It must be summer - at last

For the past week there has been a solitary swallow seen occasionally over the fields towards the loch - and, as we all know, one swallow doesn't make a summer.  However, today they were back in force, several of them swooping and soaring around the gable end of the house.  We have been on the lookout for them for almost a month.  They are usually here by the middle of April and have been very late in making an appearance this year.  Maybe the kink in the jet stream sent them off course and they have struggled to make their way back  There are plenty of flies and insects for them to feed on as the midge season seems to have started early this year - despite the rain and chilly weather.  It really is good to see their return. [The swallows that is - definitely not the midges except insofar as they are food for the swallows.  Pity you can't have one without the other.]  Now all we need is some sun.
The news of RSPBs imminent arrival in the area must be spreading through the avian world as I have sighted three species this week that I have not seen before.  Just as I was approaching Shore Wood yesterday a small bird darting through the trees and eating buds caught my eye.  It was a blackcap and I was able to watch it for several minutes before it flew higher and out of sight. As I went through the last gate to cross the short stretch of open ground before the Net Bay View Point there was a bird making very shrill call at the waters edge.  I did not get a chance to watch them for long because they darted away but there was a pair of ringed plovers at the waters edge.  The final new sighting was this afternoon, right outside the sitting room window.  A small green bird landed on the table outside and I got a clear view of a dainty little goldcrest.  This is certainly a first in the garden and I will certainly be looking out for it again.

The range of wild flowers in bloom along the path seems to increase by the day. As we go into May the bluebells are at their best.