Snowdrops & crocuses have long gone, the daffs & hyacinths are waning & tulips are preparing to flower. Plum trees have just finished flowering & the peach trees are in full blossom as are the blackthorns.The quince tree is really leafing up but the apple & pear trees are strangly still dormant.
The dawn chorus has began in earnest, though we are still a few intruments short of a full orchestra. Dandelions are at their finest & the daisies are timidly making an appearance here & there. I think the small birds, tits, robins, etc. already have chicks as they're busy in the trees & hedgerows & less interested in the bird tables.
But more importantly, there is that undescribable sensation of spring in the air.
On a sadder note, there has been a complete absence of finches (green & goldfinches, chaffinches & bramblings) on the bird tables this 'winter'.........I haven't seen any wrens either, skittering about on the walls & hedges so far this year.
But on a brighter note, blue & great tits & blackbirds appear as numerous as usual, nuthatches & tree creepers abound & for the first time, we had a Great Spotted Woodpecker regularly visit a bird table.