First Cuckoo, Swallow and House Martin of the year!

Swallow

[Yesterday I heard my first Cuckoo, saw my first 4 swallows (and one house martin) of the year on the edge of Dartmoor!

Needless to say I took the soil from under my right foot on hearing the Cuckoo and scattered it in front of the door to keep out insect pests.

I didn't however sit on the top bar of the nearest gate, nor did I run in circles three times with the sun and I did hear it on the left, - so I may have a lazy year full of misfortune....  Hope not!

 There is a consultation happening in the UK on repealing a lot of environmental protection laws (Clean Air Act, Countryside and Wildlife Act, National Parks Act and The Climate Change Act).  

In honour of the three heralds of the turning year I saw yesterday I would like to recommend this petition suggesting that repealing these laws is not a good idea. Don't worry, I wont politicize this blog - I simply could not resist posting this given the joy I felt at seeing the swallows swooping through the spring sky. 

Long may they thrive, and all who seek to protect them!  Remember - it is unlucky to harm a swallow...]