After what has been by our standards, a cold winter, it appears that Spring has finally arrived.  Bird activity has markedly increased in our valley over the past few days. Last Friday morning I heard the first of this year´s Wryneck calling from the woods.  Later that day, I was fortunate enough to see one as it chased away a Robin from what it must have regarded as suitable nesting territory.   On two mornings I´ve watched Peregrines flying over the cliffs that surround our valley, and have seen a Crested Tit inspecting various tree holes in the garden. Whilst [read more]