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Springtime - It's All Happening Now
by Pensioner
 It seems we have seen the back of winter. Spring has finally graced us with its presence. The spring bulbs are in their full glory and the trees are coming into leaf. The fruit trees in our garden are coming into blossom and several of the early flowering shrubs are also in flower. These are attracting bumblebees and other insects.
So far we have seen a number of tortoishell, cabbage whites and peacock butterflies flitting about, some even taking the time to sunbathe. I spotted an orange tip as well; all on its own so it won't be long before a few more of them show themselves. We should soon be seeing the Blues and Coppers too. For a few days now we have had hedgehogs trundling around the patio and lawn looking for anything tasty.
The fishpond is all action as well; the first signs of the waterlillies growing can be seen just below the surface. However disappointingly there is no sign of frog spawn this year for the second year running. Perhaps this may have something to do with one of our other spring visitors the grass snake. They are partial to frogs for lunch so this could be the answer.
The goldfish have also noticed the warmer extending days and are making mad passionate love around the waterweed, with much enthusiastic splashing. So we can expect some new arrivals fairly soon now.
The wild birds all seem to be paired off and getting on with nest building. The Jackdaws and Rooks are well established in the various large trees around Crowland now, so it won't be long before the next generation will be using our cars for target practice. Why is it they always wait until we have finished cleaning the car I wonder?
One male Blackbird has taken it upon himself to bully a pair of Thrushes. This is the first time I have noticed this behaviour as in past years they have got on very well. This Blackbird seems to be fairly aggressive to other birds too. Obviously he wants to be King of the Castle, which is a shame as he spoils things for all the birds that come to feed from the bird table and feeders.
Just a few days ago the Green Woodpecker spent about fifteen minutes pecking pieces of bark off a lovely hawthorn tree in the garden. When she spotted us watching her she moved around to the far side of the tree so we couldn't see her. Over the months she has been around she has got used to us and tends not to fly away unless we get too close. Then she is off in a flash of green and yellow.
The Long Tailed Tits have moved away thanks to the builders next door disturbing them. A pity as I admire these tough and rather colourful little birds for all the hard work that was put in to building a nest. I had watched them for sometime taking bits and pieces into the bush, even picking bits of fluff that we had thrown out onto the garden thinking it may make good nesting material.
The Chaffinches have resolved which of the males will be father to this years young. I have to report that the older bird finally saw off the young pretender. Well we still have the Goldfinches, Sparrows and Dunnocks all busily taking nesting materials into the hedges and shrubs around the garden.
Yes spring is well and truly here with some warm sunshine to make us all feel better. But of course that all means the weeds will be growing faster than we can pull them out. Oh the joys of gardening!
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