Sand Martin

A perfect April afternoon at Ferry Meadows, the acid-yellow emerging foliage of willows contrasting with a caerulean sky and cotton-wool clouds. 

It was wonderful to hear the chattering of a whole host of Sand Martins, and to spot my first UK Swallow of the year. Two male swans were marking the edge of the territory with carefully synchronized rotations, while a pair of Great Crested grebes strengthened their pair-bond by mirroring each other's posture. 

Blossom of Blackthorn and Wild Cherry, plus catkins of Hornbeam, completed the springlike scene.