Winter Walk at Holywell

Over the years that I have written this blog an area that has made a frequent appearance, being a favourite walk of mine, is Holywell.  Sadly, in 2020 seem to remember having made only one visit early in the year before lockdown hit us.  Well, here we are again in lockdown for what seems an indefinite period and I have made a return on what was a wonderful winters day offering pellucid blue skies, sharp clear air, wide open spaces, and the more intimate wooded dene.  Everything that was required to brighten the mood.  Sam and I had planned this visit a few days ago having considered the weather forecast.  A sheer coincidence saw us watching Cain Scrimgeour aka Holwell Birder, and Heather Devey on the local news this week.  Cain’s interest in natural history as a youngster blossomed in Holywell and he is known to most who visit this area, and it is good to see him having done so well, continuing along the pathway which he connected to in childhood.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference

From the Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

We walked from the village in the direction of the pond at first noting the birds visiting the increasing number of garden feeders, and realising we were going to be in for a very muddy time.  All the feeders were well topped up in stark contrast to the NWT feeders at the feeding station which were empty.  I realised that it might be difficult for anyone to get down here to top them up, but I did think at this time of year someone from the NWT would somehow have ensured feed was provided.  We walked down alongside the Silver Birch and heard Tree Sparrows.  The mud, which was to be with us much of the day, held signs of Moorhen.  We later sighted Tree Sparrows in the Hawthorn hedges while a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew overhead and more distantly a Sparrowhawk dropped into the woodland on the opposite side of the pond.  The water in the pond was extremely high, and in comparison to winters some years ago, held few birds.  Mute Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, and a Cormorant were seen.  It was about now were heard our first Skylark passing overhead and we later found a small flock of 10 in flight.  A few Greylag Geese were in the air.  A confiding Robin followed us along the pathway as if seeking food.  We were by now out of the cold wind which seemed to be coming across the flashes in the western fields.  White Dead Nettle provided our first blooming flower of the year.

As well as our prints there was signs of Moorhen

White Dead Nettle

What can often be a small flash in the eastern field had grown and at its edged both Redshanks and Turnstone were feeding.  It was not long before we had several skeins of Pink footed Geese formations flying in various directions about the area towards the coast  and then appearing to move further inland, their calling unmistakeable, and one of winter’s great delights.  A large flock of Lapwing lit by the sun also flew away from the coast and seemed to be making for the area surrounding the pond.  We assumed that the coastal tide was high.  At least one Kestrel was seen and at least three Common Buzzards displayed high above.  A bright Yellowhammer made short quiet calls from a hedge.

We’d walked part of the Avenue, having to plodge through pools of water covering our feet but had decided to avoid entering the dene from this path having been advised by two friendly horse riders that we would need wellingtons to do so.  I was surprised at how much colour was shown by the Gorse along the Avenue.  A stunning lemon yellow in the sunlight. 

Gorse

On arrival at dene we left the worst of the pathway pools and mud behind as we followed the higher path that gives views through the trees to the Seaton Burn below.  The mud-coloured burn was a running fast and high towards the sea and I give up hope of finding Dippers today.  Since our previous visit, several trees had been damaged to a greater or lesser extent.  In one or two areas much more light is going to reach the undergrowth, and will be worth watching for change in flora.  This natural destruction will benefit wildlife so hopefully not too much tidying up will commence.  Overall, the dene does seem to be managed well i.e., not interfered with and over tidied..  We studied a variety of trees and I tried to ensure that my new words such as epicormic and lenticel were placed firmly in my memory.

Dene footpath

One of the larger Beech Trees.

Over our lunch stop on the lower pathway birds that appeared close by included Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Robin, Wren Dunnock, Nuthatch, Great Tit, Coal, Tit, Blue Tit, Long tailed Tit and Chaffinch.  Unlike the feeders at the reserve the feeding station here was well stocked with seeds and fat balls.

Oak bark

Sycamore bark

Before re-joining the upper pathway on our return walk we found a single small Red Campion in flower and signs of Dog Violet which will flower in early spring.  Sam got his eye on birds in the fields and we counted as we watched several Mistle Thrush, Redwings and Fieldfare showing very well in the clear atmosphere.  Sometime was spent here taking in the birds and atmosphere.

Early Red Campion

Beech bud

Continuing towards the village we passed the ridge and furrow system on our left, reminding me of the long, interesting history of this area.  We were muddied, but more than content with our hours spent in the winter air.  The skies were completely clear of cloud suggesting a hard frost tonight, which proved to be the case.