UNADILLA - Unadilla Billie did not see her shadow at the 7:33 a.m. sunrise this morning, indicating an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil also forecast an early spring in Pennsylvania, where the famous groundhog is reported to have an accuracy record of about 40 percent.

Six weeks from Feb. 2 is March 15, so the Groundhog Capital of Nebraska is technically forecasting spring prior to March 15. The spring equinox is March 19 at 11:06 p.m.

Bob Brandt said Unadilla Billie’s forecast was in poetic form: “Not seeing her shadow she’s singing a tune.  Soon there will be red roses and spring will be here soon.”

Nebraska Extension says gardeners may start planting cool season crops like peas, broccoli and radishes as early as April 1.