Monks Wood 24.4.13

24.4.13

Warm day with nice sunny spells, I had a long bike ride out to Monks Wood, out to Spaldwick, Kimbolton, Grafham and then to Brampton Wood. 

At Monks Wood I came past 12 Peacock Butterflies, 1 Brimstone, and 1 suspected Orange-underwing Moth at the western cross roads. I saw what I thought was a Peacock chasing a bumblebee which was interesting, I think more in amour than territory. 

I just went to the beginning of the main ride in Brampton Wood for a rest on my ride, and spotted 3 Peacocks and 2 Commas. Lots of Wood Anemone were flowering at that patch. 

Woodwalton Marsh and Fen 10.4.13

10.4.13

Lovely sunny day, hazy, little wind. Cycled to Woodwalton Marsh, saw Colts Foot, lots of Violets and Lesser Celandine. Also a beautiful fresh Small Tortoiseshell, a Bee Fly, and an unidentified Bee which landed on my arm and hand when I held it out. 

Then onto Woodwalton Fen to see if there were any newts in the ponds, but couldn't see any. Did see another Small Tortoiseshell, a Peacock, and a fresh Comma. Also saw a Heron and a couple of pairs of Canada Geese. 

Malvern Hills 6/4/13

Had a fantastic walk up the Malvern Hills, taking in the Worcestershire Beacon and North Hill peaks, lovely hills and great views. Also saw my first Butterfly of the year, which is very late for me. A Small Tortoiseshell was racing along at the top of North Hill, over the snow, which was great to see. Also saw a Kestrel (M I think) perched up surveying his domain. Looking forward to a repeat trip in the summer for the High Brown Frit and other butterflies. 

Wistow Wood 5/04/13

5.4.13

The Sun greedily kept hold of the soft clouds, as the wind tried to set it adrift alone into the chill blue sky. A Chiff-Chaff proclaimed belief of the coming warmth, cut short by the wind rushing through the empty branches. Tightly bound buds silently wait. A single small, young Wood Anemone opened its fresh petals, defiant as the first and bravest, the one that tells the others to follow. A patch of creamy yellow Primroses the only colour amongst the dusky dim brown and old green.