My
wanderings continue to be periods spent in the garden and walks on patch,
although I confess to an atmospheric morning spent at the Rising Sun Country
Park. I’ve found myself concentrating on
the small and generally more common things that nature has to offer and I’ve
enjoyed every minute.
Yellowhammer. Compliments of Samuel Hood
We spent
another evening on Killingworth Moor, this time as mist in the shape of sea
fret threatened to envelop us. Rather
than spoiling the evening walk it added to the atmosphere and enjoyment. The usual birds were about, but two things
especially remain in my mind. Firstly,
the delicate simplicity of the Dog Roses, several having closed their petals in
the leaden grey and damp conditions, their structure clearly showing why they have
the name rose. No doubt they were
adding to the aroma that hung strongly in the damp air that surrounded us. Secondly, it was the reeling of at least
three Grasshopper Warblers, John Clare’s Cricket Birds. We stood
very closely to one of these birds without seeing it, but it was the sound that
held our attention for so long. It was
one of those periods when no words or other sound was required. My mind strayed back to evenings on safari in
southern Africa when the Cicadas were so loud it seemed we were surrounded by machinery
in operation that would be suddenly switched off, and then just as suddenly be turned
on again. Standing in silence, our minds
focused only on listening. The reeling Grasshopper Warbler gave a
similar experience.
Yellow Iris
Northen Marsh Orchid (pos hybrid)
Common Spotted Orchid
It was also
an overcast and rather humid atmosphere that met us at The Rising Sun Country
Park. There were no great surprises in
terms of birds seen but a very enjoyable morning was had anyway. Screaming Swifts flew low over hedges
and pond and once again there was plenty of birdsong including several Song
Thrush.
It was once
again botanical interest that held the concentration with an exceptionally good
number of Orchids (some possibly hybrids) in bloom alongside the likes of
Yellow Iris and Ragged Robbin. As Sam
walked through the taller grasses I could almost imagine that we had returned
to the flower meadows of the Bukk Hills in Hungary, but I was unable to hold on
to that thought for too long.
Meadow Cranesbill
Dog Rose
Bindweed
Bindweed
It was
beside Dukes Pond that we were treated to delicate flowers in the form of Meadow
Cranesbill, the vivid colours of a mix of the blue Cranesbill and the yellow of
the Buttercups painting a wonderful scene. One especially vivid blue Cranesbill with still crumpled petals appeared to have just recently bloomed and was partnered by another still not fully out of bud. Nearby a common, but equally delicate display was given by blooms of Bindweed,
many of the budding flowers yet to open.
The insect
of the day was the photogenic Red-legged Shield Bug. Apparently common, but no less interesting. Until I researched this I had not realised
that there were so many species of Shield Bug in the UK.
Red legged Shield Bug
The rain
followed by warming sunshine gave some perfect lighting conditions in the
garden for some more images of bees and an assortment of other insects. The white evergreen geraniums were planted
last year with a view to attracting bees and it has brought positive results.
The Feather below hung blowing in a light breeze all day before dropping and floating off.
I keep trying for the perfect Speckled Wood Image! This species were involved in courtship flight liked twirling ballet dancers yesterday, in the air over a sunlit garden.
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