The swallows are here, the swifts have arrived this week and I heard my first cuckoo this morning. I get shouted at every time I go to the shed by a Great Tit fiercely defending the offspring, and the baby blackbirds get in the way when I am moving compost out of the heap. It is an easy way for them to find food. Oh what a lovely time of year it is!

Swallow –
Hirundo rustica
Even the baby rabbits munching on the young hydrangea leaves within their, somewhat limited, reach are something to smile about. Well they deserve it I think. They have such a struggle with myxomatosis and the new RHD2 which is wiping out thousands of rabbits. They are such lovely creatures and get such a bad press because they eat what we are trying to grow.
There are several nests around the garden, but I am concerned about upsetting them so I leave well alone.

Goldcrests –
Regulus regulus
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Chrishaywoodart