A single skylark returning to the reserve today is one of the signs of spring. Another are the Lapwings back in the meadow infront of the visitor centre, One or two have been present for over a week, but they have increased in number to nine today. Winter hasn't gone yet, a stoat in almost full ermine has been seen near the visitor centre on a couple of occasions, its white coat standing out against a green background. Up to three smew have been on Tindale Tarn, they appear to move reguarly between the reserve and Talkin Tarn a few miles away. The adult male hen harrier that was around in January seems to have moved on, it hasn't been seen for over a week. Black Grouse continue to been seen from the trails and occasionally seen lekking, won't be long before we start co-ordinated counts and see how many are on the reserve this year.