Spring?

Saturday, March 26th 2016

Storm Katie is on her way, although it is probably going to be further south where she will be felt the most.  Looking for sayings about March there are some interesting ones:-

'When March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb.'

'A dry March and a wet May
Fill barns and bays with corn and hay.'

'As it rains in March so it rains in June.'

'March winds and April showers
Bring forth May flowers.'

If the Frogs spawn in the middle of a pond then it is going to be a dry summer, if at the edge of the pond then it is going to be wet.  You will, I am sure, be pleased to know that our Frogs don't know what it is going to be like, as we have spawn in the middle and spawn at the edge of ponds!

Some of the spawn is already starting to develop and you can see comma like shapes in the jelly.  In the tanks in the Activity room there are many tiny tadpoles just hatched. 

Although much cooler and no sun, Toads were still around, many lying on the bottom of the ponds with just the odd croak heard.  Some were also seen walking back to their spawning ponds.

Common Toad

Primroses are showing their pale yellow heads along Risedale Beck and along the Hazel Avenue.  They must flower and set seed before the canopy of leaves block out the light.  There is one clump growing near the entrance gate on the side of the road.

Primrose

Bird Cherry is one of the first trees to unfurl its leaves.   The flower buds are developing too.

Bird Cherry

Blackthorn flowers are just starting to cover some of the trees, mainly along Risedale Beck.

Blackthorn flower

A Reed Bunting was singing from the Hawthorn tree in the reed bed.  This Great Tit was aware of my presence but kept singing, whilst being photographed.

Great Tit

Although Foxglove is still retaining her winter coat there are signs that spring is on its way and soon the blacks, greys and browns of winter wil be replaced by fresh greens.


(0) Comments:

There are no comments for this blog post yet. Why not start the discussion? - use the form below:


Leave a Comment:

Please complete this field, it's required. Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Your email address will not be displayed but it's required.

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?


Back to Top

Help Support Foxglove

Friends of Foxglove

The Friends of Foxglove Covert is for those individuals, families and organisations who would like to support the reserve through an annual membership subscription. Friends receive a regular newsletter and invitations to attend our various activities and social events.

More Details

Upcoming Events


Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is now OPEN

Monday 4th November 2024 |

The security gate and it's safety features are to be working, so we're reopening to the public.

Please check the FAQs for further information on entrance procedures.

https://foxglovecovert.org.uk/about/frequently-asked-questions/



February Winter Worky Day

Sunday 2nd February 2025 | 10am - 3pm

Join our staff and volunteers for a fun day of practical habitat management on Sunday 2nd February.

Help out with winter habitat management tasks on the reserve. Tasks may vary but can include coppicing and pollarding willow carr, creating dead hedges, and clearing scrub.

Please bring along a packed lunch, come ready for all weather conditions and bring your oldest outdoor clothes as tasks will be mucky.

Booking is essential for this FREE event.



VIEW ALL EVENTS

Recent Blog Posts

Blog Archive