Spring is edging ever closer (though we still put the heating on for a short while this evening). Down at the pond this morning the larger birds were noticeable by their absence, but a pair of common sandpipers were a more than adequate alternative. 
The swallows were there as well, several of them but I would expect the numbers to increase sharply over the coming weeks. No sign yet of house martins or swifts, but they must be on their way.
Away from the water a linnet, singing lustily, was perched high in a tree.
Wrens being wrens tend to stay in the shadows. I almost missed this one hopping around at the base of a wooden fence. 
During lunchtime I headed out to the fields. It's good to stretch and the lambs are now becoming quite boisterous. This one has a very patient mother.
And a portrait of another of the youngsters.
The real pick (and a very welcome surprise) was lurking on last night's trail cam footage. It's tiny, but it is undoubtedly a fox cub and the very first sighting of one this year.
Camera note: all stills taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. Video from the Bushnell Trophy Cam HD.
derWandersmann
20 Apr 2013All by himself, too … a brave little guy!
I have never seen a lapstrake fence, let alone one with vertical strakes.
The swallow shot is great, and I believe this might be the first photo I've ever seen of a sandpiper in flight.
That lamb is growing fast, isn't he? He comes across as very male.
SittingFox
20 Apr 2013That's a very young cub. Perhaps the earth is close!
gdare
23 Apr 2013I've heard some birds are "trapped" by a bad weather in some parts of Europe and can't continue their journey to final destinations. Yesterday I was reading about that snow storm in Zurich :faint: And then there was an article about birds in Belarus who can't continue further north until the weather gets better… :awww:
Words
24 Apr 2013Adele, I would guess that the earth is in a very close neighbouring garden. Three of the cubs were in last night, and I just spotted one out there in the mist. Gently, gently approach for now, but hopefully I'll be able to get some photos soon. The year is looking up!
Words
24 Apr 2013dW, I've now discovered he has at least two more siblings (see today's post). That style of fence is pretty common in England. I grew up with vertical overlapping fences everywhere though these days you do see more horizontal fencing.
That lamb was sweet, and yes it does look like male behaviour. 🙂
Words
24 Apr 2013Darko, I'm not surprised to hear that. The cold weather is still lingering. Even now it's only creeping up to 8-10°C which is well below par for this time of year. Not good 🙁