Wildlife in February

Hard though it is to believe, February sees the first stirrings of spring. In tree-holes and nest-boxes tawny owls may already be nesting. Mistle thrushes begin to shout their loud, day-dreaming songs from the tops of tall trees and in the reeds Cetti’s warblers plink merrily.Amazingly, warmer days in February may see the emergence of the first queen bumblebees, of several species. They have hibernated through the winter, having mated last summer, and must now found their own colonies.

Underground, many badger cubs are born this month, though they won’t be seen above ground for weeks to come.