While there are still patches of snow here and there in the garden (and a huge heap of it on the north side, where Eric dumped the snow from the roof) the crocuses are already blooming, the scillas are well underway, and in the warmest and sunniest spot, I spotted a hyacinth blossom.

The birds are ignoring our feeding table so I took it down today. I guess there are enough insects around for them. The tits and sparrows who were hanging around all winter now rarely show themselves. Instead the wood pigeons and thrushes are back from wherever they spent the winter.

And this afternoon I even noticed the year’s first butterfly. (On the neighbours’ roof.)