changes in garden bird visitors

How would you know what time of year it is, if you didn't have a calender? Well, I guess you could go by the state of the flora and fauna in your garden.
Here at Beggshill Bothy, I'm noticing a change in our avian visitors. Nothing drastic, but a subtle change. I've noticed that we're not getting mixed flocks of fieldfares and redwings but I do see the occasional oystercatcher working the roadside, searching for worms. For most of the winter the only time I saw oystercatchers was on mudflats along the coast.

What does this change mean?

Well, I'd like to think it means that spring is coming, but past experience tells me that March can be a harsh month. And to quote Tom Jones...its not unusual...to see snow in April.

But for the moment, its unseasonably warm. I'm not complaining and the chickens are enjoying it. I think we've got two laying now. Soon we'll have too many eggs, but I'm sure visitors to the bothy will help us deal with any excess.

pete
inthehills