Warming up

The transition from winter to spring seems to have been more precise and punctual than is usual for the Blue Mountains.  Winter was clear, dry, and often frosty. 

The wind arrived to blow the frost away, and our lake became a bonsai version of a storm-tossed ocean.

The snow, when it fell, settled mostly on the ranges beyond the Cox's River, and only a few flakes drifted across our gardens when the wind swung a little.  Finally, the rain arrived.

The blossoms that had been latent were suddenly bright in bush and garden.....

The bees were suddenly spoiled for choice....

Everywhere I walk there is life.  The warming soil and air has brought out that amazing community of worms and insects and lizards and birds that aerates our soils, pollinates our fruit and vegetables, and eats the aphids, bugs, and caterpillars that try to set up colonies on our favourite plants. 

The magpies are dashing frantically to and from the heights of the tallest pine tree in the neighbourhood, ferrying a constant supply of worms, grubs, and donated mince to the demanding maws of this year's clutch of chicks.

The kookaburras are back, too - greeting the first rays of sunshine with their cheerful chorus, and patrolling the edges of our gardens, picking off the early skinks, while hoping for larger fare in the form of an snake or two.

Every season, in a place like this, has its pleasures and its wonders, but there is a lot to be said for the first few weeks of spring.