With all the covid restrictions and lock-down life, spring seems to be taking an age to kick into life. It has also been so wet that every walk seems to be splashing through mud and getting dirty. But signs are there now.
I saw these Long Tailed Tits in a bramble hedge collecting up nest material. Its great to see them getting on with their breeding season.
Long Tailed Tit collecting nest material off the bramble. Such a lovely sight!
It's also great to see the trees starting to come out in bud. One classic sign are the hazel Catkins.
March is also the classic time for the "Mad March Hares" when they become a lot more noticeable and the females are harassed by the males and box them away. They are one of my very favourite mammals in the British countryside.
By standing quite still as soon as I sighted it, I managed to get great views of this one. They breed from February to September and my instinct tells me that it may well have had young around. They only go to them once a day at sunset, to reduce the risk of predators discovering them. Isn't that amazing how the young stay still in the form throughout the day.
I am now looking forward to hearing the Chiffchaff in a hedgerow, this is my harbinger of spring.
I think that after last year, this is the most welcome and anticipated spring time ever!
Bring it on!
