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.

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