Shades of Autumn

 Nesting time

            It has been two months since my last blog and a lot has happened in Crow Wood since then. The weather has changed from cold and damp to hot and dry and then lately to cold and dry. As I write this in early May the temperatures are really low again with a northerly wind blowing and the ground really very dry as there has been very little rain. It is proving to be a difficult year for early nesting bird species with very few of the nest boxes actually in use so far; I looked at all 10 and found only 2 in use with parents bringing in food to young birds inside. Two had been occupied by wood mice over the winter so were out of action for the birds this season. It is very concerning. Some species may well have another go as the season progresses but Blue Tits have only one clutch each year so may well fail to raise young this year. It is likely that the cold has reduced the availability of the insect food that the birds need to get into breeding condition. Sadly too, the Tawny Owls failed to use my nest box this year and it has remained empty. I have heard an owl calling from further into the wood so I hope they have bred successfully all the same.

             On a positive note I did find a Blackbirds nest today and spot a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers bringing food to a hole in a dead pine tree, which is strong evidence that there are young inside. Great news indeed.

              The hot and dry conditions have speeded up the blooming of many of the woodland flowers and the first blooms are out on the Rowan trees and the Guelder Rose. The Bluebells are at their best just now and when the sun does come out their scent is wonderful. Forecasts suggest that the current dry weather is set to continue - good for us humans but not so good for the woodland. It has been there for many centuries and will certainly endure. 

A Grass Snake keeping warm under its tin sheet

Bugle in flower along the tracks

The Great Spotted Woodpecker at the nest hole photographed at a distance with a telephoto lens

Bluebells at their best

......and primroses still flowering near by

Milkmaids like the damper areas of the track

Signs of the orchids to come

The Rowans in flower

A Great Tit leaving one of the few nest boxes in use this year.