Downgate

a beautiful sunny morning with a thick mist lying in the Tamar valley. As the mist receded the whole village of Downgate appeared beneath us as we stood on Kit Hill. Downgate is on a fairly steep hill but the perspective has flattened it out. In the background a green wood pecker was yaffling away (to hear it try this link to RSPB). I have never managed to catch a green woodpecker on camera, but there is definitely one in residence on Kit Hill now. We will go hunting (only with a camera of course!)

another yellow body

last week I could hear yellowhammers practising their song. They could manage the "bit of bread" and "cheese" but not the whole phrase. Today there were several sitting in the tops of trees giving it full blast and using the whole phrase.

There was also an odd episode in the field behind our house. A buzzard flew down from a tree in our garden into the field. It was immediately the subject of a spectacular aerial attack by another buzzard. They appeared to be fighting for a minute or so before one flew off, and then the other flew off, neither seemed injured. I have never seen this behaviour before (they are quite furtive birds as a rule other than when they are in the air or roosting on a pole)

very prim indeed

a familiar favourite is out everywhere now

wrendition

there were five wrens within 50 yards of each other singing their hearts out today.

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.