' ..the flowers appear on the earth... the time of the singing of birds is come.' Song of Solomon 2:12
It certainly is the time for birds and flowers. What a wonderful Spring we are having. Everything is lush and green and for once, Wales has had a respite from the usual rain which means flowers are lasting longer. Our amelanchiers and magnolias have been nothing short of sublime. Albeit fleeting in their appearance usually, this year has seen an abundance of blossom lasting at least a week longer. Just gorgeous, but I am often drawn more to the simpler things. After a gorgeous display of snowdrops this winter the banks have been taken over now by primroses. Masses of them. It is a long time since I've seen so many. I noticed yesterday that the violets are also now in flower next to them and the bluebells are on their way. We are at that pivot point of the year when you feel everything is about to tip into loveliness.
It is sad therefore to mention birds singing and then show this poor thing.
We had the hottest day of the year yesterday. I think Wales touched 20 degrees but it felt much hotter up by my shed which is very open. I was working away at something in the morning and when I came back after lunch I found this beautiful song thrush on the ground outside. There are stickers all over the door to stop birds flying into it but this one was under the window and I can only think it was the reflection on such a hot day that must have blinded it. I was only away for half an hour and was saddened to return to this sight.
He or she was given a proper burial after these photographs were taken and I've now put stickers all over the window as well. I wanted to draw it but it was so hot I knew we had to get it covered quickly. Earlier in the day I noticed a pair of song thrushes in our large ash tree and I have a horrible feeling that someone has now lost a mate.
There are signs of that Spring ritual all around us. We've had huge enjoyment watching a pair of sparring young male blackbirds fighting for territory. Every time we look over to our greenhouse area they are giving it their all. Whilst they are doing that in readiness for next year, there has been a pair going in and out of one of our bay trees right by the back door. It seems too early but they are going in and out with beakfuls of worms and when I stopped by it yesterday afternoon I could hear lots of tiny cheepings. I moved on quickly and left them to it as we never interfere with nature's way.
Whilst they are advanced other birds seem to be just getting going. There is joy for us because we keep seeing a pair of goldcrests and a pair of long tailed tits in our front garden flying between two bushes. I would find either of them nesting nearby a real treat.
This morning, whilst writing this, I've noticed a couple of male bullfinches and one female. The males are striking at this time of year. Their chestnut plumage deepens slightly and becomes a beacon to the female. It's not unusual for us to see them but it is never for too long so I must make the most of it.
Got to get back up to the shed and finish yesterday's project first though. Still working with those beetles. Obsessed with the things but might have to do something bird related now. Can't say I don't have enough going on around me to inspire something!
3 comments:
Lovely blog Lesley. Spring sure is here, in the last couple of days we've seen primroses and bluebells in the most unlikely of places up in the Black Country amongst the rubble and rubbbish of derelict land on the edge of the canal. We traversed the same stretch of canal ten days apart, it was amazing the difference in the amount of foliage on the trees going from being bare branches to vibrant green, couldn't believe it. Enjoy the time with your resident birds.
Judith
The flowers have been glorious in the sunshine! I think here in the East we are ahead of you with tulips out and wilting in 25C yesterday. It's due to be much cooler this week, fingers crossed there won't be frost to nip the opening Wisteria buds.
So sad about the Song Thrush, they do have a habit of flying into windows. Magpies have already predated the newly hatched robin chicks in our garden. But the parent Robins have built a new nest and are starting again. I hope your Longtailed Tits and Goldcrests nest in our garden and succeed in raising chicks.
It is so lovely to imagine Spring bursting forth in so many beautiful ways; as we gently fall into a slumber of Autumn and Winter...However, I do smile at the scorching heat of 20 degrees! That's a cool Autumn day for us - it was 30ish today! The beautiful bird - we can do so much to protect and preserve them, but still some will perish. What a beautiful specimen it was. Enjoy the abundance of life and beauty...
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