Spring was here, went and returned…hopefully to stay

Spring is here and with it the birds, the starlings skillfully mimicking their fellow birds, while enthusiastically flapping their wings, the larks’ joyous exclamation as they rise in the air, the cranes’ melancholic calling echoing from the moor, the frogs singing in the lakes and ponds. Not forgetting the fragrance, first damp forest air, then coltsfoot, followed by the rising sap of the trees and bushes. Euphoria, as life returns to these parts of the world.

The spring flowers have started to bloom too, daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses and early tulips.

It is strange to think that for just one and a half month ago the landscape was covered with a thick layer of snow on top of the deep frozen ground.

But a week ago a so called ‘setback’ arrived with 30 cm of snow and strong wind. We did our best to feed the birds that had arrived. I have never seen so many birds at our bird feeders. We tried to figure out what different kinds of food could satisfy all the species. Thankfully we have barns with cattle and sheep. This showed itself to be safe havens for many birds among them song thrushes.

Thankfully it only lasted two days. Then it melted and the spring returned. This is so typical for April here; one day spring, then winter returns for a day, telling that we live close to the Arctic. This setback was tougher than most though, the coldest in 68 years.

A sunny day between the snowy days. Is it so late in the year now, the sun quickly melts the snow. Toby is sunbathing for a while.

An old variety of daffodils, which was already growing here when my parents arrived here.

I’m happy now for the birds and plants, thriving in the damp warm spring. There are few things that fill me with such joy than to see life returning here. I’m always amazed by the transformation.. I hope both plants and animals will get a good year in all respects.

Squill, one of my favourite spring flowers.

Apple blossom

A garden must have apple trees to have the right atmosphere of Spring, I think. White with a tint of pink, apple flowers makes you completely surrounded by beauty, not only on the ground but also in the air.

Wood anemone

The time of the wood anemone is here. The forests, damp meadows, and the road banks of the forests are covered with these small fragrant flowers. Hardy against frost and wind they are a sure sign of spring in our area.

Dandelions

I love to walk in the evenings among the dandelions. I was told as a child that if you managed to blow away all the seeds in one try, you could wish for something. I still take up one of them once in a awhile and with some excitement blow at it. The wish? To see the beautiful seeds dancing in the air.

Snow bells

“… with silver bells and cockle shells, and all pretty maidens in a row. ” Not a silver bell but a Snow Bell, as it is called in Sweden. I love the green little spots that marks every leaf.

Colour feast Among the Tulips

The tulips are in their prime. Every day new buds burst into bloom, following the beauty of the daffodils, whose flowers now are dried and their seeds are maturing.

Busy times

The bees and ants have woken up. It is fascinating to see their dedication and their industrious work as their gather food for their queen and larvae. They have a common project, in their nature completely unselfish.

No spring without the snowdrop

Inconspicuous colour, but if you humble yourself and smell it, you will be surprised by its strong fragrance, a mixture of lilies and honey.

Aspen

The aspen has begun to bloom. Just a couple of days ago it still had only buds. Time flies.

New signs of Spring

Spring is truly here, the cranes have arrived, the starling in his shimmering plumage sings as he flaps his wings in excitement. He excels in imitating other birds. Often he sits on the ridge of the wood shed with a clear view of his nest and the lake. The day grows longer than the night now. Life is back. To run during sunset these days have been a true enjoyment.

As the flowers begin to bloom, the firs release their seeds. It is a beautiful mixture of sowing and blooming.

Before the trees become green the wind pollinated trees and bushes begin to bloom. I love the hazels with their golden catkins reflecting the afternoon sun.