The buds on the Willow trees along the Levern Water were starting to show signs of bursting when I walked that way this morning. A Cormorant flying over the burn was unusual, in my experience. Plenty of Rooks were in the vicinity of the "micro-rookery" on Brockburn Road. I could make out the remains of three nests which had survived the winter storms (so far), but the birds did not seem to be showing any interest in them. A Raven was calling near the castle, and other notable species encountered included Buzzard, Goosander (six in total) and Stock Dove. Song was heard from Woodpigeon, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, Wren, Starling, Goldfinch and Bulfinch. Winter Gnats were lekking in Rosshall Park.... Oh, and a Tawny Owl called outside the house last night.