The first of February dawned miserable and wet. However, spot on time at 5am the local songthrush began his morning recital. Every day he is only just audible perched tantalisingly three hundred metres away on a tall spindly pine tree.

Then suddenly, a chaffinch (pictured) which I recognised as being the same bird that sang throughout last summer from dawn to dusk with barely a pause between deliveries, burst into song. It was a wonderful surprise to hear his cheerful melody so early in the season. He hasn't performed since probably because winter chill has returned  but at least its a beginning and I know he is about.

Late February is the time when birdsong really begins in earnest and already bluetits are calling "tee-tee-tee-tiddleiddlee"; great tits offer "pizza-pizza-pizza" while coaltits chant "pitu-pitu-pitu". Blackbirds and mistlethrushes are also tuning up for the full dawn chorus which is not too far away.

Other signs of spring in the bird world include black-headed gulls, many of which, especially older birds are slowly refurbishing their handsome dark-chocolate brown crowns.

Jays are extremely noisy, their harsh cries echoing around as they congregate in loose flocks choosing mates and territories.

Cold spells see increased activity among visiting redwings as they plunder ivy berries. Ducks swim in pairs, males fiercely protective while Egyptian geese, in reality ducks, are now nesting in trees to produce early broods.

The gradual greening of bankside willows confirms spring's early awakening.