While March sees many plants and animals slowy emerge after the long winter, April sees the start of mating seasons, youngsters born and migratory species arriving from overseas.
Leaves are now on the trees and plenty of flowers are blooming, adding colour to previously stark Scottish landscapes.
And many of the most most charismatic characters of Scotland’s natural world can be seen with a little preparation and patience
So, when you’re out and about Scotland this April, here are the sights and sound you should be looking out for.
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5. Take a bluebell walk
Carpets of bluebells flowering on forest floors are one of Scotland's most spectacular botanical sights. They flower at slightly different times each year but tend to be out by the end of April. Most areas of Scotland have a bluebell wood close by. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. See Britain's biggest newt
April is the best time to see the great crested newt - the largest species of newt in Britain. By now they will have emerged from hibernation to return to breeding ponds, where they will lay spawn that will hatch into tadpoles. They are not widespread in Scotland but can be found around Inverness, across the Central Belt and in rural parts of the Borders. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Look out for one of Scotland's most exotic blooms
Orchids have a reputation for bing rare and exotic plants - so it comes as a surprise to some that several species are native to Scotland. The first of the year to flower is the delicate early purple orchid which, among other areas, can be seen in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park by the end of April. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. See butterflies take flight
Once relatively rare in Scotland, the dapper Speckled Wood butterfly has become increasingly widespread in recent years. Emerging in April, their population peaks in early May, with favourite spots being hedgerows and woodland clearings. Photo: Canva/Getty Images