February daytime temperatures were steadily rising - each day a degree or two (Centigrade) warmer. The 22nd February was filled with the sound of birds singing, with Willow catkins suddenly appearing and many other trees in bud. The sound of bumblebees buzzing added to the impression of spring. Some bees were low amongst the grasses whilst others thronged the Willows where the Catkins were most advanced. These trees held the largest variety of bee-types.
Yes, the sky was really blue and the catkins were opening as the bees watched, too fast moving to photograph here.
Elsewhere, six song thrushes were foraging or singing with those foraging on the grass accompanied by seven blackbirds. Many wrens were singing loudly from high perches whilst others, quite easily seen, were very active amongst the debris on the river banks, mostly made up of dry stalks, twigs and grasses washed down by the high water. Several long-tailed tits were chasing each other high in the branches whilst goldcrests were moving fast in deciduous trees below. They never seem to perch to rest or survey. A group of goldfinches flew across calling and blue and great tits were singing, whilst others were collecting nest material. A chaffinch called whilst many individual robins each tried to ousting it's neighbour. Dunnocks could not compete!
House sparrows were sitting in the sun in groups or investigating inside bramble clumps.
Jackdaws and carrion crows called in flight, with a few Herring gulls circling high. Five black-headed gulls took off from the grass leaving one showing well advance summer plumage.
So far only Brimstone butterflies had been seen but on 23rd a Red Admiral was seen flying low.
This is not so uncommon on the odd warm sunny day in winter but today it was 15 degs. C.
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