Spring is just about to arrive.! I saw a water vole down by the brook
where I walk out dog this morning. (Before someone says it may have
been a rat, it was not, although I believe water voles are distantly
related to rats but have chubby little faces and shorter tails). It
dashed off up the bank when it saw me then re-appeared briefly before
scurrying away to hide. We knew they were back a couple of years ago but
it's the first time I have seen one. Then to my delight, there was a
woodpecker not ten yards away on the grass. It was only a common
woodpecker but all the same, it is exciting to see one so close.
Perhaps you think this is very childish but it has brought me great
pleasure this morning. Makes you forget all you troubles for a while.
--
June Hughes