As indicated by anouther post the yellow flower that is out there, looks
somewhat like dandelions is colts foot.  Mike
 
>I have a plant ID question for the botanists in the group -- Here in
>central NY the grass is growing up well & trees budding out, maples
>blooming heavily.  No dandelions here yet BUT lots of similar (smaller)
>yellow flowers which the bees are working well for pollen and nectar.
>Anyone have an idea what these flowers are called?  They grow along
>roadsides, in sunny spots, and along the sunny side of buildings.  It's a
>slightly different (perhaps less "bright") shade of yellow than dandelion,
>with smaller diameter, but otherwise very close in shape and structure.
>(And no bladelike dandelion-type leaves near ground under blossom.)  These
>are always the first wildflowers we see on the ground in spring.
>Thanks