Between The Ides and The Equinox

Having survived the Ides of March without major mishap and, although we can still see snow,

we feel that with the new moon

we can start early Equinox celebrations.

The bees have sucked dry the crocus flowers

But being in Wales we are or course surrounded by daffodils

they are everywhere

More exciting are the fritillary buds

and the signs that hedges are waking up

Trees are more reserved but signs can be seen

and profiles are changing

The birds are busy

gathering nesting material

They are also noisy, in the case of this Song Thrush in a good way

We were pleased to receive a Brambling visit

and are always happy to have the modest Dunnock around

The Woodpecker combines defiant colours with modest behaviour – always using the back of the feeders

So, as the sun shines

illuminating the buzzards overhead

and even making sheep look glamourous

we prepare the chair on the porch

pretending we will have some time to sit down during the next six months.