It isn't spring yet; but this is a great time of year for observing the change of the seasons.
Snowdrops are at their peak; these being the first of the new year's flowers:
And now we are seeing the first of the crocuses (or croci, as I prefer to call them) - which are the first ground flowers giving a splash of - rather lurid - colours:
Up in the trees - which remain completely bare of leaves - are the birch, hazel and alder catkins:
Then there are the songbirds, which have suddenly ramped-up their volume and frequency; generating an irresistible excitement.
Yesterday, I heard one of the loudest blackbirds ever! - but it is mostly the small birds, with their high pitched twittering, that are evident.
In sum; although February is often the coldest, and sometimes a snowy, month here - we are in no doubt as to the change of season. After several weeks of what feels like biological inactivity from around the winter solstice; this season of Candlemas (or Imbolc) is one of stirring life; as well as growing light.Note: I did Not take the above photos - but the first two are from where I live in Newcastle upon Tyne.