Despite the freezing temperatures and the occasional snow flurries this weekend, there are signs that the winter won’t last forever and that spring is round the corner.
The first snowdrops have appeared at the edges of the woods and are peeping out from the frosty ground. The first of the spring flowers, they are taking full advantage of the light that’s available on the woodland floor before the foliage of the trees and shrubs develops later in the year and puts them in shade.
We’ve also had the first eggs from the chickens this week (Monday, to be precise). Chicken egg-laying is determined by light, not temperature, so the days are obviously getting long enough to stimulate them out of their winter break.
To celebrate, here is a wholly gratuitous picture of a chicken. Meet Clarissa, everyone.
Tales from the Wood - The Diary of a Badger Watching Man 
Oooh, I wish spring was around the corner for us here! We’ve not had much snow in Toronto, Canada – but the cold winds blow… -19c yesterday.
Hello Clarissa – you are a lovely speciman…
Cheers,
Mungo
Hi Mungo – I must admit, -19c does sound a little chilly. We had a few weeks of sub zero temperatures over here and the whole country virtually returned to the dark ages.
I paid a fleeting visit to Toronto last year and I was very impressed. You guys are really set up for extreme weather with the whole underground downtown area. All in all it was a very nice city. Hopefully I’ll get back there one day for a longer stay.
All the best
BWM