The weather down in Bovey Tracey doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind; one moment absolutely glorious, the next miserable. It seems hard to believe, but Spring is on its way. The birds are singing, the daffodils are in full bloom. The resident House Sparrows have returned to their nesting box (which was originally meant for swallows, but has been taken over). I often see their heads poking from the holes.
Daddy said recently that he saw two Robins feeding each other, a sign that the mating season is underway. These actions will strengthen the bond between a male and a female, and will also help the female prepare for incubation and laying. The trees are like a whole world that has hardly ever been noticed. Blue tits constantly flit in and out of the branches, and I have seen a group of Chaffinches roaming from tree to tree. However, the wood remains bare, without buds or leaves. But I am certain they will come in eventually.
Just a week ago, I heard my first Chiffchaff of this year, a telltale sign of Spring for me and Daddy. However, I struggled to hear it clearly due to the wind blowing the call away from us. Soon, I hope to travel to Emsworthy Mire once again and go in search of the birdlife that has provided an annual fixture for us over the years. Cuckoos, Willow Warblers, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits all feature, as well as the odd Redstart or Tree Pipit.
Signs of Spring are often different for different people. For example, many people find Skylarks a sign of a seasonal change. But one could argue that in many places in England, they are a resident bird, and do not migrate. These are unique to everyone, and are important to us, and to others.
The Bovey Birder 