My walk at Stanwick Lakes today tells me that it's early spring. And of course there was a spring in my step as I looked up the Nene Valley to Nene Park, scene of the mighty Rushden's 5-1 victory over Bath City on Tuesday and, no doubt, another massive victory over Hayes and Yeading this afternoon. Where is Hayes, or Yeading, anyway? I guess they had to look Rushden up on a map to be fair.
But back to the birds - 56 species in a two hour stroll. I had been wondering whether there would be a singing chiffchaff, early sand martin or garganey, but there wasn't. But it clearly is spring.
For a start, there were song thrushes singing everywhere all of a sudden. The long-tailed tits were sneeking around in pairs rather than chattering around in groups. A pair of shelduck had arrived. And, most obvious of all, the oystercatchers are back, just as I've told you they should be.
Has spring arrived with you yet? Any signs of it?
A love of the natural world demonstrates that a person is a cultured inhabitant of planet Earth.
Oystercatchers have arrived at Upton warren Nature reserve in Worcestershire - my local patch, as well as 3 Avocets which are great to see. They started breeding here about 6 years ago and have returned every year since. Sand Martins have been reported on the south coast so once this cold spell moves away I reckon it won't be long before they move north. It will be a chance to see if the Sand Martin bank we've installed will be taken up - basically a very large wooden nest box on stilts!