...........and now for some good news

Amidst all the current doom, gloom and uncertainty, it has been good to have some pleasant surprises in the neighbourhood recently.
Last Friday I certainly wasn't expecting to see a stonechat on my walk around the Wern.

This morning, we watched a mistle thrush  in the garden, stripping sizeable pieces of lichen from our damson tree, and flying off with them, although unfortunately we didn't manage to see where it took them. It would be great if a pair were nesting in the garden, as they did several years ago.
Later today, on a walk around the local lanes, there were more treats. The first, a skylark singing, and a chiffchaff too. Then moments later, a kestrel flew overhead and away towards the Breidden.  Soon the characteristic song of a yellowhammer, which was so engrossed in its repertoire that it didn't leave its perch even as I stood directly beneath it.

From the same viewpoint, my attention was drawn to the field opposite by the  calls of lapwings - 16 in total. I could hardly believe it......................................

and then, to top it all, the unmistakeable 'curlee' call of the bird I'd love to have seen, but on this occasion only heard. 

But there's always tomorrow......................and as many of us are minimising our contact with other folk, it's good to know that we can still enjoy some fresh air, and that spring is here. Fortunately, the joys of the natural world  can lift our spirits and restore a bit of calm in these troubling times.