Pulmonaria after rain Rain struck the roof of the veranda outside Sizergh Cafe where we gathered to look for hawfinch. They come seeking hornbeam seeds, now scattered below trees adorned with catkins. Our guide Rob Pocklington told us that sometimes, if it's quiet, he can hear hawfinch cracking the seed with their heavy bills. We saw male and female hawfinch but the rain persisted so light levels were low. You need a telescope or strong sunlight for good sightings.
Subsequently, we walked to Brigsteer Park and the rain had almost stopped. How different from the warmth and bright sun of Saturday! Not a butterfly in sight.
Subsequently, we walked to Brigsteer Park and the rain had almost stopped. How different from the warmth and bright sun of Saturday! Not a butterfly in sight.
About a fortnight ago I was here by the lake at Sizergh, photographing frogspawn and a frog in amplexus. Fallen willow catkins pattern clumps of frogspawn and its appearance has changed. Clots of frogspawn bubble up, as if oxygenated. And black specks of frogspawn begin to shape up as tadpoles. Some bubbles are smeared with a black rim, perhaps of black spawn. In close-up, they look like abstract paintings. I can't wait to see the tadpoles wriggling breaking free of the jelly.
In late autumn there was a good crop of spindle berries. Now in late March the flower buds are green and begin to open. The spindle twins are colourful with lichen. I hope to see the tiny flowers soon.
A mute swan is nesting on an islet in the lake beside SIzergh Castle. The swan gathers twigs for its nest and catkins hang low over it.
Spring at Sizergh's thoughtfully planted gardens and wilderness areas is beautiful and full of interest.
Spring at Sizergh's thoughtfully planted gardens and wilderness areas is beautiful and full of interest.
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