Spring - It's official

Yes, I can declare Spring officially here, well in my book anyway. Spotted my 1st Orange Tip butterfly today out on Cuerden Valley Park. For me this is one of the true heralds of spring. I wrote my spot on the 'what to see in the park' board back at the office and the wildlife recorder for the park was ever so slightly jealous when he came to see me for confirmation. The photograph evidence swayed him. Apparently it is the earliest spot for Orange Tip for 6 yrs. I was cursing myself for not having my dedicated macro lens with me but the 1;2.7 macro on my zoom coped pretty well although the shot is cropped.