Spring is my favourite time of the year. It always feels full of hope and there is a tinge of excitement at what the year might hold.

It’s joyful to see the birds return from their winter migration. This year the Lapwings and Oystercatchers were really early and the Swallows appeared at almost the same time as the Sandmartins, who are usually a month ahead.

My local wood is currently heaving with bluebells and the little apple tree in my garden heavy with pink tinged blossom. The small birds like to perch there before heading to my feeders but, although I sit patiently with camera poised, they don’t sit still enough for me to get a good picture!

A couple of weeks ago I spotted a Little Egret fishing on my local river as I took an evening stroll. Magnificent 🙂

Tuesday night this week I went badger watching. We have a local RSPB nature reserve which contains a hide and we didn’t have to wait long to see three of these stunning creatures. Obviously they are nocturnal so getting a good shot is incredibly difficult and this one wouldn’t stand up to close scrutiny but I was still chuffed I managed something!

The recent gorgeous weather has brought out Orange Tip butterflies and even the odd Bee, although I worry that there isn’t enough food yet to sustain them. The sunsets over the field at the back of my house have been magnificent day after day but it’s still cold enough at night for the stars to be equally stunning.

I’ve had a difficult week with one thing and another, but I lie in bed each night with this as my view and it’s like a soothing balm on my heart. I am so full of gratitude at this beautiful place I am fortunate to call home 🙏🏻