February 21st

The end of February is nigh and spring is just around the corner.  The rains have been gentle and the frosts are now much less severe especially at 1500 feet above sea level.  The crocuses are out and soon the daffodils will appear from their green shoots. Blue Tits, Marsh Tits and Great Tits are still raiding the bird table together with the Goldfinches and Chaffinches.  The Robin is a regular visitor as are the Yellowhammers and Greenfinches.  The Green Woodpecker is still searching for grubs and ants at the bottom of the garden near the dried up brook and the Magpies chatter trying to chase off the Jays which are having no truck with them.  At this rate the Swallows, Martins and Swifts will soon be back from Africa.