THE BLACK RABBIT: bluebells

Showing posts with label bluebells. Show all posts

Friday, 14 May 2010

Bigger hatches (eclosures) of mayflies on the Thames today, due in part to a slight change in wind direction from north-easterly (for the last two weeks) to a sou-westerly. We may see the heady heights of 17c over the weekend, and up to 70f (21c) briefly by mid week next week I hear!
Black swan cygnets all hatched now.
Great crested grebe young growing well.
Common terns over Caversham weir this morning at dawn, courting with the male catching fish for the female.
Horse chestnut blossom in full swing.
Bluebells dying back now in our woods.

I've been told my bluebell wood (on the Berks / Bucks border) has exploded this week so I'll be off there at the weekend for the annual bluebell pilgrimage. This is of course if the weather holds up (or improves by then anyway - we're due at least two cold, wet and windy days before bank holiday monday I hear).
Mandarin drake on the Thames again at Caversham.
Great Crested Grebe eggs have hatched on view island, Reading.
Black Swan eggs also hatched - four cygnets. Awaiting second pair's eggs to hatch now.
First ducklings and goslings on Thames now.
First common tern back over Caversham weir.

Bluebells not in flower yet (2 weeks away?) but foliage thickly covering local woods.
Toads back to breeding ponds (they've crossed their roads etc...).
Most hirundines back in UK (but waiting on swifts - 3 weeks?).
Many birds (blackbirds, mallards etc...) sitting on eggs already.
Local Barn Owls still not in breeding hole(s).
Weather very unsettled still.