The most obvious sign of the spring is the huge sway of blackthorn blossom along the hedgerows, especially along the old canal, where unlike most of the hedgerows in the area, they are not cut.
Another sign that winter is behind us is the songs of warblers, who have returned from Africa where they have spent the winter.
Whilst it is not the most distinctive of the warblers, the chiffchaff does have the most distinctive song.
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The reed buntings, who may not have come from as far as Africa have also returned to the river to raise this years young.
Along the Jubilee walk near Marcham, the hares can be easily be seen before the crops get too high.
And after a very disappointing year last year, there is a lot of water vole activity, maybe because of mild winter and the perhaps because the Ock didn't flood over winter.
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Another side effect of this late spring is the unexpected return of the blogging muse.
