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 