Theres a transition taking place around me as I write this. Everywhere I look now I can see the evidence of the advancing Spring.
The first of march marks the beginning of spring.For several weeks now we have been in a weather pattern of warmer, wetter weather. When the sun breaks through you can feel the warmth.
Throughout the garden, new life is beginning to show. One snowdrop , one yellow crocus, one purple, has now been joined by countless others (see photo)..In fact the evidence for the coming of spring has been there for some time, if you care to look.
Last week, I heard the first morning Dawn chorus, and In the evening the first song from a blackbird. Every morning since then, the dawn chorus is gaining in intensity.
Our resident colony of sparrows has been busy building nests for a few weeks now, while our feeding station has continued to be very active.
While walking the dogs over the last few weeks, we have seen a lot of swans in the local fields and two impressive formations (of 20 and 30 respectively) flying eastwards in a V formation. These were wild swans, smaller than there more common counterparts.
This was the first time I had witnessed this impressive sight. I heard them first and had to stop, as I did not recognise the sound which built slowly to a crescendo as they passed overhead. At first it sounded like a group of young people playing boisterously in the distance.
Both groups followed the same flightpath, heading eastwards with purpose. What I think I was witnessing was the beginning phase of Their long flight to their summer habitat, which I read is Siberia.
Also in the last few days there has been evidence of ground nesting birds flying back to try to nest on the fields around here. For a few days I have been hearing the calls from lapwings, and today I saw a pair of oyster catchers, and heard the beautiful calls of a pair of curlews.
Migration is a natural wonder. Spring itself is a time a wonder, and I will be returning to the story of these birds as the spring unfolds.
It is still too early to write off winter completely. A return to colder weather is still possible and only a few weeks ago the canals here where still frozen.
On one of our walks a common swan came into land on the ice in front of us, which made for an ungainly landing. He could not find his feet on the ice, and sat there looking faintly embarrassed as we walked past.
A few weeks later and everything is changing.
A transition will also be happening here shortly as another phase of our personal renovation project is due to shortly take place. I will try to make a record of it as it takes place. Hopefully it will be a success!
Meanwhile enjoy this period of optimism, as the natural year begins to unfold before you.