Photoblog: Spring on the Marshes

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is one of the first shrubs to flower in Spring.
The tell-tale white flowers attract many insects; the sharp thorns and dense growth make it a popular choice for nesting birds such as Nightingale.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) at Cliffe Pools. Sunny inflorescence peeking through the grass.

A heifer and her calf in the yard at Northward Hill.
The cattle came in off the fields in early February and the calving commenced a few weeks later. I loved watching their first few days: tottering around, curiously tasting the air. These heifers are good mums.   

Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) in display flight, tumbling and swooping over the marsh.
The calls are something else; imagine a shedful of detuned radios - all static beeps, whistles and whirrs

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) from my bedroom window.
It's strange, until 2 months ago you'd barely see sparrows around the yard. Then one morning in February there were a dozen or more. The incessant cheeping is a comforting sound; if ever there was a bird not to take for granted, it's this

Bonus! Caption Competition!

The art of seduction: Woodpigeon style

Suggestions below, an exciting prize for the best*

*excitement not guaranteed