First Signs of Springtime

Finally a pause in the unrelenting rain gave me an opportunity to wander along my garden path today. Having become accustomed to a late start to Spring in recent winters, I was surprised to spot a few crocus bulbs, primulae, periwinkle and even osteospermum in flower.

The behaviour of the birds around our feeders is also beginning to alter as they arrive decked in their ever brightening array of feathers. I was particularly struck this morning by a handsome yellowhammer whose bright yellow head ducked and dived amongst the long grasses at the bottom of the hedge, but try as he might, he could not be camouflaged. Unless we have a cold snap, my guess is we are going to see the start of nest building season earlier than ever this year.

It's funny too, how a few minutes outside in what seemed like a Springtime scenario affected my own senses too. Mister E and I are saving for our retirement anything that seems too long a task and top of the list is, of course, redecorating our somewhat tired and neglected home. However, I came in through the back door rejuvenated and full of the nesting instinct. It lasted long enough to clean the kitchen and hallway!