Candlemas

Yes, I am fully aware that Candlemas is 2nd February, that is, yesterday. However, since the point of this post is for me to drone on about the weather and the changing seasons and an important part of that droning concerns the weather on Candlemas Day, I had to wait until the day is over.

If Candlemas Day be clear and bright
Winter shall have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain
Winter shall not come again.

So says the old folk lore.

Yesterday was very windy with squally rain at times. So there is hope that spring could soon be upon us. Indeed, yesterday I saw a black-headed gull already in its summer plumage. Just the one - all the others are still in winter dress. On the other hand, this morning I saw there is still a flock of redwings and fieldfares in the park, and both those birds are winter visitors. But the woods are loud with birdsong, principally robin and blackbird although I have also heard the great tit's "teacher teacher" which passes for its song.

The snowdrops in our garden are just about to burst open. Those in a neighbour's garden were in full bloom a couple of weeks ago, but they are an early variety. We even have a handful of pale mauve crocuses which are in bud and a day or so of sun will bring them into bloom.

Today it is much milder than of late. Let's hope Mother Nature does know best and the old folk lore proves true.