Question

In what season and time of year is the poem “The Darkling Thrush” set? in the very beginning of winter in wintertime, toward the end of the year in the spring, around Easter time in the middle of autumn

Answer 1

A winter because the quote from the summary  states exactly this: When frost spectre-grey , and winter's dregs made desolate.

This suggests that it is winter.

Answer 2

In wintertime, toward the end of the year. -gradpoint