Signs of spring - NOT amateur radio

Although it soon goes there are now clear signs of spring all around. I was able to enjoy a beer outside with my son for the second time in the garden. We can enjoy spring and new life whilst it is here.

Spring here? - NOT amateur radio

After what has seemed like a long, cold, dull winter, today feels warm and sunny. Certainly there were lots of spring flowers out in Cambridge.

Quiet village lane - NOT amateur radio

 

This is a quiet lane in our village. With blossom and daffodils there are plenty of signs of spring.

Signs of spring - NOT amateur radio

 

There are definite signs of spring in our village. 

All the snowdrops have been replaced with yellow daffodils.

New life - NOT amateur radio

After what has seemed a long, dull winter there are signs of spring and new life. There are lots of daffodils, nest building and fresh green leaves appearing,

Spring light - NOT amateur radio

We have moved from meteorological winter into spring. It is good to see signs of new life emerging and birds signing for mates.

I guess it is the light we notice. The sun is higher in the sky and everything looks brighter. I expect painters notice this.

Spring - NOT amateur radio

Tomorrow is the first day of meteorological spring. 

I always look forward to the first swallows returning from Africa on migration. They usually arrive here in mid April, although they are a bit earlier in Devon.  Swifts, that we see more of, arrive about mid-May. These are often heard screaming before being seen.

The first to arrive in Devon are the sand martins, which usually are seen in Devon mid March. I recall my dad telling me when he first saw some on his golf course.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/sand-martin .

Promise - NOT amateur radio

We are coming to the end of winter and there is a hint of spring: days are getting longer, snowdrops are out and the daffodils are not far behind. 

Almost spring - NOT amateur radio

 

After what has seemed like a long, wet and dull winter, today felt more like spring. 

For the first time in months it felt mild outside so much so that I pruned my roses. Every year they grow well for a hard prune early in the year. Opinions vary about when and what to do, but I shall stick with what works.

We have had no snow, but several frosts. It is also wetter than I remember. I am sure we have not done with winter yet, but at least there is a hint of spring.

Lighter evenings - NOT amateur radio

Every season has good and bad points. However, I look forward to lighter evenings and spring . Birds sing for mates or to claim territory.

Spring flowers - NOT amateur radio

It is great to see the spring flowers. If I am honest, this is my favourite season, although every season has good points.

Spring is coming - NOT amateur radio

 

Trees are coming into leaf. It felt much warmer today on our walk around the village. It is windier.

Is spring ever coming? - NOT amateur radio

It seems to have been having a long, dark and very wet period that has been going on for months. It is now very windy too. Hopefully spring will come ...... sometime!

It is very odd. Many things are early, yet spring seems late. Usually by now we have some good, settled weather. Not so this year.

Spring collage - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo was recently posted by a friend on 365project. It certainly captures springtime.

Nearly spring? - NOT amateur radio

 

According to the UK Met Office we are already in spring. I agree. 

The photo collage shows Cambridge yesterday. Lots of daffodils out.

Spring sounds - NOT amateur radio

Judging by the sounds, spring has come. This morning I can hear several people cutting their grass for the first time since the autumn. Ours is too wet. Maybe later?

Spring - NOT amateur radio

According to the UK Met Office, spring starts March 1st. True to form, yesterday was cold, windy and wet! In many ways, spring came early in the UK. Daffodils that traditionally appear in March are well out and some are even dead. Blossom is well out. Last year we had blossom early on our pear tree. The frost killed it and we had no pears. Let's hope the same does not happen this year.

Early spring? - NOT amateur radio

Although spring officially starts March 1st according to the UK Met Office, nature thinks it is already here with lots of daffodils and blossom already out. In my view we are several weeks early. Is this global warming?

Spring coming - NOT amateur radio

We still have plenty of winter left, but today is very springlike.

Spring is coming

We went to Anglesey Abbey on Monday. There are signs of spring coming with spring flowers starting to appear (see collage).