February 2009 will be remembered for its spectacular snowfall for years to come. Where I live no one had seen snow like it for 20 years. The countryside looked magical, but sadly many of our smaller birds and other wildlife will have perished in the freezing temperatures.
Well stocked feeders and bird baths kept ice-free really would have made the difference between life and death for many of our garden birds.
Keep those feeders well stocked now, too, because those garden birds that did survive the harsh conditions will be preparing for the breeding season.
The Great Spotted Woodpeckers are having drumming competitions in my local wood, the robins are singing their hearts out and the house sparrows are prospecting possible nest sites under the eaves of the house.
Blackbirds, one of the earliest of our garden birds to breed, are already gathering nesting material.
This is also a time of year when we will be out in our gardens again.
Now the ground has thawed its a good time for planting trees and your hard work will be accompanied by beautiful birdsong.
Towards the end of this month, listen out for the unmistakable call of the cuckoo, a true sound of spring, and to further lift the spirits you might also see a lone swallow, the first of many that will start to arrive in April.
Bees should start to appear again soon too along with the arrival of the spring flowers.
Last year I saw my first bluebell of the year at the end of March and the woods were already full of wood anemones and wild garlic.
This is a truly wonderful time of the year so enjoy it and I look forward to seeing you next month.
Kate
For more information about garden birds and other wildlife and what to do in your gardens visit
www.rspb.org.uk.
