There are some serious signs of spring as February draws to a close. The first chiffchaffs to be heard singing already are probably the birds that over wintered at Sculpture by the Lakes and will have a head start on those returning from Africa or the Mediterranean next month. Meanwhile, our great crested grebe is back on North lake in full breeding plumage but will the plaintive calls for a mate be answered this year?
The raven pair are full swing into nest repairs on the pylon opposite the Nevermore raven sculpture. There has been competition for this desirable breeding site with peregrine falcons in some years so we are delighted that they are favouring another pylon, where the wires cross the river, at the moment. To have both these magnificent birds breeding so close to each other would be quite exceptional and a first for Sculpture by the lakes.