The Chiffchaff Returns - A Note in the Living Calendar

The trees are still waiting for their leaves, but there’s another sign of spring in their bare branches - listen, and you’ll hear the cheerful chiffchaff.

This tiny annual visitor, more often heard than seen, arrived a few weeks ago. By now, you may well have heard their rhythmic “chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff” ringing out from the branches.

As one of the first migrant birds to return each year, the chiffchaff has long been a herald of spring. For those who lived by the land, it was just one of many signs - a note in the living calendar of the countryside - suggesting the earth was warming, and the sowing season near.

They certainly take their job seriously around here, reminding me to get out in the garden (and reach for warmer weather knitting projects)!

Have you heard the chiffchaffs yet? Have you been enjoying time outdoors?