Wheatland Farm Lodges and Cottages


20 February





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Something in the air...

I'm not sure what it is that makes one day winter and the next spring - it seems to be more than just the air temperature. There's an almost palpable relief in the air and a feeling of calm.  Maybe it's just the collective confidence of all those snowdrops, the budding crocuses and now a reasonable handful of foolhardy daffodils.

We went down to Popehouse Moor to check nest boxes. A hare took off - huge-looking and with black tipped ears clearly showing. A couple of roe deer took fright. Many trees have buds and the water in the pond has changed colour...

This hazel has catkins already. I'm looking for blackthorn blossom next.

As we walked fairly noisily through the grass (George and Euan in tow) a bird took off from near-by. It was snipe shaped but smaller. A distinctively long bill though - definitely a wader. Once back in the kitchen I rang my handy expert (my Dad) who said too early


The geese are back too - they came one day during the cold snap (see pic), but then went again. I have mixed feelings for them - they were fun last year, but also rather messy -  and what about my new grass (and wildflower seeds) around the newly shaped pond!? Maybe they will graze the rest of the field. I fear they'll prefer the short new grass though. This time they've been here for a day or two.  I guess time will tell whether they'll stay.
in the year for Redshank on moors, so possibly Jack Snipe. I'll try to get a closer look next time, but that's my best bet for now...