Nature noted

Today our little valley is teaming with wild life in particular the feathered variety. Looking out of my kitchen window for our two, now resident, squirrels, I saw something move in the willow tree. It seemed to be moving along the branches, rather than flitting about and a quick squint with the binoculars showed it to be a tree creeper, the latest addition to my garden spotting list. I planted the willow tree as a sapling 20 years ago when there were no other trees around and certainly no birds to be seen. Now it is 30 feet high and to be truthful mostly in the garden behind mine. That household clearly loves it as much as me and has adorned their side with numerous feeders.

Earlier, I had taken an elderly friend to the cemetery overlooking the river and surrounded by miles of open countryside. Two large white birds flew slowly and gracefully along the course of the river like two enormous butterflies. At their closest point to us their long, thin, dangly legs could be plainly seen. These were two little egrets and were the furthest inland that I have ever seen them in this country.

Returning to my friend's farmhouse we heard a twittering as we walked around the garden. There on the telegraph wires above us were two swallows. These were soon joined by about half a dozen more and they took off, wheeling up and over the rest of the village below. Driving the three miles home up the valley I saw several more on wires or in the sky, chasing and diving as they flew. At home now, I can see 3 more, soaring in the air over the church and a row of old cottages.

It is said that one swallow does not make a summer, but today I have seen about two dozen. Summer must surely be on it's way.