Saturday 22 May

We are getting some hot weather at the moment, perhaps the plants will catch up now.

5 cygnets & Mum, did not see Dad.

I'd lay Chester Cup odds that these are the eggs of the Green Dock Beetle - Gastrophysa viridulametallic, they are prolific around this area and they are on Dock :)

Birdsfoot Trefoil - Lotus corniculatus

Red Clover - Trifolium pratense

Pignut - Conopodium majus

Creeping Buttercup - Ranunculus repens

Celery-leaved Buttercup - Ranunculus sceleratus

I had not much time to look as I was already way behind  so I have noted it to find again (famous last words) Have you ever gone back to look for anything and found it as easy as you did the first time.

Celery-leaved Buttercup leaf - Ranunculus sceleratus

Take Care.

Monday 22 March

George arrived and we set off, it was very mild.

We had a good brisk walk.

Big Lodge

Black Swans & Canada Geese

River Yarrow

Over flow channel from big lodge.

Path to the rucks.

Take Care

Friday 12 March

Very mild this morning, George arrived and we set off finding Sue on Primrose Hill.

No sign of the deer this morning

We found our resident swan on the top lodge he appeared to be on his own.

Lurking in the reed bed is

Yes his mate

Looks like spring has really arrived.

First of many Lesser Celandine.

The Black Swans are still on the big lodge.

Just to show the size compared to the Canada Goose.

Take Care.

Thursday 11 March

Another cold morning - below freezing, George arrived and we met up with Sue.

We headed up to Charlie's Field, looking for the deer.

They were on the far side just entering Spring Wood. This was the only decent photo showing the Roe Deer Buck, still got the velvet on his antlers. They soon vanished into the under growth.

Further on we saw the Kestrel, looking for breakfast.

Back at the lodges the three Black Swans are still about.

They look quite at home, I wonder how long they will stay?

Take Care.

Wednesday 10 March

Just above freezing as we set off, heading for the lower burgh.

Straight down to the sluice table.

No prizes for guessing who was first in, Mr Robin.

Followed by Mr Blackbird.

As we carried on towards the burgh, we noticed some strangers about, three Black Swans had come in overnight, Edward our resident male was already in pursuit.

Lords & Ladies

Gorse still in flower.

Cheeky Blue Tit

With Mrs Chaffinch picking up the bits.

Got back to the Big Lodge and they were at the far end. Attracting a bit of attention.

This is the side of Sunny brow I was stood on yesterday - does not look as daunting from this angle.

I was on my way out in the afternoon and took my SLR with me - I called at the park to see if the Black Swans were still about.

I soon attracted a couple of Mallards.

I sat on one of the benches facing the tern raft, waiting for the swans to come to me.

They came

had a bit of dinner

cleaned themselves up

they were soon heading 

off to another meal

They finally left me for better pickings across the lodge.

Take Care.