Yesterday was officially the first day of Spring, although for many it still feels like Winter. We still have frost and yesterday snow was trying to fall. This morning I decided to have a look for signs of Spring when I took my dog out for his early morning walk. We usually go the same route, in a big circle round the edge of the Rising Sun Country Park. This passes a field and also gives him a chance to run around off his lead and tire him out.

The first thing I noticed is that it is considerably lighter in the mornings now. We normally leave the house at 6.30am and a few weeks ago the sun was just rising at this time. It does not seem that long since it was actually pitch black at this time which makes for an exciting walk.

This morning was considerably lighter although looking across the field you can see the frost on the ground. The path was very frosty as well, in fact I almost slipped a couple of times.

I also noticed how noisy it was this morning, the air was filled with bird song. There were collar doves making their distinctive coo cooing noise, crows squawking loudly and other birds just breaking into song as we walked along. It was almost as if they were full of the joy of Spring. I saw a magpie in a tree and just managed to get a shot before he flew away.

Even the dog was full of playfulness. He ran across the stream and up the bank on the other side and looked at me as if to say “Ha, how are you going to catch me now?”

Luckily he did come back when I walked away, I think he was scared I would leave him. Although the ground still looks very bare and dull if you look closely there are signs of spring flowers bravely trying to come out.

I saw crocuses

and daffodils, although they were looking a bit sorry for themselves in the cold.

The wild roses were also trying to burst into leaf, it will not be long before they are green and filled with flowers.

It may still be cold and dreary but Spring is on the way and hopefully we will soon have some warmth and sunshine.