February is the month to look out for frog spawn in ponds, hazel catkins opening out, bird flocks in wetlands and estuaries, redwings, fieldfares, and waxwings. It is a harsh month with snow and freezing winds, but it is still possible to spot hints of better things to come. The official start of spring is still some weeks away, but the early signs of the change in seasons can be seen. Hazel catkins start to expand into golden tassels so they can release their pollen into the wind and the tiny, red, female stigmas can catch the pollen already in the air.

Snowdrops can been seen appearing all over the ground, mainly in woodlands. They particularly spread along river banks. You may also see bright yellow buttercup-like flowers springing up. These are winter aconites starting to flower.

The winter migratory birds are still in Britain at this time. Waders can be seen feeding for worms in the estuaries along with large flocks of ducks, geese, and swans. Some birds have started to sing again, such as mistle and song thrushes. Great tits are also beginning their repetitive ‘tea-cher tea-cher’ song.

Small birds seen mainly in gardens are in more need than ever for food to be put out on bird tables so they can survive the harsh, cold nights. Some siskins may be seen and blue tits will be searching for their nesting sites, so this is a good time to put up bird boxes.

The tropical-looking waxwings will still be here from Scandinavia. They feed primarily on berry laden rowan trees, starting in the north east of the country and working their way south west. They usually travel in large flocks and call to each other with a pleasant piping chatter.

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