What signs made Christopher Columbus and his crew think land was near?

During the first voyage of Christopher Columbus, the crew looked for environmental indicators to gauge their proximity to land. On several occasions throughout September and early October 1492, sailors spotted floating vegetation and various types of birds, which were interpreted as signs that land was nearby.1

These sightings served to bolster the morale of the crew, who had become increasingly impatient and concerned about the lack of landfall, the nature of the winds, and their dwindling provisions. While these natural signs provided temporary reassurance, the crew's anxiety continued to mount until land was finally sighted from the Pinta on October 12, 1492.1