Blackthorn

I like early spring. It still seems cold, and it can still feel a bit like winter, but our resident birds are starting to sing and because they are not competing with summer migrants they somehow are more noticeable. My favourite is the Great Tit with its loud ringing call.

In the hedgerows there is a white blush amongst the leafless branches. The Blackthorn always flowers first. Hopefully there are enough insects to pollinate these flowers so we can have lots of sloes in the autumn.