blackbird update

things are coming along nicely in the blackbird nest. However, I think magpie predation may have started even though the nest is right next to our front door. I found a small chick on the ground. It was alive and warm. It was not under a nest, and the nearest nest is the one above. I am fairly sure that a magpie had just snatched it out of the nest and was frightened off when I returned home this morning. I am not absolutely sure it was one of the blackbirds but I have put it back in that nest. Time will tell whether it develops into a duck or a swan.

the pollinator

It is a sorry season for hay fever sufferers. The white smoke just visible in the grass is pollen released as Harriet swept through carrying medium sized branch. She is, of course, still sulking following the shock result of yesterday's over 60's beauty competition (see previous post).

Stoke Climsland Post Office 175 anniversary

well, this is probably the best and most important day of my life, I came FIRST in the over 8 years old class, and Harriet came nowhere (see link for relish). Not quite sure why I didn't win best in show but there you go.

deer view

deer in meadows at Upper Downgate, and, looking the other way, the view of our villages, Stoke Climsland and Venterdon, church and chapel, before the momentous events of 14 June 2014. The white structure in the distance is yet another wind turbine, one of many which are becoming more and more intrusive in this landscape.

more from wimalford

large red damselflies mating (top), a small heath butterfly (middle), and a miniature forest of marsh lousewort growing in the moss overlying some very swampy ground (the lush green gives it away)

wimalford marsh

This is the marsh fritillary, feeding on a spotted heath orchid at Wimalford farm (see link). It is a rare butterfly and is under a lot of pressure because of loss of habitat and possibly climate change. We also spotted a small pearl bordered fritillary (below)

and a chimney sweep moth