Stitchwort returns

Greater Stitchwort, the first of our true hedgerow plants, is back. According to my records this is very early this year even though it is a plant that flowers later in March. As this is Spot's blog Harriet, who has a natural interest in flora and fauna, insists on having a bit part in it as often as possible.

path clearing and gate keeping

Spot showing off his very strong retriever genes, just like his dear old mum (see link), and making sure the elephants don't get out.

As this is his blog he does like to appear in it from time to time.

almost perfect

Camelia coming into blossom. They do much better than roses in our local climate. And joining in the hymn to the rising year

brimstone and fire

It was a beautiful sunny day and we went for a walk around Devon Great Consul mine workings (see my link). It is a barren place for the most part but two very early brimstones appeared to add a little colour, one of which you might be able to see below (just)

Ok, here it is, admittedly it is small and it was flying away fast

beech holidays

two mallards ("we shall be cruising today at 40,000 feet"), and below everyone taking a break after a long hard day building nests.

rook life

male rooks are very busy collecting twigs and other bits and pieces from the garden which they then present to the female in the rookery for making the nest. The one in the top photo has his beak full! As usual they are nesting both low and high in the trees so we must be in for our normal summer weather.