Male linnet above gorse bush The morning was calm. still and humid. There had been drizzle all the previous day and the atmosphere was full of moisture- like a sauna. The hottest day of spring. A small bird perched above a blaze of gorse and I held my breath in the silence of the morning. I crept closer- he was shielded by a tangle of brambles and hawthorn. I could see the deep crimson on his breast.
I always listen for linnet, look for linnet. Now he appeared in the peace of the morning.
I always listen for linnet, look for linnet. Now he appeared in the peace of the morning.
The hottest day so far this year so I hoped for butterflies. I found insects on the wing, several Dingy Skipper and I followed a Brimstone which would not settle. The flora of Scout Scar escarpment is delightful but on the broader ridge and on the anthills there were few flowers. If April showers bring forth May flowers then a dearth of showers does not give abundant flora. Anthills, being raised and prolific on south-facing slopes, must dry out quickly.
Approaching the Race Course, there's a trod where the Welsh Blacks go through a gate into rough pasture. In winter, it was deep mud poached by cattle. Now it has dried out and is baked hard, with deep holes where hooves sank in the mud, and fissures where mud has dried and cracked. For hirundines and swifts who scoop up mud for their nests, how will they have fared this spring?
Approaching the Race Course, there's a trod where the Welsh Blacks go through a gate into rough pasture. In winter, it was deep mud poached by cattle. Now it has dried out and is baked hard, with deep holes where hooves sank in the mud, and fissures where mud has dried and cracked. For hirundines and swifts who scoop up mud for their nests, how will they have fared this spring?
I listened to the redstart singing from his ash tree perch, watched him dart away and reappear in seconds. The foliage conceals him well and he's difficult to see.
Approaching Kendal Race Course, I heard the farmer driving his ewes and lambs down to the farmyard. Pastoral is returned and it's a joy to see life about the farm. .
Approaching Kendal Race Course, I heard the farmer driving his ewes and lambs down to the farmyard. Pastoral is returned and it's a joy to see life about the farm. .
Compare images of linnet
9 May 2016 Lesser Redpoll and Linnet: Scout Scar
What next, asks an orienteer?
You never know. That's the thrill.
9 May 2016 Lesser Redpoll and Linnet: Scout Scar
What next, asks an orienteer?
You never know. That's the thrill.
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