It is easy to forget that it is early spring here in the southern hemisphere and as in the northern half of the world it is time for nature to begin the annual kick-start of life.

Both on land and in the sea we are seeing the obvious signs with our encounter with Ma and Sweetpea the Humpback Whale mother and her calf in Vavu'a, Tonga probably the most memorable.

In the sea the changing seasons are triggering lots of activity and when diving with friends off Malolo Island here in Fiji, Allan was twice attacked by large (2ft+) Titan Triggerfish mothers defending their young from predators large and small.

Even in the marina there are similarities with life back in the UK with early morning birdsong reaching new decibel levels and some of the local birds trying to make a nest in the most unusual places. We have had to clear a nest out of the end of our boom and the boat next to us will have to do the same shortly or will have to sail away with a nest full of young.