Local Wanderings

Lockdown has offered a few advantages, not least being an improved Spring watch on TV, much better concentrating on nature, and without its banal patter and silly joking.

 

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.