Signs of Spring - May

As the temperatures warm and the days become longer, May is a time for joy as spring is now in full swing. One of the best things about this season is the vibrant wildlife that comes out of its winter hibernation. From the buzzing of bees to the tweeting of birds, May is full of life that reminds us of the beauty of nature.

Hedgehogs
If you're lucky, you might spot a hedgehog on a warm May evening in the UK. These cute creatures are nocturnal, which means they come out at night to search for food. Did you know that hedgehogs have a lifespan of 4-7 years? They're also great parents, with the female hedgehog giving birth to up to 7 babies in a litter.

When a hedgehog feels threatened, it can curl up into a ball, making it difficult for predators to attack. This is possible because hedgehogs have over 5000 spines on their bodies. But hedgehogs aren't just good at defending themselves - they're also excellent at searching for food. Using their snouts, hedgehogs can locate worms, insects, and other tasty treats. So, keep your eyes peeled for these adorable animals during the month of May!

Bird Song
One of the most uplifting and iconic sounds of spring is the melodic singing of birds. The legendary Nightingale is renowned for its beautiful melody and is often used as a symbol of romanticism and beauty in literature. During April and May in parts of southern England, the male Nightingale's song can be heard both during the day and at night as it tries to attract a mate.

Another bird that has earned the nickname of the "northern nightingale" is the Blackcap. Its flute inspired ballad to summer can be heard across the UK, adding to the sweet soundtrack of springtime. The rich, fluid and achingly beautiful song of the Skylark is another delight to the ears, as it can be heard high above the countryside in a breathtaking aerial display.

The Yellowhammer's distinctive call of "little bit of bread and no cheese" is also a memorable sound of spring. However, the songs of the Yellowhammer and Skylark are disappearing from many areas due to changes in agriculture and habitat loss. It is more important than ever to take a moment to appreciate the incredible nature experiences that the UK has to offer.

So, next time you're out and about in May, take an early morning moment to stop and listen to the wonderful symphony of bird song - it's one of the best signs of spring!

Frogs and Toads
May is the perfect month to get your wellies on and go pond dipping. One of the exciting things you might find are tadpoles, the larval stage of both toads and frogs. By May, tadpoles will have hatched and will be swimming around in the water.

At first, tadpoles are vegetarian and feed on algae, but as they grow older, they switch to eating insects and other minibeasts. Interestingly, tadpoles can also control the rate of their transformation into toads and frogs. They are able to slow down the process if conditions are not optimal, for example, if the water temperature drops.

Common frog tadpoles will take around 14 weeks to fully transform into froglets. It's fascinating to see these little creatures grow and change over time. So, grab a net and a bucket, and see what you can discover in your local pond or waterway.

Butterflies
May is a wonderful time to spot butterflies in the UK, as the warm weather and blooming flowers provide the perfect environment for these delicate creatures. Look out for species like the Orange Tip, which can be spotted fluttering along hedgerows and meadows. These butterflies are easily recognizable with their bright orange tips on the males' wings. Another popular species to keep an eye out for is the Brimstone butterfly, which is one of the first species to emerge in spring. These bright yellow butterflies are commonly found near woodland areas, and their striking color makes them a joy to spot. If you're lucky, you may even spot the stunning Peacock butterfly, with its distinctive "eyes" on its wings. These beautiful creatures can often be seen basking in the sun, enjoying the warmth of May's sunny days. Remember to respect these wonderful creatures by not disturbing them or their habitat. Simply take a moment to admire their beauty and appreciate the wonder of spring.


Cow Parsley
Cow Parsley, also known as Queen Anne's lace or fairy lace, is a beautiful and delicate wildflower that blooms in the UK during the month of May. This stunning plant is known for its delicate appearance, with tiny white flowers clustered together in umbrella-like formations. The flowers of Cow Parsley are particularly attractive to Orange-tip butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, which feed on the sweet nectar produced by the plant.

Aside from insects, another creature that loves Cow Parsley is the rabbit, who can often be seen munching on the leaves and stems of the plant. Interestingly, Cow Parsley is related to celery, parsley, and carrots, all of which belong to the same family of plants known as Apiaceae.

While Cow Parsley is at its peak in May, it's important to note that by June, the flowers are gone and other similar plants take on the blooming baton. However, Cow Parsley remains an important sign of spring and is a favorite amongst wildlife lovers. With its dainty blooms and delicate structure, Cow Parsley adds a touch of magic and whimsy to the springtime landscape, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.