Spring Promise

Winter is releasing its grip but, as ever, its not a gradual, even change. The snow has retreated to the hills and more so over the coming weekend. Time to take a few Spring-like pictures, perhaps a calendar picture for March through May. Pictured opposite is a candidate - Long-tailed Tit.

Alder catkins are out in force and provided a pleasing setting. The winter feeding parties are definitely breaking up and forming couples. They will very soon be nest building along with many of our resident birds.

Of course they are not related to the other British Tits but are a Bushtit with quite a few Asian relatives as well as the American Bushtit.