Orchids

Midsummer brings a profusion of orchids to the limestone grassland of the Cotswolds. Today we saw pyramid and spotted orchids in flower on Coaley Peak

Moorhen Chick

 Moorhen chicks can now be seen as they leave their nests which are normally hidden in dense vegetation.This small chick was being fed by an adult. They may have several broods but suffer a high rate of predation and this was the only chick visible.

Greenfinch

A few years ago greenfinches were common on our feeders but numbers have declined and we had not seen any for some time so we were delighted to see one today.Let's hope numbers are on the increase.

Mid Summer

The Summer Solstice has arrived and we are enjoying long days and  short nights and the sun is setting at it's most northerly point. We enjoy some beautiful sunsets over the Severn Vale from the edge of the Cotswold escarpment.
It has long been a time for celebration and feasting and we shall be enjoying a gathering in our lane this evening.

Summer meadow flowers,

Summer seems to be here today as the rain and gales have abated.
The limestone grassland of Uley Bury is looking good with a fantastic variety of wild flowers including ox-eye daisies, yellow rattle, vetch, buttercups and cinquefoil. Orchids should follow soon.

Shorn Sheep

These freshly shorn sheep looked happy a few days ago in the sunshine but the wind and rain of
the last two days must be making them feel chilly.
The unshorn lambs now look as big as their mothers.

Rabbits

Gardening in the country seems to be a constant battle with rabbits which always like the tender shoots of new growth.This one is pruning a shrub but they particularly like anything freshly emerging in the vegetable patch!