It is that most glorious time of year when nature puts on her finest displays. Some years and in some hemispheres that time is earlier or later, to take advantage of the most productive time. But wherever you are, you can be sure that there will be something new almost every minute of the day.
There is something magical about passing a tree or flowering plant one day, while it still appears to be dormant, shrouded in drab brown or gray, and the very next day staring in awe at what appears to be a completely different tree with its full complement of rich green leaves.
A few days later, depending on the type of tree, it might then produce a glorious cloak of flowers ready to turn into fruit. If any of us had the time to sit and stare for a few hours, would we see those bare branches change into their spring foliage and with a few more hours to spare watch flowers appear magically before our eyes?
While the transformation of plants and flowers is amazing, it is the magic performed by nature on its animate beings that is perhaps the most awe-inspiring.
Watching a lamb born is amazing. With a normal birth, the new baby is usually born in under 30 minutes and barely half an hour later the lamb will struggle to its feet, ready to face the world.
Small garden bird eggs will incubate for an average of two weeks and another two to three weeks to fledge - that is, be able to leave the nest. Those first few days after the fledgling leaves the nest, however, they are vulnerable and can end up apparently abandoned or marooned.
Never assume the baby needs rescuing, however.
By all means, keep watch, but never try and "rescue" what appears to be a lost fledgling. If you move quietly away and observe, usually a parent will turn up and coax the baby back to safety. Never move a nest to what you believe is a safer spot, most birds will simply avoid the nest, including eggs and fledglings.
Sadly, all too many fledglings don't make it, but that is nature's way. Should you find a young or apparently injured bird that is still alone after several hours, particularly rare or large breeds, contact an expert, such as a bird protection society, the SPCA or Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.
Georgina Noyce is an equestrian judge, and has a menagerie of adopted four-legged waifs and strays.
gnoyce2009@gmail.com
