I took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch for the first time last month. I started at 10 am and the hour passed really quickly. I saw 9 different species of birds and really enjoyed looking at them properly for once. On putting my results into the survey form I forgot to add the two magpies I saw patrolling the perimeter of the bird seed cage I have on the grass, like policemen I always think. I wasn’t sure whether the pigeons were wood or feral, I know a collard dove but he didn’t show up. No squirrels either, I saw 3 running across the grass in a line the other day, the speed they go at is amazing. I will be more accurate next year I hope. 

As a result of taking part in the survey I have received around 6 emails already all about nature and things to do in nature from RSPB. The first one was Have you seen the six signs of Spring? The first sign of Spring for me is always the snowdrops. There is a little clump at the bottom of the big tree at the church gate. They look so natural beside the trunk, we planted some in the green a few years ago in the grounds but don’t remember planting any there or recall seeing them before. Maybe missed them during lockdown. Anyway according to RSPB email the Signs are 1. Bustling Blue Tits 2. Frolicking Frogs, 3. Mistle Thrush, 4. Great spotted woodpecker, 5. Showpiece Nests, 6. Buzzing Bees. I would recommend registering on the RSPB website for these emails and they are free.

With the beginning of Lent we can enjoy all that nature has to offer on the journey whilst looking forward to a time of renewal in the Easter Message.