martinville

Somewhat later than usual the martins have returned. Looking back through the records on this blog they are at least two weeks and up to six weeks later than usual. Recently they have taken to arriving and then disappearing for a few weeks, no doubt to fatten up for the breeding season. I am not sure that these two have decided to nest here. They spend a lot of time chattering to each other and flying around just like a married couple looking for a new home to start a family. Almost immediately a male sparrow appeared on the guttering above which does not bode well for a peaceful few weeks.

flowers about

some images from two walks today, bluebells, ramsons and hedgerows.

brimstone and fire

Apart from a few small whites there really are very few butterflies around at the moment. I don't know whether they are simply late because of the cold weather this Spring, or absent because of last year's dismal weather. However, there are some brimstones in the woods. These are very fidgety butterflies. When a male and a virgin female meet they perform a spiral dance up into the canopy, whirling around feverishly before falling to the ground (in a swoon?) to mate (see link). In this photo the female is above the male who is obviously much more yellow. It makes a very attractive sight in the yellowish light  under the emerging canopy.

white wing

I thought I saw this young rook before we left when it was struggling to fly. I have never seen markings like this on a rook before and I don't know whether it is some form of partial albinism or the result of an injury, but it is very striking. As always somewhere on the net there is more information (see link) !

Home again

 Alaska was stunning with its beautiful blues, whites and greys but there is something incomparably beautiful about the green landscape of England and especially Cornwall as it blossoms in late Spring.

dear Spot
I don't know what the weather has been like in Cornwall but here in Alaska it has been simply perfect, as you can see, and even the orca has taken to sun-bathing. See you soon.