Spring is sprung even on a dull day

It started off bright and sunny this morning but quickly clouded over (and is now raining). It was still lovely in Colinton Dell though.

The hawthorns are putting out their leaves (this tree was quite advanced compared to the hawthorn tree next to it)

The wee patch of wood anemone is blooming, though the flowers seem a little sleepy on such a dull day

My favourite clumps of lesser celandines are out too, both nestled in the trunks of trees

The larch flowers are still out and looking wonderful, more flowers every week at the moment

And now that the wild garlic (ramsons) is growing well, the animal tracks seem even clearer than usual

These tracks could be made by badgers or deer, both of which live in the area. Whereas the track below (through wild leeks) is just as likely to be made by people and dogs!

Wild leeks are coming out in bloom just now

Plus of course, lots of birds around. I had very close encounters with robins, bullfinches and a song thrush. I would have taken photos but I felt I would have disturbed them if I had done so. All the birds are singing too, including summer migrants the chiffchaff (which has been here for a few weeks now) and the blackcap (a more recent arrival).

***
and continuing the green theme, I just added this chopstick bag

to the Crafty Green Poet Etsy shop, you can see it here.