Spring hopes

Despite the biting wind that has a chill factor to freeze the blood, our little strip of coast seems to have maintained its own micro-climate. The forecasts are full of yellow and amber warnings and pictures of blizzards and drifts but we have had nary a flake. The snowdrops, aconites and crocuses are flowering in the lea of the hawthorn hedge, the Christmas rose has been superseded by its Lenten cousin and “Janwar's cauld blast” is past. Are we to escape? There are reports of thunder-snow and, having experienced it (Blog30/11/2010), I am happy for the storms to pass us by.

Hares are congregating in the fields as they start their long mating season. The chasing and “boxing” that they indulge in are, apparently not between rival males but are most likely between jacks and jills as the females test the persistence and stamina of prospective partners!

What triggers the behaviour? How do usually solitary animals know when and where to assemble?

Is it the lengthening day...the earlier sunrise? It surely can't be the temperature that sets their internal clock ticking... not in this freezing wind.

The roe deer are shedding the hodden grey of their winter coats and turning russet. Even the plumage on the garden birds is starting to look brighter. There have been fewer truly wild visitors to the feeders this year....a nuthatch and a couple of long tailed tits.. and then only fleetingly, presumably due to the mild winter. The residents, the tits, the sparrows, the blackies and the robin have had it all to themselves.... including, of course, Geoffrey, the cock pheasant, avoiding the guns like a WWI staff officer, well away from the front.

The surfers at our beach still defy the cold and try to catch a wave. I've tried boogie boarding in the Barbados.. an alliterative experience.. but in the North Sea... in January?

February is here, the month that folk lore says the birds choose their mates. Winter is past no matter what the weather.

And yet....today..bright and sunny... is Candlemas and the old rhyme says -

If Candlemas be dry and bright, winter will have another bite

We shall see