Donal Hickey: Early (black)bird gets spring things going

We have had early tulips and daffodils thanks for mainly mild weather this winter so this could be why garden birds are out looking for mates and proclaiming territory so early too

A blackbird feeds on a fallen apple as frost covers the grass during a cold spell. Picture: Larry Cummins

In the early days of 2025 came a reminder of what to expect in our changing climate — sudden changes in the weather and sub-zero temperatures.

Christmas Day was one of the mildest on record, touching 13°C at Shannon Airport. The average temperature for that time is nearer to 5°C.