EVEN in suburban Scotland, as distinct from rural England, the relationship of song-birds and humans so charmingly described by Thomas Hardy can be experienced at this time of year!

A BIRD-SCENE AT A RURAL DWELLING

When the inmate stirs, the birds retire discreetly

From the window-ledge, whereon they whistled sweetly

And on the step of the door,

In the misty morning hoar;

But now the dweller is up they flee

To the crooked neighbouring codlin-tree;

And when he comes fully forth they seek the garden,

And call from the lofty costard, as pleading pardon

For shouting so near before

In their joy at being alive: -

Meanwhile the hammering clock within goes five.

I know a domicile of brown and green,

Where for a hundred summers there have been

Just such enactments, just such daybreaks seen.

codlin and costard are kinds of apple tree