Spring is here

And all of a sudden the trees burst into life and tiny plants produce vibrant flowers. Nothing unique about that but having spent many hours getting to know Bel's Wood the changes in a couple of days are hard to keep up with. Different parts of the site are further on than others. This will be due to sunshine but also how high up the fell the trees are and how exposed to wind they are. Maybe the age of trees makes a difference too. I am enjoying the bare trees still as I can spot the birds more easily. 

There is an excitement in the air with more bird song alongside the vibrant colours everywhere you look. The sun is higher in the sky and bathes the site far longer as it follows the contours of the fells opposite. I am going to work out how to cook there so I can stay longer. The sun dropped over the horizon 7.23pm (see pic below) this evening and the temperature dropped to 4ºc (according to my car). I don't know the temperature in the afternoon but it was warm enough to sit and read in a sheltered spot without a jacket. 

Here is a selection of shots taken over the last 7 days


Chiffchaff - identified most easily by its song         The neighbouring farmer brings the sheep
                                                                             and their new lambs into the field next 
door to graze outdoors again                       



  
Cherry blossom - one tree is in blossom but the other 3 I have found are showing no signs of anything today. But I have learned that things change fast!



Graceful yet threatening flight of a buzzard

  

Blackthorn with buds tightly closed and with blossom in full bloom - taken on the same day on trees about 20m away from one another. 

There are smaller shrubs scattered across the site. The bees and other pollinators will be able to feed over an extended period with them coming out at different times while they provide a fantastic show.



The hawthorn trees went from bare to this bright almost lime green in a day




Still areas with little to show for spring except the sunlight shining through. 

There are not many flowers on the site. No daffodils. But these are making headway.



  
Celledine - usually seen as a                                     This could be the leaf for Lords & Ladies
carpet but so far I have just seen this one.

Violets scattered about struggling to peak out above the rough grass


2 permanent residents who are enjoying spring in their own way.


  
                    Blue Tit                                                    Tawney owl peaking through willow                                 

                                                                                   


7.23pm with a sunset time of 8.07pm












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