Spring’s transition is a dynamic shift marked by lengthening days and rising temperatures, signalling a widespread ecological awakening. Key indicators include blooming flowers, such as Lesser Celandines, swelling tree buds, returning migratory birds and animals emerging from hibernation, all driven by increased solar energy.

Lesser Celandine will flower from February onward – look along path edges in Ashtree Meadows and the North Scrubs

Look out for one of Spring’s earliest returning migrant birds, the Wheatear. Crouch Hill or the Barn Field are two of the best places in the area to catch these birds as they arrive for the Summer. They stop briefly in the Harbour before making their way to our hills and mountain territories, the closest areas where they nest are the Devon moors and the Brecon Beacons. So, it’s a great opportunity to see this upland specialist more locally. 

For those that like scientific names – Oenanthe oenanthe – is derived from Greek: onios meaning wine and Anthos meaning flower; possibly relating to their arrival coinciding with the flowering of wine plants.

Male Wheatear

Other arriving bird species to look out for this Spring are: hirundines, including Swallows, Sand Martins and House Martins; warblers, including Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler; and waders, including Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper and Grey Plover, which are heading to their northern breeding grounds – some as far as the Arctic Circle!

Keep an eye out for what is being seen on a daily basis on the CHOG homepage, which will give details as to which bird species are arriving from their overseas vacation.