It is still staying cold, but nature carries on and is in full swing. It's great to get some dry weather and sunshine and to look out for the signs. My harbinger of the new season is always hearing the Chiffchaff in the hedgerows. It always takes me by surprise when I am usually doing something else, and then I notice it repeating it's name. "Chiffchaff Chiffchaff" and then suddenly become aware of its presence.
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| Chiffchaff |
It's amazing how this small bird can travel such distances from southern Europe and North Africa to greet us with its call. It is one of the first migrants to arrive.
Some birds start early and the regular Great Crested Grebe pair already have their young hatched and are feeding them up straight away.
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| Great Crested Grebe pair |
A tasty fish is offered to this first born. Like raptors they begin incubating their eggs immediately, so they hatch at different times. The adult seems to stay on the nest until they are all ready to leave.
Another very early breeder is the Mistle Thrush. This young one has already fledged and is begging for food up on a tree bow.
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| Juvenile Mistle Thrush |
Jays are also very active building there nests. This one soon had gathered many twigs and its home was very nearly complete by the time I left it.
In the grass Common Spotted Orchids are poking through and it was great to notice them even before their distinct flowers appear.
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| Common Spotted Orchid |
Love is in the air for these Collared Doves they do seem to get on with each other so well!
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| Collared Dove pair |
To all nature lovers enjoy the best season of all. Spring time in the UK
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