth about global warming, and that some of the world’s most vulnerable populations already are suffering.

Here on eastern Long Island we might take comfort that global warming has not changed the first day of spring, at least on the calendar, which old-timers knew as Fish Hawk Day. Let’s watch for the magnificent osprey’s return on Tuesday, if not sooner — and celebrate.