Records

Comparing photographs taken this week with those from around this time last year illustrates well how our weather is never the same two years running.  Last year Primroses were visible on many areas of the reserve but this week they could only be seen near the lake with one flower in a very sheltered spot on the moor.  Coltsfoot was also much in evidence by early March.

2011 saw this Red Dead Nettle in flower

Frogs are back and spawning furiously but as yet no sign of the toads.  The photograph below was taken on the 11th March 2012.  In 2011 the first photograph of a toad was taken on the 16th March.

Feeders are still attracting many birds to the back garden and yesterday a Yellowhammer dropped in.  It is 15 years since the last one was recorded.  When the winter seed crop was planted it was hoped that these birds would feed more regularly on the reserve but unfortunately Roe Deer got to the crop first! 

Last week Fieldfare and Redwing were seen in the stubble but it is unlikely they would find much food.  Perhaps they were already heading north!.