Snowdrops are rarely a January flower here and the first week of Feb is the usual time for the shoots to appear. It usually coincides with daylight in the early evening and with an increase in birdsong, all being welcome signs that spring is coming.



Four jackdaws around this morning including one which inched its way towards the feeders, finally resting on the branch above. Leaning over to reach the food, he lost his balance which was restored with much feather-rustling. Composure regained, he shook himself down then had a quick look round as if to check that no other birds had noticed…luckily for him the greenfinch were playing chase in an attempt to delineate territory. Rarities are great (not that we seem to get many) but there is much fun from watching the everyday behaviour from everyday birds as well.

It was good to hear the tawny owl this week, having not heard him for some time.

The velvet shank has gone, but it brightened up the winter.