Dear Readers, it’s fair to say that the creatures in the garden don’t know whether they’re coming or going. Today has been a perfect spring day, with temperatures in the 60s (that’s about 17 degrees Celsius). But by next weekend we’re being threatened with a 20 degree Fahrenheit drop, and even the chance of sleet. I just hope that the pond doesn’t freeze, or the spawn on the top is likely to die (though any eggs underneath the water should be ok). I shall have a few buckets handy to pop on top of the spawn, just in case they’re needed.

As I was crouching by the pond hoping to get a froggy photo for your delectation, a male hairy-footed flower bee buzzed past to feed on the winter honeysuckle. They are very buzzy insects indeed, and always sound much louder than expected. They are another first sign of spring for me though. No photo from this visit, but here’s one I prepared earlier…

Male Hairy-Footed Flower Bee

We have been visited regularly by the cat below, who seems to have decided that our garden is a prime part of his or her territory. S/he walks along the edge of the pond, paying very close attention to ‘something’ – probably a frog. I only hope s/he doesn’t fall in. Cats generally don’t cause the frogs any problems while they’re in the water, though they can be a real menace when the amphibians leave the pond.

Lots of goldfinches around at the moment too, they really are the prettiest little birds, with the most tinkling song.

Here are some goldfinches recorded in the UK by David Darrell Lambert.

And finally, after I’d sat still for about ten minutes, a little face popped up out of the pond. Welcome, little chap! May the weather be kind to you.