Birds screech overhead, a light breeze swirls, and youthful bodies lie stretched on beach towels, absorbing the afternoon sunrays.

It’s just another day on the Nelson lawn.

With the recent stretch of warm weather, many DU students have taken advantage of the sunny and balmy days to tan, eat and play sports on the grass that has suddenly turned from brown to lush green.

Sporting bikinis and IPods, the sun worshippers gather on the patch of grass between Nelson Hall and Johnson-McFarlane Hall the moment warmth allows.

They pass the time tanning or even studying, laptop computers or books perched on laps or spread on the grass.

“I come outside to get my homework done in the sun,” said second-year student Megan Nohelty, seated on a beach towel wearing a tube top and shorts. “If I was inside, I would just want to go outside. I also like to work on my tan.”

Tanning and getting rid of winter pallor is the aim of many.

“I am just trying to tan and really relax,” said second-year student Carolyne Wolfe. “And I want to make the most of this nice weather.”

Male students, sans shirts, toss a Frisbee over the heads of the sunbathers. In the background techno music blares out of stereo systems from open windows of nearby dorm rooms.

“I love the sun and love being tan,” said Cody Sherrill, holding yellow Frisbee in hand. “I can’t stand sitting inside on a nice, beautiful day.”

Wearing bathing suits and shorts on the lawn has prompted many to pack their winter clothes for the year.

“I have put all of my winter clothes in storage,” said Wolfe. “I needed to make room in my closet for all of my summer clothes.”

Though the advent of spring and warm weather allowed students the opportunity to gain tans and time outdoors, forecasts hint at an end to the current warmth, adding truth to the Colorado saying: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.”