While out on my Saturday morning cycle I came across a lovely and uplifting sign that winter is passing and spring is starting to blossom.  Along a country lane through dairy pastureland and occasional arable fields, I was brought to a halt by a pair of aerial dancing lapwings, making their electronic-like calls – almost like they were playing avian space invaders.

The species is red listed and in serious decline but I’ve seen a few more around my part of Cheshire during the past few breeding seasons, so maybe things are on the up.

(picture taken during my trip to the Uists last April where they are much more abundant and easier to photograph).