Blossom time

          Mid May is a great time to be out in the wood as new growth explodes and wildlife gets into breeding mode. The onset of Spring has been slow this year with the persistent cold winds  from the East and wet ground but there is no holding back nature for long.  One area in Crow Wood has a very good crop of Bluebells and they are at their very best at this time: on calm, hot days their scent is wonderful. In amongst them are small numbers of Wood Anemones and the very occasional white Bluebell, which I always look for especially: they have an air of mystery about them. The oaks are now largely in leaf but the Sweet Chestnut trees are always slower and on our few Beech trees the buds are just unfurling. Flowering Rowan trees are very attractive to bees and hoverflies and the white blossoms look fabulous against a blue sky. On sunny days, I hope to find a Grass Snake warming itself under a tarpaulin, its usual spot. It was there as I hoped but shot off quickly before I could get a proper look. Next time !

          The Blackbird nest on our shed is now empty so I am hopeful the young fledged successfully and were not taken by a predator. It has been a slow Spring for our nesting birds this year with few migrants to be heard in the wood and only some of my many nest boxes in use as yet, but activity will increase as the wood comes to life and insect numbers pick up driven by the longer days and warmth from the sun. I have started putting out special RSPB feed for the Turtle Doves that usually visit but so far have only had the briefest of views. The last time I did so, four Buzzards were circling high overhead and a Red Kite drifted over. Perhaps one day this fabulous species will breed in the bigger wood.

fresh green growth on a Redwood

 .......and on opening ferns

flowers to come.......new leaves on a Common Spotted Orchid

Blossom on the Rowans

the shy Grass Snake......

Beech buds opening

Blueberry in flower

the mystery of a white Bluebell in amongst the blues