Returning Curlew

It's still too early for any migrants, but some of the resident birds are making it back onto their breeding grounds. Today I saw my first returning Curlews, including this one, which soon took off (along with two companions) when a low-flying Buzzard swooped into view. Nearby a Skylark was singing and displaying, which always lifts the spirits.

Elsewhere Bramblings, Fieldfare and Redwings reminded me it was still winter, but the spring is just a stonesthrow away now. It's only a few weeks until the first of the migrants - including Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins and Wheatears - will start to trickle in.