A flock of Great Tits darts between last year's grasses looking for remaining seeds. Winter began early, in November, with temperatures remaining below -5C right through until the end of February (with a couple of weeks in January when the high was at most -15C). Snow accumulated and reached a depth of a meter of more. For the non-migrating birds and non-hibernating wildlife, these types of winters are tough (and at times, often deadly). By March, however, days are lengthening, the sun is stronger, temperatures begin to rise and the snow slowly begins to disappear. With the receding snow, food sources re-appear and flocks of Great Tits are seen scavenging for small seeds. Their noticeable presence and energetic motion together with the beginning bird song in the mornings gives hope, that yes Spring is soon to arrive.