Maize plants emerge

The maize seeds are shooting and visible as they emerge from the soil and show in the early morning sunshine. At present we can still see all the birds as they look for worms and the lines of mole hills. We haven't had such a close view of maize growing before, it is interesting and we understand from the farmer that he will be growing maize in this field for this year and the next one.

Oak out before Ash

It's the time of year that we remember the old adage
If the Oak is out before the Ash we shall have a splash.If the Ash is out before the Oak we shall have a soak.
Looking at these trees near Tetbury it looks as if the Oaks win this year so we should be due some dryer weather.

Large White Butterfly

The Large White is one of our common butterflies, this one is the female as it has two more prominent spots on each forewing than the male.

Large White butterflies enjoy a fairly wide variety of habitats, open areas as well as gardens. 

Apparently Large Whites like foods with mustard oil glucosides. This could be the reason for us thinking that they only fed on cabbage in the garden when we were young, as in those days they were known as Cabbage White Butterflies.

Horse Chestnut

On a trip to Bath, southern end of the Cotswold Way, we enjoyed the Horse Chestnut trees which were in full blossom.

Blackbirds fledging

This reminded me of Spring Watch last year. On dusk yesterday I noticed this young Blackbird just outside the utility room window sat on the grass. I thought it was a leaf at first but as I moved closer it opened it's mouth to be fed! I noticed the colour of it's feathers well matured, only the yellow gape reminiscent of a youngster.  Retreating inside again we spotted the mother bird busy in and out of the bush nearby, apparently feeding others. Hopefully this little bird found somewhere safe to spend the night, no sign of it this morning.

Cowslips

Cowslips are now in bloom particularly in meadows grazed by cattle. These are on the Coaley Peak nature reserve where the National Trust has reintroduced cattle to conserve the grassland.

Bluebell Woods

Bluebells are at their peak now so what better time to take a walk in the woods where the light green of the newly emerged beech leaves contrast with the vivid blue carpet of flowers.

Bats in the Twilight

Lovely sunset yesterday and whilst looking west for the first time this year there were Bats chasing each other in the twilight.

Sunny Views of Berkeley Vale

A sunny Sunday with a steady cool breeze brought out at least 15 paragliders to enjoy the conditions on Coaley Peak.
Excellent visibility across the vale too with no heat haze and patches of yellow oil seed rape showing up in the sunshine.
We enjoyed an ice cream each and enjoyed the views.

Woodland flowers

It is a beautiful time in our local woodland now with the trees just starting to burst into leaf and the ground covered in wood anemones and bluebells.