They're back.

At 4.40 pm this afternoon, the first of the returning Cranes flew over the cottage. High above in their classic V formation, they sang so loudly that I immediately ran outside.

"Welcome home", I shouted, as I waved to them in the air.

It's a heart warming sight. Having wished them well last autumn as they left for the warmer climes of North Africa, they now return to fly north; up as far as Scandinavia.

My friend, Craig, had told me this morning that they had already been seen, so what a pleasure it was to see them for myself.

A seasonal pointer of significance.