Writing in a new season...

There's no going back now - spring has definitely arrived here at Tottering Towers. The dawn chorus starts around 5am, and just about all the summer migrants have arrived apart from the cuckoo and the nightingale.

My bees are going mad, working over the fruit tree blossoms, dandelions (!) and spring bulbs. Colonies are expanding very fast, working all day and fanning all night as they drive excess moisture off from the nectar they've gathered. I've got everything ready in case they decide to swarm, but after two terrible beekeeping years, I've got my fingers crossed they'll concentrate on consolidation this season, rather than expansion!

The cuckoo's just arrived, so here's something lovely to celebrate the event...


Have a great weekend!