1st March 2019 Winter just dared a leap… ...with violent storm gusts... ...and snow flurry. The dogs might be pleased if the scenery is covered in white... ...but if the snow is melting, everything gets slushy. The sheep don't care about the muddy ground! As long as they get hay as supplement... ...they feel fine; and if the farmer spreads beet in a semi circle it looks like eating in a formation (as here in the background). Talking about formation : The first geese already appear... ...and seem to enjoy the fields around us. Not only the geese are attracted by the touch of spring... ...we also have discovered squirrels in this pine tree. Unfortunately the grey squirrels displace their red fellows more and more in England. The "greys" also cause damage to trees as well as they take eggs and fledglings and are a serious menace to breeding song birds. Here at Whitethorn we haven't seen any squirrels (they probably don't like dogs)... ...but pheasants feel at home... ...and seem to be convinced that our dogs won't harm them. They find enough food at our place: berries, seed,... ...slugs, worms, mollusc,... ...water,... ...herbs and... ...and young shoots! Our garden is ready for spring - so let's hope that the snowdrops are a good sign!