Spring's awakening
Although we are saying fond farewells for now to our whooper swans that have started their migrations back to Iceland, we are welcoming signs that spring is underway.
We've been enjoying quite a mix of all four seasons recently, but there are definitely milder days with longer, lighter evenings. Yellow iris offer splashes of sunshine as they adorn some of the paddock ponds. The birds are busying themselves building nests including a rather active and noisy rookery along the avenue. Nest boxes are also becoming more active as tree sparrows investigate them for potential use.
Brown hare can be seen chasing and boxing in the fields as the females fend off amorous males, testing their potential for being a suitable mate. Skylark have also been heard serenading out on the Saltcot merse.
Velvet buds are appearing on willow trees in the Peter Scott trail and there has even been the odd bumble bee & butterfly seeking out early flowers in our wildlife garden. Toads & newts are emerging from their hibernation & torpor and we look forward to the arrival of summer migrants including warblers, swallows, house martins & osprey on the horizon.
Come and connect with nature, take in a breath of fresh air, feel the breeze on your skin whilst being immersed in wetland wildlife.
Feature photograph by Alex Hillier
