1984 January to April
The first
flower a lad gave me was a Blue Iris, which Andrew gave me. He
nicked it from a grave. Typical. Maybe he’ll manage a red rose
some day.
January 1st
The weather has been lousy, damp, cold, loads of rain and
very miserable making. When I came home there were four Tufted
ducks on the lodge and two Pochard. I didn’t go back to look at
them closely as the weather was so bad.
I stayed
at Andrew’s last night. We went a walk round town but the pubs
were too packed to get a drink. I love him very much. He was
dressed up last night and looked really fit.
January 4th
With a blue, clear sky
and bright sunshine, it has been one of the best days this
Winter. The only leaves really noticeable in the garden are the
thick fleshy green foxglove leaves.
January 7th
The wind is strong and cold but the sky is blue with patches of
cloud. On the 5th I saw three male Pochard, two male
Mallard and one female fly off the lodge. Today I saw one male
Pochard leave the pond. I am going to look for ducks after I
have cleaned my room.
January 9th
This morning the sun was
a warm orange glow in the sky. It froze very hard last night and
most of the reservoir is covered in a thin layer of ice. The
ground is hard and bits of snow have collected in the
depressions.
I was
very pleased at the different kinds of birds who visited the
lawn and bird table today. There has been a Robin and Blue Tit
in the bushes on the lawn and a Hedge Sparrow came to the bird
table. I saw a Tit in the Elm which was either a Coal Tit or a
Marsh Tit. Three Carrion Crows came to the bird table, which I
don’t mind as long as the little birds get a look in.
The
Pines by the reservoir are very green and I can see a lot of
closed cones on them. I think some of them may be Swiss Mountain
Pine. Their seed cases are slightly wing shaped so they will
catch any available wind when they are shed and so be well
distributed.
January
10th
This morning the sky was grey with a touch of blue. It is
very mild and there is a weak sun. The Robin is hiding in the
Redcurrant Bush. His breast is tomato soup coloured with a beady
dark brown eye, beak, feet, white tummy and soft grey about his
breast.
I am very
pleased that it is a Coal Tit I saw the other day. It is a very
sweet bird, small with black head except for a white patch on
each cheek and the back of the head. The wings are green-grey
and the breast is creamy, tinted orange. There is a black line
runs down the neck and it is altogether a delightful bird.
January
11th
The sky was grey this morning with rain. When I arrived
home at one it poured down very heavily. On the lodge there were
two male Pochard and a female. One of the males had a much
lighter back than the other one. Yesterday I saw a flock of
about 300 Starlings wheeling about over Radcliffe’s field. This
evening at four, two charming Blue Tits visited the bird table.
Their tiny chirrups attracted me to them.
January
17th
The sky is cloudy with patches of blue. A Robin came to
the garden and there were two pairs of Tufted duck on the lodge.
Yesterday I saw a Coot on the lodge, one of the first signs of
Spring. With the Winter gales a roof was blown off one of the
new houses where the Chapel was. A garden shed was blown
completely over.
January
18th
There are
a lot of Douglas Firs by Entwistle reservoir and their
blue-green needles look lovely against a clear blue sky.
January
21st
In the garden this morning I saw a pair of Coal Tits,
busily creeping around the wall and trees. At least they take
advantage of the bread on the bird table. There was a Hedge
Sparrow being chased by a very territorial Robin and a Jet
Blackbird perched on the Elm.
The
forecast is for more snow. It will fill in the tracks and make
everything look fresh again. A Beech tree up the back has had
most of the bark around its base nibbled away, by sheep I
presume. It shows how hungry they are. When really starving
sheep are supposed to eat their own wool.
I’m going round
Entwistle reservoir now and then down into Edgeworth. This
morning when I set off the sun was bright, the air crisp, clear
and calm with blue sky. Most of the lodge is frozen over and
parts of the reservoir. The roads were very icy especially the
sides round the bad bend and up the steep hill. Near the Ashes
just down the Lane I saw a Grey Wagtail flying. The very
slate-blue back gave it away - one of my favourite colours.
Tonight
in the front room I found a small green beetle. The kind that
crawls on the docks in Summer. It was too cold to put it outside
so I left it. It can feed from grass in the plant pots.
I love
Titmice. They are my favourite species of little birds.
I have yet to see a Crested and
a Bearded Tit. I think I have seen both Marsh and Willow in the
Lake District and also at Rivington. They are all, without
exception, very beautiful birds. The Blue and Coal Tits are very
playful and acrobatic. In winter Blue and Great Tits are easy to
spot in the trees because of the yellow tummies they both have.
Roosting
in the Horse Chestnut were half a dozen noisy Starlings. I have
not seen as many this year so far as I usually see in Winter.
There were some bird or rabbit tracks in the snow up the back
which ended with strange marks. Maybe the wing feathers made
them whilst wiping across the snow.
February. 2nd
I walked to Entwistle. The ground was damp and all the
colours of brown bracken, green pines, blue and white sky,
showed up really vividly. There was still snow in places. In
Edgeworth in a Pine by the road that leads down to Wayoh, there
was a beautiful Jay. I have never been so near to one before.
Most of its plumage was creamy brown, the colour of a Thornton’s
chocolate truffle. The bright blue wing feathers stood out and
the clear white patch on its back. I could only have been
fifteen feet away at the most.
Near the Strawberry Duck I saw a
chocolate coloured female Blackbird. There don’t seem to be many
Blackbird’s about these days. There used to be loads in this
area. I left a note and some flowers at Entwistle then caught a
bus to town, signed on, collected Joyce’s present, went to
Andrew’s for half an hour
and then got the half
past four bus home. The fire had gone out and the place was a
tip so I had to get cracking.
In Edgeworth the Hazels and Alders have
small, hard, catkins on. The longest are 1½
inches and they are reddish brown in colour.
February. 4th
I love
Andrew very much and can’t wait to see him on Tuesday. I’m also
longing to see Syd again, who rang me tonight. There is a good
friend if I ever met one.
February 5th
This morning it was quite mild at home, but cold without
gloves. The sky was cloudy with tiny patches of blue. I saw a
very thin Robin in the Elm so I rushed indoors to get some bread
for the bird table. I planted two dozen crocuses in the front
garden, and the Primrose from the back, so it will be safe from
dogs and sheep’s feet. Some Daffodil bulbs are coming up in the
front garden.
In the
afternoon Dad and I went to Martin Mere, a bird reserve. We saw
large flocks of geese wheeling in the air and grazing on the
fields. We also saw loads of ducks, all looking very handsome.
Amongst the birds, we saw were several Collared Doves who feed
on the grain put out for the ducks. They are very bonny, elegant
birds, even though they appear to be entirely one colour apart
from the collar. I also saw Shelduck, Scaup, Shoveler, Smew,
Teal of different kinds, Pochard, Goldeneye, Moorhen, Black
headed gulls, Blackbird, Sparrow, Red breasted Mergansers and
two male Pintail.
I think
the two male Mallard I saw on the reservoir with brown backs and
white necks must have been hybrids between Mallard and Tufted
Duck, I could be wrong though.
February 7th
The sky has been grey with a blustery cold wind and blue
patches of sky. I went to see Andrew, and climbed a few
mountains. I still love him very much. I bought two packets of
Nemesia, one of my
favourite garden flowers. I hope they grow successfully.
February 8th
The wind has blown blustery and very cold, all day. The
sky has been mainly blue and I think it will freeze tonight. I
saw several Carrion Crows up the back, possibly looking for nest
sites.
Unfortunately, the Hawthorn at the Tip has blown over. I was
thinking how sad it is that so many of our Hawthorns have been
cut down. In Spring, they are covered in fresh green leaves,
which become darker and hardened in Summer and have beautiful,
white blossom with dark red stamens. In spring they provide nest
sites and perches for many birds, especially Thrushes; and in
Autumn the red berries are not only an attractive sight, but
they also provide food for animals and birds.
On the
lodge at home, a pair of Goldeneye flew off. They climb very
steeply in flight, and the way their black and white wings beat
reminds me of a butterfly.
February 9th
It has been a beautiful day. This morning the sky was pale
blue with a warm golden, (inspiration), ball of sunshine. I went
to town at twelve to sign on and to buy a pair of binoculars. I
took Cindy, and after buying the binoculars I caught a bus to
Edgeworth.
By this time the sky was deep, clear
blue, with a few cotton clouds. On Wayoh there were between
thirty and fifty Pochard, mainly male – though I did see some
females, who are just as sweet if not as colourful. There were
also half a dozen Tufted
Duck, who I think were sleeping. That’s all they ever seem to
do. There must have been at least 200 Black Headed Gulls
swimming lazily around, and two or three dark Great Black-Backed
Gulls. I was very disappointed not to see any Grebes: there are
usually several on Wayoh.
Just
above where I saw the Jay last time, I saw a small, mouse-like
bird, creeping about a large Elm tree trunk. It was a Tree
Creeper. I think this is only the second time I have seen one.
It had brown stripped back feathers, brown head, beady eyes,
curved, thin, beak and white belly. There appeared to be an
orange patch of feathers near the tail. It is a lovely little
bird.
At
Entwistle the water was choppy as a wind had got up. The only
bird I saw was a Great Crested Grebe, sailing in the middle of
the reservoir. I think it may have been a juvenile as its
feathers were not very colourful and it had no crest visible.
The back was grey, the neck ruff a drab ginger brown. The face,
neck and belly were pure white, with a black strip on top of the
head. The beak was pinkish brown, and the feet large-lobed, with
clumsy green limbs. Grebes always swim majestically.
On
Belmont Reservoir I saw a Canada Goose with a pair of Domestic
Geese, probably the pair I saw last time. They look like Grey
Lags, large broad and white with a touch of grey here and there.
I was surprised how big and strong they appear. I saw some Grey
Lags at Martin Mere, but they were flying in the background.
February 11th
It was a lovely morning with dreamy clouds and blue sky,
warm sunshine and very calm. I went a walk to Entwistle with my
Dad. There wasn’t a ripple on the reservoir, which is more like
a lake. I saw a handsome pair of Grebes, a pair of Pochard, a
large Herring Gull and some Mallard. Near the end of the
reservoir I saw a Grebe on its own, which maybe the juvenile I
saw on its own the other day.
This
morning was the first this year when I’ve heard the birds
singing, as though it were Spring. In the afternoon I went to
Doffcocker with Andrew. The water has been emptied out. There
were loads of fresh water mussels on the mud, and I collected
some. The outer shells are striped, brown green and
purple-brown. Inside they shine, green, blue, white and pink,
like mother of pearl. It’s a great shame so many died. A whole
population wiped out.
On a
pond nearby, a male crossed Mallard and a female Mallard were
swimming lazily. Its funny watching ducks chase each other,
especially when they nip each others bums. I saw a Pied Wagtail
bobbing over the mud, the first I’ve seen in ages.
February 12th
A nice day again, very cloudy sky with blue patches. The
sun is shinning, there’s a slight breeze and it is very mild.
Seven lovely Stock Doves came to the back garden early this
morning. They foraged for food on the lawn and roosted on the
stone wall.
I went
for a walk round the Willows Den and the Pump House. In the
Willows Den the American Alien [my name for the introduced Pink
Purslane] has started to grow some new leaves.
Robbie
says the mussels in Doffcocker Lodge, were Swan Mussels, which
helps explain the size.
February 13th
A lousy day, but the morning was nice; hazy, cold, grey,
with bits of blue and sunshine. Andrew came, and we went
climbing mountains. Then he took some photographs of me. We went
a short walk and I gave him a valentine’s card.
There
are a lot of Beech Nuts at the top of the hill up the back.
Andrew gave me a lift to the bottom of the lane, and I went to
meet Madeline. Tonight I heard an Owl hooting in the trees. I
saw a flock of 16 Pigeons fly past today. It’s freezing cold
tonight and foggy.
February 14th
I woke at quarter
past eight. Outside it was very misty, green and frosty
everywhere. At nine I set off for Entwistle. The sky became a
deep clear blue with warm bright sunshine, a lovely day. There
was thin ice on the puddles which I enjoyed cracking.
When I
arrived at Entwistle there was steam over the water as it
evaporated in the warm sunshine. The water was so still it
looked like a sheet of glass. I have never seen a reservoir so
calm before. The only bird I saw was a Gull with pink legs stood
on the ice. It was a Herring Gull.
I walked up the hill and past the
Strawberry Duck and down to Wayoh, where there were loads of
birds. There must have been nearly a hundred Pochard if not
more, and at least fifty Mallard. I only saw five female
Pochard, female ducks always seem to be a rarity. There were
also five cross male Mallard; ones with brown backs and white
breasts. I saw half a
dozen Coots busy chasing each other and squabbling. Must be
getting broody. It’s really funny watching a sleepy female duck
being hotly pursued by a randy Mallard. Like a missile heading
for a ship, underwater. Doesn’t stop till he gets there!
There
were loads of Black Headed Gulls, sleeping or swimming lazily
around in their Winter plumage. By far the best surprise were
three Grebes. One was a slender, juvenile with paler plumage and
no ruff. To my delight the others were two courting birds. The
two Great Crested Grebes had handsome gingery brown neck ruffs,
and dark brown ‘ear,’ tufts. Their backs were grey and necks
bright white. They swam around preening themselves and rubbing
oil from the gland near their tail onto their beak and feathers,
sometimes bending the head right back to do it.
The
Grebes pretended to ignore each other and then swam up face to
face, nodding their heads in turn to show either side of the
face. Then they bobbed their heads up and down while turning
them from side to side. It was fascinating to watch.
Unfortunately I did not see them rear up out of the water, but I
hope to by returning soon; maybe tomorrow.
On
Fisher’s land I saw one or two Carrion Crows, hopping about.
They’re real little comics. I love them too. Altogether it’s
been a lovely day, except I didn’t get a card. I asked the
butcher (the fit one) if he had any and he said “yes thanks.” He
was surprised when I said I hadn’t got any. “Did you not get it,
I posted it.” I was chuffed as mint balls. The best thing was
when a lad said “Hello, darling where’ve you been all my life.”
February 15th
A glorious day, blue sky, bright sunshine and hardly any
clouds. It was very calm and most of the reservoir is iced over.
There was a large group of ducks stood asleep on the ice. I
counted 14 crossed and 21 normal Mallard; you can only identify
the males – and 45 Teal! An awful lot of Teal for Belmont
Reservoir. In fact I don’t think I’ve seen so many on the
reservoir before. Most of the ducks were male.
February 16th
This morning the sky is overcast but I think there is blue
sky close behind it. It is very cold and the ground is frozen.
Yesterday when the weather was good hardly any birds came to the
bird table, and those who did came in the evening.
This
morning they were ready and waiting. A Robin in the Elm, with a
Blue Tit, and to my delight a Thrush came to the bird table and
got some bread. I think it was a Song Thrush, as its back was a
light chocolate brown.
February 20th
Came home from London. The sky was grey and overcast with
a strong wind and freezing cold air. There was ice on the lodge
and it looked as though it might snow. At seven o’clock it
started snowing as was forecast. My brother won’t be coming
home, as he’ll probably be moving snow with his JCB. About 2½”
of snow has fallen.
I had a
great time in London. We visited Hyde, St. James and Regent’s
Parks. On the waterways, ponds and lakes, were loads of
beautiful birds; mainly ducks, swans and geese. There were also
lots of Coot. I saw three Moorhen and two Great Crested Grebes
on their own. There are lots of Blackbirds in the London Parks,
especially males. On St James Park I saw two Pintail on the
river and a pair of Garganey. I also saw loads of Canada Geese;
and lots of Coot – many fighting, probably for mates. On the
river there were two male Eiders and one very dark brown female.
They are very broad ducks.
I saw a
group of about six Ruddy Shelduck and one solitary one. They are
very bonny. There were loads of Woodpigeons in the park and in
the squares, especially Trafalgar Square. On one island were
quite a few Carolina Ducks. The males are very colourful, exotic
looking and far more noticeable than the females.
February 22nd
The weather is the same as yesterday, except for the
temperature. It is much milder. The Robin and Dunnock have been
rooting for food in the garden again. I watched the Dunnock
through my binoculars. It is hardly surprising people call it a
Hedge Sparrow as it looks very much like a Sparrow, maybe
crossed with the shape of a Robin. The only thing that makes the
Dunnock noticeably different to a Sparrow is the slate-blue on
its breast.
February 24th
The sky is completely overcast and large white snowflakes
are drifting down. On the reservoir and pond there have been
lots of Ducks. Near the Water Authority bungalow I saw a pair of
Great Tits in the trees. On Judith and Robbie’s lane, there were
two Blue Tits playing in the trees. I’ve dug the front garden
over again.
In Pump House Wood well there is a lot of
very fresh green weed. I collected some in a bowl and a dish.
I’ve one Black beetle, some water shrimps, and tiny
Cyclops etc. I can’t
wait to get some frog spawn.
February 26th
Its cold with a frozen ground, sprinkled with powdery snow
and frost. The sky is grey and looks snow laden. Despite this,
it is a nice morning. I got up at
half seven and went a
walk. I first called at Pump House Wood, where the Alders have
chubby lime green, catkins on them, about 2 cm long. Then I
walked down the side of the stone wall in Radcliffe’s Hay
Meadow. I heard some honking, but I couldn’t see any geese. Then
I saw rather a lot of rushes in Fisher’s field, or so they
appeared. On investigation they proved to be 57 Canada Geese,
which is nice, and I am glad to have them return.
There
was one large white bird amongst them whose neck was too long
for a goose, I thought. It may have been one of Fisher’s tame
geese but appeared more like a swan. The Canada Geese flew off
in two separate groups of roughly equal size. They flew around
weighing up the situation, honking to each other. Then I saw one
group land on the reservoir.
Usually
when such a large group arrive in Spring only half or less stay
to breed. I think one year fifty geese came and only eight pairs
stayed to breed. Sometimes the odd juvenile pair stays, who do
not raise a brood, but seem to protect the young of other birds.
February 29th
The weather has been awful with grey skies rain and
drizzle and plenty of fog. On the pond I saw 17 large Canada
Geese; they flew off when I got near. And, surprise, surprise, a
large flock of Lapwings, who flew about close together like
black and white fans. And a pair of Curlews on the reservoir!
There was also a pair of geese on the island, may be building a
nest.
Near the
village I saw a Magpie; I saw one fly across the reservoir last
week. They seem scarce at the moment. I’m sure they’ll return in
the Spring.
March 1st
This morning there was fog, which cleared leaving a very
fresh day with a hint of Spring in the air. However it rained
heavily most of the day. I stayed in bed till three o’clock
trying to get rid of a cold. I feel much better. Just as well as
I will be very busy tomorrow. Joan is coming; I meet her at five
o’clock. I haven’t seen any wildlife as I’ve been in almost all
day. Tomorrow I should see my fair share of Ducks.
March 2nd
Yesterday may have had a hint of Spring but today is
definitely all Winter. There is a gale Force, cold, blustery
wind and it snowed in the night, leaving about
half an inch of snow
everywhere. This is typical bad, March weather. Has Joan brought
it with her? Freezing cold rain is falling.
March 3rd
Compared to yesterday, today is beautiful: blue sky, few
clouds, bright sunshine, but the wind is blustery and cold. On
the lodge I saw a male
Mallard and the pair of Coots again, one of the first signs of
Spring. To my amazement I also saw a large flock of Curlews.
March 4th
This morning was foggy. The day continued cold, with grey
skies and drizzle. The fog cleared but came back at night. The
wind was quite gentle compared to that of two days ago.
Philip
and I went to Pump House Wood. At the Well we saw a few small
dark grey flies hovering around. They moved like midges but were
bigger. In Pump House Wood the Alder Catkins have grown longer,
but are still hard, although some are turning more yellow. The
Hazel is still alive but needs protection or it will surely die
from sheep grazing.
We
walked down alongside the wall of the meadow. On the lodge I saw
a Lapwing and a Curlew. There was a small bird, which looked
like a Sandpiper, but I was too far away to tell. I also saw a
bird with a white belly, doing aerobatics, turning and swerving
in the air. It was a different shape to a snipe and looked more
like a Curlew but smaller. It may have been a Whimbrel. If so,
I’ve never seen one before.
Then I
saw a very large bird flying away with slow wing beats. For a
second I didn’t know what it was. Then I realised it must be a
Heron. It was. A large Grey Heron, flying slowly away, wings
spread like gliders, head stretched and legs tailing straight
behind. Unfortunately I did not see it close to, but I’m sure
I’ll see it again. They are very wary of human presence and I
think when the ducks flew away; the Heron felt it was time to
move on.
I was
very pleased to see it, especially as Philip was with me and I
don’t think he’s seen one before, or at least not for a long
time. At this time of year I always seem to see a Heron, but
never a pair. Could it be the same individual? I nearly always
first see it on the lodge.
March 5th
I woke at half past
seven. Outside it was foggy and damp looking as though it would
be a horrid day. The sun shone from a deep blue sky, with small
cotton clouds, tinged buff and grey. The sun was very low in the
sky at quarter past four
and outside it was mild; very much a spring type day. When I
went for a walk in the evening I saw the Heron; once again it
flew away over the reservoir before I had chance to have a good
look at it.
On the
lodge I saw a pair of courting Goldeneye. The
male swam about bobbing his head
right back, to touch his back. The female may have “bobbed,” a
little bit, but not half as noticeably as the male. On the
reservoir I saw 27 Canada Geese, mainly swimming lazily
alongside the island or resting in the rushes.
At home
in one of the Beeches I saw three Pigeons, they looked as if
they were courting. Probably two
male’s in pursuit of a female.
Who should be so lucky! This morning I saw a male Blackbird on
the lawn. I don’t think I’ve seen a female one yet this year? On
the reservoir I also saw the pair of enormous white domestic
geese with their chum, the solitary Canada goose, again. They
are shaped just like Greylags and built like brick houses. No
insult to the geese intended.
There
were a few Mallard swimming about and I saw some birds that
looked like waders stood at the far end of the reservoir. On
investigation they turned out to be a flock of about thirty
Lapwing. All very handsomely clad in dark green and white
feathers with pink legs, black plumes + orange bottoms. A real
bird about town!
In the
Lane Field a drain has blocked, or there is no drain + the
drainage is terribly insufficient. A whole strip of field is
waterlogged. It almost looks like the course of an underground
stream. I can’t remember whether I mentioned this before or not
but a Hawthorn tree has fallen in My Place. A great shame. We
seem to be loosing all our Hawthorn trees, either to the forces
of Mother Nature or to Albert's axe.
March 6th.
It has been a nice day with blue sky never far away from the
grey skies overhead. I saw the Heron again, in the Lane Field.
Still I haven’t seen it close to yet.
March 7th.
A very mild and overcast day, with drizzle, fog, and a gentle
wind. The fog cleared in the morning: Cindy has been to the vets
for her booster, and an operation to remove her ovaries. She is
very dopy + feeling a bit sorry for herself and so am I. At
Overdale, I saw seven Magpies and a rather handsome woodpigeon
with a very “pink-plum,” breast, white collar and “grey-blue,”
feathers.
The
other day a pair of blackbirds escorted a one-legged thrush on
to our lawn to feed from the daily scraps. The blackbirds
charged head down, like geese, at a flock of boisterous
starlings to keep them at bay, and made no attempt themselves to
feed. Is it usual for birds to act as nurse-chaperones in such
cases?
March 8th.
It has been a nice and very eventful day. Very mild, cloudy,
with a slight wind and bits of sunshine.
I saw the Heron fly away again. Forbringer of dramatic news,
good and bad. Last time I saw a Heron was just before I was ill.
I believe they are forbearers of fate; more so than Magpies.
There is just something about them.
I know a
House Sparrow called Slatey: today he visited the bird table for
crumbs. I called him Slatey because his crown and back are a
lovely Slatey-blue. I know another house Sparrow called Bull,
who often comes for crumbs. He’s called Bull because he looks
big and strong and handsome, and he has a big black bib.
March 9th
For most of the day the sky has been overcast with the
occasional burst of sunshine. It has been quite mild and in the
front garden three crocuses are in bud – two golden ones, and a
purple. In the back garden the Daffodils are growing well; the
longest stalks are 6”. I am delighted by all this of course.
March 10th
More than anything else, I can’t wait to see Andrew again.
I hope he feels the same way. He does. We made friends and will
meet up again in May. So I’m happy for the first time in five
weeks. Today I saw three
pair’s of Geese on the reservoir, ten Teal, and on the lodge
about six Mallard. A pair of Goldeneye on the reservoir, and a
solitary female.
March 11th
It was beautiful this morning, with patches of blue sky,
outbreaks of brilliant sunshine, grey and white clouds and to my
delight, a skylark singing. The first I’ve heard this year. On
the reservoir I saw 26 geese and several ducks. And for the
first time I saw the white domestic goose close to. It had a
pink bill, enormous golden yellow coated legs and a few grey
feathers. It was as big as a Turkey. Its mate wasn’t there, I
hope she’s nesting.
I walked to Entwistle where first it
hailed, and then it snowed huge snowflakes for
half an hour; then poured
with rain. Sam and me got soaked. The undergrowth around
Entwistle reservoir was very colourful, as the rain brought out
all the colours. I saw lots of Magpies today, especially in the
fields along Longworth Road. They always come back in the Spring
to eat sheep’s cleansings and dead lambs.
At Pips
place I found some Water Crowfoot; I haven’t seen any for ages.
There was a single flower, the first flower on the farm in 1989.
March 12th
I think today was the first day of Spring. The sunshine
was warm and bright with only a few grey clouds preventing its
brilliant glow. The rest of the sky was blue, with a breezy
wind, and it was quite mild.
On the
reservoir I saw about thirty-forty, Canada Geese, resting on the
shore in two groups. The White Goose was with them. On the
island I saw about thirty-forty Curlews. One group stood there
resting while another flew noisily in to land. The white rumps
of Curlews are very conspicuous, but I don’t really think I
noticed them till today.
Yesterday I saw several flocks of Starlings and Lapwings. I
don’t remember seeing any for ages. I think they go elsewhere in
Winter and return in Spring when the extra feet of cattle and
lambs kick up worms for them to eat.
In the
plantation by the reservoir, at Pump House Wood, and in the
plantation on the way to Entwistle, the Alders have their
“yellow-red,” catkins on. A sure sign of Spring. Tonight the sky
was very clear, with a great Moon and several stars. And it was
BITTERLY COLD!
March 13th
Overcast sky, and it looks very cold. I heard the geese
honking a lot last night. It is cold, but not quite as cold as
it looks. I took Judith some Spring flowers, to cheer her up, as
she has a very sore throat, and illness has been plaguing her
recently. She was in, but probably fast asleep, and as both
doors were locked, I left the flowers next door.
The
purple and mauve crocuses are well in bud outside Pat’s and they
look absolutely gorgeous. I took a few photos of them, and of
Dusty, who went with me. Dusty is full of Spring fever, she
pranced about the Lane Field, tossing a bone and catching it.
She is a Taurus and they are supposed to love the earth.
In the
pond water I collected about two weeks ago, I have discovered
some Hydra! I was very excited as I’ve never seen them in my
life before. I wonder, did I introduce them? Because I pinched a
bit of weed from the tanks at school, and they had hydra in
them? I’ve certainly never seen any before! Hydra are like
minute green blobs; the biggest the size of a pin head. At night
they expand and grow like a trunk with a head like an anemone. I
saw one with a bump on its side. That is how they reproduce –
vegetatively by budding. Fascinating stuff! I’d love to see one
under a microscope.
House
and Tree Sparrows used to visit the farm, and live here all year
round. Now I have not seen any for maybe ten years or more. Why
they left I don’t know, unless it is because the village has
more bird tables and fewer crows.
March 16th
I’m here in Dover. It is lovely. I can’t wait to explore
the woods, cliffs and Downs. It is very mild but the sky is
overcast.
I saw a
Primrose on the bank, at the Station, just about to flower.
Because of all the chalk, there are lots of snails, who need,
the calcium carbonate, to make their shells. However I only
found shells without any snails in.
March 19th
I spoke to Olaf, I’m so glad to hear him after such a long
time GUESS WHAT! He was born in KENT and Christian was born in
DOVER. What do you make of that? I started of feeling lonely and
miserable, but after a good chat to Christian, I feel happy
again. There are a lot of Jackdaws and Thrushes down here. Up
the road there are some enormous houses with beautiful gardens,
which are more like parks. I sneaked round the edges of one or
two, but I thought it would be rather cheeky to walk across the
lawn. There is a lovely pond just down the road with Cute
Moorhens, Mallard and Mute Swans on it. Unfortunately it is
Private Land.
In
Templeside there are lots of Thrushes; probably because of all
the snails, as the local mineral is chalk. In the woods and on
the lawns clumps of lovely, little, purple, Dog Violets are
flowering. I have seen a few clusters of Primroses flowering on
waste ground and banks, by railways and rivers. The pale yellow
flowers, with golden centres and crinkled, blunt leaves, make
the Primrose a lovely plant to behold. There are lots of lambs
in the fields and I think the Jackdaws may have young in their
nests, (or eggs).
To my
delight, I saw a Tree Creeper climbing round a trunk like a
mouse, in the park. I knew it was a Tree Creeper by its curved
bill and White belly. I only wish I had a decent pair of
binoculars with me
Monday
I went for a lovely walk in the Abbey Park. There was a Thrush
with a white strip above its eye. I wondered if it was a
Redwing, and when I saw its orange-brown belly, I knew it was.
It’s the first time I’ve seen one for definite. The last time I
saw any was many years ago at home.
Tuesday
This morning is lovely, a hazy sky with blue behind. Bright
sunshine and very still. In the garden there was a Bright Yellow
Butterfly, a clouded Yellow, a flash of fleeting beauty. Many
different kinds of Speedwell are now flowering in Kent. Each
with a delicate blue flower. They vary in size shape, colour and
intensity, but all are beautiful.
There
are plenty of wildflowers around, Primroses, Red and White
Deadnettles, many Umbelifers, Speedwells, Celandines,
Dandelions, Dog’s Mercury, loads of Ivy and Butterbur.
Wednesday
This morning the fog was thick around the houses. Indoors it is
very warm. The day has brightened but it’s still foggy, although
not as thick. I’ve just spoken to Olaf again on the phone. He’s
got a lovely, voice. I bet Syd’s passionate and very hunky.
Christian sounds lovely as well!
Yesterday I saw a Rat crawling over the ground by a river near
the college. It is the first I have seen at close quarters, for
a very long time. In the evening I went to feed the swans in the
park. There are four of them swimming about. Two males,
jealously guarding their territories, and two juveniles. One of
the male adults nearly
attacked me as it pecked at a white plastic bag I was carrying.
The park bench was very near the water and it was a difficult
manoeuvre to escape.
The
water is only about two feet deep, or looks it, very clear, with
a soft muddy bottom. I love to watch the swans with necks
outstretched, glide over the bottom, skimming the mud for food.
You can easily see their enormous, grey, webbed feet, in the
water. There feet fascinate me. I have never been so close to
Mute Swans before, and it is both a pleasure and a privilege.
(Besides a personal risk!).
Friday
It has been very warm, with blue clear sky, the first since I
got here. There was a gentle breeze and mist over the sea. In
the garden today I saw a
pair of Blue Tits, a Robin and a yellow butterfly, dancing in
the sunshine. In the town, a very handsome, but enormous Herring
Gull, was walking about the precinct like a lost tourist.
He was
magnificent. One foot high, brilliant white head and neck,
yellow bill, with a large red dot, pink legs and feet and grey
back feathers. A real beauty. On Abbey Park, I don’t think I
have ever seen such a large collection of coots. They are very
tame and walk after you for bread. On all the other ponds I have
seen Coots, and loads of Moorhens. Coots are unusual birds; they
remind me of domestic hens, the stalking way they move and those
beady red eyes.
March 24th
This morning I woke to a very strong, blustery wind, which
blew a milk bottle over. It rolled, dropped and smashed into a
hundred pieces. The sky was grey with drizzly rain. In the
evening the sky became an intense blue with white cotton clouds.
The sun was warm and very bright with a strong blustery wind.
March 25th
It has rained a lot today. A strong wind is blowing, with
an overcast sky. It is cold and dismal. I go home in two more
days, all being well.
March 26th
The sky is very cloudy, mainly grey clouds. Sometimes for
a few seconds the sun shines or patches of blue sky show
through. In the Yew Trees I saw a
male Chaffinch, and two female
finches on the ground. They were olive green with a yellow bar
on their wings. I think they may have been Greenfinches.
The
Lawson’s Cypress has enormous seeds. They are very strange, like
thin plate mushrooms, made of wood! I must collect some. I’m
puzzled as to how they germinate. The Yew Trees have strange
flowers on them. Small Creamy brown bobbles. By the river a
Pussy Willow Tree was covered in yellow catkins.
In the evening about
quarter to eight, I was
walking through the park and I saw two Swans asleep on their
nests. At first I thought they were white plastic bags.
March 29th
I am back at home; my bedroom was tided by Elizabeth. Jack + Dad
picked me up. At half past
six a Blackbird started singing as it came light. In a
minute I am going to see Andrew. When I was by the gate a Heron
almost flew overhead, then it saw me, turned in mid flight, and
flew in the other direction. Later I saw it stood by the lodge
and then by the reservoir. I think this is a lucky Heron.
Andrew
wants us to be friends, so do I. On the lodge were two pair of
Goldeneye, one male, seven Teal and four Mallard. On the
reservoir was a Coot, 22 Canada Geese, several Lapwing on the
bank, and Curlews flying over - echoing their shrill cries.
March 30th
It has been a very beautiful day, with deep blue sky,
bright sunshine, large, grey and white clouds, and a strong
blustery wind. My favourite kind of day. I caught a taxi to
Green Arms Road, as I didn’t have the energy to walk. Then Cindy
and I walked past Entwistle. I saw a beautiful gorse bush in
bloom; I was really surprised to see it covered with golden
yellow blossoms. In the plantation I saw a small flock of about
six Chaffinches, mainly male.
As I
walked past the water the wind was blustery and very cold,
making large waves on the reservoir round a bend I went, and
there, swimming together, in a sheltered inlet, were seven
Tufted Duck. Three female and four male. The male Tufted had
white breasts, and side flanks. Their black heads shone blue,
purple and green, together, or at different times. The females
were drab brown. The sexes are the same size and shape, or
appear to be. They have beady, button eyes, which look to be
bright yellow.
I walked
down past Wayoh, where I saw a pair of Great Crested Grebes,
swimming in the distance. I’m sure they can see hear you,
because as soon as you look at them through your binoculars,
they dive.