Halfway the month of March. On this mild day, spring is unmistakably in the air.
But the nights are still cold, close to freezing point. So, the first stretch, along medieval Muiden castle into the wide open polder was pretty chilly. When I reached fortified Naarden, the morning mist was clearing over the city ramparts, and the sun broke through.
All around, earth's new life sprouting. With the sun, the feast fully started.
By the time I cycled into the heather plains, the gentle wind had dropped completely. With the dirt paths quickly heating up, off went the coat.
A surprising number of fat humble bees rumbling around. The lark singing high up in the blue sky.
Encounters with a herd of deer, and wild cows, still in full winter fur. On the picture below a bull.
In the woods, hammering woodpeckers, and a birds concert. For now, only a delicate touch, a subtle haze of the colours of spring. And a promise.
On the way back along the river, waterbirds too know the time of nest-building has come. And for the first flowers of spring, like snowdrops, blooming season is already coming to an end.
When in Holland during spring check tulips tour possibilities.
Tulips Tour : flowering tulips and other springtime bulb flowers. Possible from March to May, depending on winter and early spring temperatures. Click on image for more information.