Burton's Swifts Scream the Manor Down! plus other blog updates

To the Manor Born - The Burton Screamers (click over sketch to enlarge)

Monday July 15th 2013

E. Schmalhausenii in flower

(0830hrs-1115hrs - Hutton Roof) Checking out my favourite epipactis schmalhausenii which is in 90% flower today and lies on pavement 5.  It really has a (typical much bunched hybrid plume) just like it had last year. See photos of the full flower and another one showing its epichile and bosses.

I did think that perhaps two nearby "new" plants (which were only about two metres away) where showing signs of becoming the hybrid, but not too sure now beginning to consider that they are the straightforward rare Dark Red Helliborines.

Back down onto Pavement three and finished off doing the full survey of Dark Red Helliborines.  Today I registered "68" full flowering plants compared to 148 last year.  I have noticed this year there is a drop in number with the DRH and together with the fact that I am now only including full flower counts, this will also add to the reduction in numbers.  Lots of immature (non flowering) plants are no longer considered in my counts.

Same plant with close up of
Epichile and bosses

 

Although there are fewer, they do seem of a better quality this year, with some much larger specimens of 2ft and above, these I have made a special note of to try and include a return visit if possible.  Also the colours this year appear to be better in a lot of the plants, they definately seem healthier specimens. 

A new suspect plant
awaiting diagnosis

Its still very early days yet, but think I may just have found another of the rare hybrids on pavement 3.  It meets quite a lot of the criteria, with the circling flower heads, the sizes of epichile and bosses, and does have a greenish stem.  But I cannot noticee a more amplexicaul on the basal leaves, plus the colour of the leaves are the "lemony" light green colour which you would expect with a straight forward "atrorubens" rather than what you would usually get with a "schmalhausenii".  But I will be out and about again tomorrow so maybe I can draw a conclusion on this one.

On the way up through the lower part of Burton Fell, it was nice being serenaded by the Redstart both on entry and exit.  Lots of Ringlet Butterflies about, also Dark Green Fritillaries and Meadow Browns. Had my first Harebell flower today. 

Friday July 12th 2013

This sketch highlights the
Swift nest sites. Click over to enlarge

(Last night Thursday at 2145hrs - 2215hrs - Checking out the Swifts at the Royal Hotel).
We had already established there was one nest on the lower elevation building at the front, but suprised to find out that there were two more also making a total of three on the front.  Also we found another two on the rear annexe building. And yet another one to the NE corner of the rear main building, bringing a grand total to a possible 6 sites on the Royal.  

(Friday: 0830hrs-1130hrs) Checking out the Helliborines on Pavement 3 and 5. I am already getting the immpresion that maybe this year we are seeing fewer of the Dark Red Helliborine's, yet the ones on view seem to be in a better condition with some of them being much larger and stronger versions and some with such bright deep red wine colours. It really is heavy going on the pavements with this beautiful sunny weather, making it so tiring, yet at the same time so worthwhile. This year especially has been absolutely fabulous for the Tormentil and Wild Strawberries with record counts.

Lots of the usual butterflies around eg: Ringlets, Dark Green Fritillaries, Small Pearl Bordered's.

Thursday July 11th 2013

Two very suspicious helliborines
(Click over photo to enlarge)

0830hrs to 1130hrs.  Checking Helliborines on both Pavement 5 and Pavement 3.  First of all checking out the five E. Schmalhausenii and noticed that two of the plants have already had their flowers nibbled off. Yet it wasn't all bad news because I have found another two very close to Hybrid 1 (2 metres away - see photo across left) I am almost sure looking at the way the buds are placed plus other factors, that these also will turn out to be "E. Schmalhausenii". 

The main reason I was on this payment today, was that I had been asked to provide a up to date report about the progress of the other rare hybrid, the "Hypericum Perforatum Montanum" and thankfully so far the deer havn't got at them, although I am sure once they come into flower in about a weeks time, they then will be far more vunerable. This year we are down in number, with a group of 8 and two singles quite closeby.

A really beautiful Dark Red Helliborine
on Pavement 3
(Click over photo to enlarge)

Moving on down to 3b for surveying helliborines, I passed through pavement 3 and was very suprised to find another fabulous "suspect" plant which I am going to keep my eye on (see photo). Along with several more Dark Red Helliborines which were all in flower and doing well.  It does seem strange when all others on the other pavements are still in bud, yet exclusively on this particular pavement there is quite a large number already flowering. 

Some of the DRH flowering today
(Click over photo to enlarge)

Finally arriving at Pavement 3b I managed to survey the full pavement and could at best only come up with 7 Dark Reds compared to 13 last year. Found 2 Broad Leaved compared to 1 last year.  This is without doubt still the best pavement for "Mountain Melick".  Also found a new colony of "Splendid St. John's Wort.  Had first Grayling butterfly today on this pavement.  Must have had about 30 Dark Green Fritillaries throughout the morning, scores and scores of Ringlets, odd Small Heath, but such a change not to have any Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries.

Having today parked up in Clawthorpe, as I was crossing over the fields I had a new Chiffchaff calling from the wooded area very near to Rowley Copse.


Tuesday July 9th 2013

How close the Epipactis family is
here denoted by arrows. (Click over to enlarge)

Spent most of the morning and early afternoon checking out further Broad Leaved Helliborine and also E. Schmalhausenii.  Sadly the very best 2012 photographic specimen of the rare hybrid on Pavement 9 has been completed bitten off right down to the basal leaves.  This one actually lies about two metre below a Broad Leaved Helliborine and a couple of Dark Red Helliborines (see photo on left - and click over to enlarge). And its right at the side of the footpath.

Again the picture seems the same on this pavement also with lots more Broad Leaved Helliborines showing this year, but still lacking many of the Dark Reds at present, although the specimens that are already showing look like they will turn out nice plants. It will be another week before flowering at the earliest. Also found a couple of new clumps of the rare "Birds Foot Sedge" on this pavement.

Also checked out the "purple variant" Broad Leaved Helliborines on Pavement 4 and this year the numbers have increased from 11 to 14 which is good and I would expect at least another 3-4 weeks before flowering with that magnificient "harebell" type colour. 

A very conservative count would be at least 100 "Ringlets" at least 50 Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries of which some were very well worn.  Also at least 20 Dark Green Fritillaries, along with numerous Small Heaths and Common Blues.

Found a new area supporting "Common Rock Rose" although I have not as yet noticed any activity from the Northern Brown Argus. 


Monday July 8th 2013
0600hrs to 0700hrs.
Mo the Chiffchaff was singing well.  Lots of Swift activity along Main Street.
Off out shortly surveying the helliborines on pavement 6 at Lancelot.

E. Schmalhausenii prior to flowering
Click over image to enlarge

0900hrs to 1100hrs. Checking out Epipactis Schmalhausenii (see photo) up to three separate plants in full bud perhaps about seven to ten days away from flowering.  Also the Dark Red Helliborines are doing OK and again one week away from flowering. The Broad Leaved Helliborines are about two weeks away.  Also checked some Hypericum perforatum montanum.  Up to twenty Ringlet Butterflies, along with several Dark Green Fritillaries, a couple of Pearl Bordered Fritillaries, several Common Blues.




Saturday July 6th 2013
0630hrs-0730hrs.
I can now confirm that a Swift was seen entering the "suspected" nest site on the North facing gable wall of the Manor.  Also Chiffchaffs: Archie from Orchard Close and Mo from the bottom of Mowbray Drive were singing away this morning.  

Friday July 5th 2013
0900hrs-1100hrs. Surveying Pavement 6 for Helliborines

Only counting the fully flowered Dark Red Helliborine specimens which now show with full drooping heads and so far up to 33 with only 50% of this pavement surveyed. Probably also another (50) which cannot be counted because they are only at stem or pre stage without any sign of flowers.  Additional Broad Leaved Helliborines also this year, the count is now already up to 9 plants (last year only 4).  Also noted that the rare Birds Foot Sedge (carex ornithopoda) is up 100% from last years 6 clumps to 12 Clumps this year.

Also had my first Meadow Brown (LCS - Pave 6) and my first Ringlet Butterflies  (DCrags). Also Small Heaths and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries were seen.

Thursday July 4th 2013
0930hrs-1115hrs. Surveying Helliborines in Lancelot on Pavement 6

Very misty at top of Dalton Crags. Did have several Tree Pipits calling. Checked out the "White" variant Wild Thyme and still doing well in the same place. 

Did a rough check on 6b and was pleasantly suprised to see the Dark Red Helliborines at about ten days away from best, which is just about the right date. I did have visions of them being behind this year.  Still drooping heads at present but now well on their way.  Also checked on the two Broad Leaved Helliborines on this pavement which again are very well advanced and probably will be about 3 to 4 weeks away yet. Found a new Broad leaved, which I could well have missed last year, if what I now suspect that maybe the deer had nibbled the top and as such would have not counted it.  Also found some Flea Sedge and more Brittle Bladder Fern.


2130hrs to 2230hrs - Surveying Swifts in Cocking Yard, Burton In Kendal. 

"Swifts in Cocking Yard" click over to enlarge

Continuing with the work of the "Swifts In The Community" the three (Reg, Jane and myself) of us decided to check out the swifts nesting in the Cocking Yard area of Burton.  We were certainly not disappointed.  We are now able to confirm that there are at least two separate nesting sites in the Yard.  One on each side of the Yard.  The birds on "Hanging Farm" appear to have chicks already, having been heard calling from the nest together with the very regular feeding patterns showing by the adult birds gives this presumption. The birds on the other side of the yard are also visiting their nest site at very regular intervals also, but maybe not just as regular.  It was interesting to count a minimum of nineteen swifts high over the immediate area busy chasing and especially making their presence known with their regular "screaming" as they went about their business. Very difficult to count but certainly nineteen birds on two separate counts. 

Again it was also a pleasure to watch two (at least!) Pipistrelle Bats flying up and down and in and out of the yard, at times coming within what seemed only a yard or so away from our faces.

Wednesday July 3rd 2013
1000hrs-1115hrs. Surveying the Bee Orchids down at Carnforth.

Did a rough count of the Bee Orchids in Carnforth which totalled 77 individual plants, quite spread out over a very large area, but the best concentration was about 26 plants in a radius of about 20 yards. For some reason this year the sloping banks only held 4 plants compared to 23 last year. The annual totals have been 2010: 1 plant, 2011: 18 plants, 2012: 87 plants and 2013: 77 plants. Also two lovely completely white variant Common Spotted Orchids. The Marsh Helliborines still need another three weeks.

Also had a Chiffchaff calling along with lots of Goldfinches. 

Friday June 28th 2013
2115hrs to 2215hrs. Observing and surveying Swifts numbers on Main Street, Burton In Kendal. 

Swift nest site observations - click over to enlarge 

As part of the "Swifts In The Community" (A project based in North Lancashire and South Cumbria to preserve and enhance the traditional nesting sites of Swifts in our towns and villages).
Reg, Jane and myself were checking out the local Swifts on the Main Street between 2115 hours and 2215 hours.  
We were able to establish that at least four separate individual birds entered "The Manor" at different points, 3 areas under the gutter/soffit boards on the front left hand West facing elevation, and one on the North facing gable end wall.  Also it was suspect that another bird could well have entered the gable wall at a point lower down the wall.  We were also very fortunate to observe a single Pipistrelle Bat which was very active. 

Although we did not have time to locate to the other two known breeding sites in Burton (The old Royal Pub and The Cocking Yard), it is intended to survey these over the next two weeks.

Although perhaps it is far to early to be absolutely sure, we do now suspect that the 15 birds which left us last year, may well have all returned safely and are well into their respective breeding schedules.

If anyone can help in the "Swifts In The Community" project either local in Burton and Holme, or even further afield you would be very welcome and may I suggest you contact the Project Co-ordinator Peter Moreton, who can be contacted by clicking here. 

Cuckoo Sketch and recent Cuckoo information & blogs

Cuckoo stores some fascinating stuff within that egg!

Thursday 27th June 2013  (0900hrs-1100hrs)
Dalton Crags - White Wild Thyme variant

A couple of Willow Warblers and a Blackcap singing from the lower Crags.  Also surprised to hear a Garden Warbler singing close to about the middle of the lower crags, I guess this is probably the one that I thought could have been missing this year, but thankfully it has been around and elusive. It is usually resident at the top of the lower crags by the small clearing.

Rare variant White Wild Thyme

Checked out the variant - White Wild Thyme which grows on a "anthill" to the NE of the line of trees and it is just starting to flower with a couple of flowers showing, see photo left and click over to enlarge. Lots of Heath Speedwell showing, again more prevalent on the old anthills. Wild Strawberries are showing some great fruit yields at the moment. Tree Pipits in song and doing their parachute displays both at the bottom and the middle of the upper Crags (deforested) still no signs showing of any young Cuckoo's.  I think perhaps the adult Cuckoo may now have left us for their long journey south there was certainly no "cuckoo's calling" today.

Small Heath and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary showing. It looks to me that the Small PB Frit has had a good wedge clipped from its wing, maybe the attack of a local bird.

Also a new Garden Warbler was singing at about 3/4 way up the deforested to the left of the "gulley" area.


Wednesday 26th June 2013 (0545hrs-0715hrs)  "Cuckoo findings"
Lee the Chiffchaff happily singing away.

Realiably informed that the Cuckoo was still present and singing on the 24th June 2013, which is now getting late for this species.

Of particular interest to me was that last year and again it's happened this year, the Cuckoo seems to be seen and heard from the Storth Areas just behind the Dalton Hamlet in the days leading up to its long migration south. So I wondered why does it choose to come to lower altitude, to a area with more woodland density at the time just before he leaves us.  I can only presume it's because the actual breeding is now over, do they then need to stock up and replenish "caterpillar" feed which would be far more easily obtainable in such woodland areas, before they then make their long onward perilous journey back to Africa.

So moving on, the adult bird leaves us towards the end of June or maybe even the first week in July, yet the young Cuckoos are left behind, being fed by their host parents and they will probably be mature enough to leave us in another month to six weeks time.  So that young bird which has never travelled before is still able to negotiate the directions back to Africa without having ever been shown! and even better still,  it negotiates its way back not just to anywhere in Africa but to the very area which the parent bird resides.  Absolutely fascinating and such a miracle to try and understand that all this information can be stored within that egg!

Tuesday 25th June 2013 (0545hrs-0715 hours)

At long last, Lee the Chiffchaff from Thornleigh has started singing again, I had'nt heard him for up to two weeks prior to this morning and was beginning to get worried about him.  House Martins seem to be doing very well near to the bottom of Vicarage Lane.

(1315hrs to 1715 hours)

"Belladonna"

It was great to meet up with Reg and Brian whilst being invited to see the "Belladonna" (Deadly Nightshade). Which is still thriving at a (private) site close to Burton In Kendal, I do remember reading somewhere that it was regularly recorded in or around this same area as long ago as the 1920's. Also it has been recorded again this year at Far Arnside.

Following on from here Brian and I decided to check out a old Carnforth site to see how the Bee Orchids and the Marsh Helliborines were progressing.  Although the Bee Orchids were not present in any large numbers on the bankings compared to last year, they certainly made up for it on the flats (37 recorded so far this year compared to 84 last year, but still plenty of time yet.  The Marsh Helliborines are doing OK, but far to early to survey them although one or two we did find showed their drooping heads, so will plan another check in about three weeks time. Also Goldfinches and Greenfinches singing away, yet the Warblers seemed quiet. Large Skipper, Dinghy Skipper, Common Blues Butterflies were regular. Also nice to see Bladder Campion, Marjoram, and White Stonecrop had all colonised on the temporary stone rubble piles, and lots of Common Milkwort, but they were all the "white" variant. Also some late "Spring Cinquefoil" but again looks like another year without Broomrape or Blue Fleabane.

Monday 24th June 2013 (0545hrs-0715hrs)

The new (recorded for the 1st time this year) Chiffchaff  "Neddy" was calling yet again from just at the side of Beech Cottage (off Tanpits).  Also Mo the Chiffchaff from Mowbray was calling near to Burton House.

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary

(0900hrs - 1100hrs) Holme Park Nature Reserve and Clawthorpe Fell NR
Whilst traversing the Holme Park Nature Reserve did have one Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary (see photo), also found a "Clouded Silver" moth.  Several Willow Warblers calling, no Chiffchaff or Blackcaps calling today. Found a patch of Limestone Polypody Fern.

Then following on at Clawthorpe Fell Nature Reserve, found that the large area of English Stonecrop are now beginning to show flowers, Found at least three Great Mullian also some Dropwort

Diary page for Saturday June 15th 2013

Tuesday 19th June 2013.

Went up to Pavement 5 on Lancelot looking especially for "Pale St. Johns Wort" and its cousin the rare Hypericum Perforatum Montanum.  Found two of the already recorded hybrids but nothing else in fact at present I am one down on last year. The Angular Solomon's Seal and Lily Of The Valley are well over by now. Checked out the Bloody Cranesbill and the Broad Leaved Helliborines, nothing yet showing in regard to the Dark Red Helliborine. Also found some Hairy Rockcress, Scaley Male Fern and Lesser Meadow Rue etc.

Further over near the BAP Memorial seat and above Pavement 4 I had a couple of Small Pearl Bordered Fritillaries and a Redstart singing continually from somewhere over on Pavement 4.

It was sheer brilliance! one of those very special moments whilst having a rest and sitting on the memorial seat looking in front and taking in the magnificent view over the Morecambe Bay on this glorious sunny warm morning. Talk about relaxing and taking in the tranquility, I must have stayed there for at least 45 minutes but suppose I could have and should have stayed there much longer whilst that special feeling had gripped me. In the background I could hear the continual call from the Redstart, Willow Warblers and the lonesome Tree Pipit. It was though being serenaded by the birds and at peace with the World. No traffic noise carrying over or anything else just the pleasantries of the birds, bees and butterflies, so nice I almost fell asleep, sort of cat napping! and just accepting that special peace which was on offer.

Angular Solomon's Seal & Birdfoot Sedge & rare Epipactis - Lancelot Clark Storth

Angular Solomons Seal on Lancelot Clark Storth  - 12th June 2013

Yesterday was raining cats and dogs at 0930hrs, and that was about the time I met up with  Barry who had travelled up from the Fylde, because he was keen to check out the rare Birds Foot Sedge (carex ornithopoda).

After all I had put my waterproof trousers in the car (good job!), but it certainly wasn't initially planned with the weather in mind, they had been put in the car ready for the "deer tick invasion" which we where more than likely to experience today.  Over the last few days I have managed to get covered with the little blighters, so I thought not today! the waterproofs are glossy finish material and you wont stick to that!  So as it turned out with the weather, those waterproof leggings along with the coat came really handy for a dual purpose assignment!

Birdsfoot Sedge 12th Jun 2013

After a chit chat and going over things with the maps and plans etc., the first port of call was over to the nearby Clawthorpe Fell,  for Barry to check out the beautiful little "whirlycurlymajigs" yes my nickname for the rare Birds Foot Sedge (carex ornithopoda).  Not to be dissapointed I am sure we must have checked out perhaps a hundred or two of them.

Whilst on the fell it could not go unnoticed that the birds were not singing, I had hoped to be able to spot the Spotted Flycatcher, along with the Blackcaps, Garden Warbler and Willow Warblers, but it seemed so quiet with not a utter of song! the weather just does that sometimes, it dampens the beautiful choruses generally on offer by the various species.

Rigid Buckler Fern

It was also nice to see the patches of Angular Solomon's Seal from within the grykes and showing at its best, whilst Barry found plenty of "Flea Sedge" (Carex pulicaris) to show me.

I even managed a quick "history lesson", showing my guest the 7 versus 6 boreholes and the wager many years hence for the "drilling of the bore holes".

Now still raining it was back along the tree canopied track to the Car for lunch, but not without first going into the Holme Park Quarry Nature Reserve (Clawthorpe), here we walked the perimeter and also checked out the "viewpoint" for the nearby working quarry. We found Heath and Germander Speedwells at various points within the reserve.

There was the odd bird song reaching us here with the Willow Warbler's making their fine "diminishing crescendo" music.  I was busy here looking out in particular for the (Atropa belladonna) which is known to be in these parts, but could'nt find any here today, but perhaps it may be found in other nearby localities.

There's over 20 clumps of Birds Foot Sedge here.

After lunch, and thankfully it had stopped raining so we decided to head towards "Slippery" and then up via Pickles Wood and into the Lancelot Clark Storth areas, were again I could show Barry even more of the rare Birds Foot Sedge, I took a photo showing 20 clumps of the sedge  which can be identified, that is "if you've got your eye in!" just try it and see how many clumps you can find.

There was also plenty of Lily Of The Valley around, but most of what we were actually seeing was immature and without any flower. Also the beautiful Common Cow Wheat is now beginning to show with the flower. Common by name maybe, but certainly not common at all!

Limestone Polypody or Limestone Fern

We carried on up Lancelot and called in at the Spring, but today there was nothing on view, though occasionally I do see "water boatmen" or other types of beetles here.  Just a little further on in a SE direction you come to Pavement 3b (Old Man Chuckles pavement - by the way my designations!) and here at the entry we searched and searched for the Rusty Back Fern (Asplenium ceterach), I have been told that it can be found in these parts, but we scoured the area for quite a while looking, but without any success.

Carrying on we soon reached (Pavement 3 with the small cairns) nothing showing yet with the Dark Red Helliborines here but I did manage to find some fine examples of the rare Black Melick Grass or Mountain Melick (Melica nutans). Also earlier we had seen a excellent length of Wood Melick Grass (Melica uniflora) showing on the verge at Slape (slippery!)

Early stage of Epipactis Helliborine
"purpurea" variant

We were now within striking distance of a real rarity - the Epipactis Helliborine Purpurea, the rare "Harebell Blue coloured variant" of the more commonly called Broad Leaved Helliborine.  Already the early stems and leaves are well formed with some from about 3" high but others in the 6-10" sizes (see photo), this encouraged us to look on other nearby pavements especially in search of early forming Dark Red Helliborines or the rarer Epipactis Schmalhauseneii.  Strange but could not find any of this stuff anywhere yet, obviously we were too early. It did seem rather strange though that the "Helliborines"  were showing well, but no trace of "atrorubens" or "schmalhauseneii" when after all the "dark reds" will actually appear in full flower at least three weeks prior to the Broad Leaved flowering, although the Broad Leaved will be showing well but with "drooping head".   We did manage to find one clump of the rare hybrid "Hypericum perforatum montanum" the hybrid of the rare Pale St. Johns Wort.

To finish off and returning to the lower reaches of Lancelot, we were graced with the beautiful warbling of the Garden Warbler, along with two "contact calling" (hou-whit) Chiffchaffs.

Throughout Barry had kindly graced me with his fine knowledge of some of the surrounding ferns, grasses showing me examples of the Flea Sedge, Male Fern, Scaly Male Fern and others.

Other daily blog information:

Saturday June 15th 2013:  I like many others I am sure was woken up at about 0300hrs with a almighty deluge of heavy rain, which rumbled to the extreme whilst bouncing off the roof tiles. Perhaps it lasted for several minutes, but soon after maybe about 0330hrs the Blackbirds along with all the other neighbourhood birds were in full song until at least 0400hrs.

Blackcap versus Redstart confusion!

Yes I am always willing to learn!   Another experience from the late afternoon of (May 23^rd 2013)

Only the other day (May 23rd) whilst traversing through the beautiful Lancelot Clark Storth, pounding downhill from the opposite direction was a party of country goers who turned out to be from the Grange (Over Sands) Natural History Society.

I got chatting, with the Cumbria Wildlife leader of the party who I know well, and explaining that today I was on the lookout for “Redstarts and Flycatchers”. 

Overhearing this, one of the guys from this party said “I have just heard one (Redstart) calling from just higher up close to the Spring”, which is probably about 50-75 yards further on in a Easterly direction.   He continued to say that he had at first thought he had heard a Blackcap, but quickly changed his opinion and came to realise it was the Redstart. So I asked him then did it make the “hou-whit” contact call.

I suppose thinking about it I had actually heard the full Redstart song call hundreds of times, but this was in the long distance past, and yes the song at that time had become familiar (during the 80s and 90s).   But three decades on and absent of seeing or hearing any Redstarts in recent times, had some how managed to replace in my mind “The full song” with the “houwhit” contact call. 

He quickly answered me by saying no! what he had heard was the full Redstart song which more or less started off very similar to the Blackcap call but after a few Blackcap/warbly notes finished off abruptly with a sort of “swit”. And this was called for a period of a few seconds duration and then at times regularly repeated.

It came to mind, that only minutes prior to this I had actually heard what I took to be a singing Blackcap coming from the area where he would have heard his Redstart. I nearly replied to him saying that I also had heard a bird calling from there but sure it was a Blackcap.  Then I thought better of it.

This experience had now left me rather undecided and so, when I arrived back home I went to the “xeno canto” bird sounds website on the Internet and was able to check out multiple variant calls of the Redstart, and guess what?  The guy was right it was a Redstart.

I suppose the moral to this story is that you are never to old to learn even if it means learning some of the forgotten stuff as well. 

Dalton Woodland Burial Ground has plenty of singing birds and other Creatures

Yesterday (Monday 10^th June 2013) I was coming back down through Dalton Crags, when at the top of the lower Crags, I met a family party consisting of Dad at the advanced age of 93, along with his daughter and son in law who again had just retired having reached the age of mid sixties.  I could see the old man was wearing a red  “St Dunstans” type of baseball hat and walking with a cream coloured stick.  So I then presumed, the gentleman was perhaps sight impaired, and this was actually confirmed by him in later conversation.

He went on to say that he lived on the Fylde and that his daughter now lived in Sussex, and today they were making their regular pilgrimage to visit his late beloved wife who was buried at the nearby Dalton Woodland Burial Ground, he also added that when she was alive they both loved coming for walks up on the Crags and that was also why he was up here today.

He continued to tell me of how his wife, when she was alive especially loved this area (Dalton Crags) for its sounds of birds and nature and that the burial site was selected as the ideal spot, and that one day in the future he himself would also be buried there, and the daughter and son in law also said that they hoped also to be buried there when their time came.

I went on to tell him that only a couple of weeks ago, I was having a walk through the Woodland burial site, and the woods were alive with lots of mixed birds songs with some rarities like a pair of Chiffchaffs, Marsh Tit, Treecreepers and Goldcrest, along with the most common of birds the Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Blackbirds and Thrushes and choristed throughout with the beautiful calls from local Robins and Dunnocks. Even during the hours of darkness a Tawny Owl "hoots" whilst sentinel.  So he was delighted to hear this.  I did also tell him that there was something really special in these woods also.  In that I have seen on two separate occasions a pair of Brown Hares which seemed to have made the woodland their home too.

I also told him that each morning I pass through the lane locally called “Nineteen Trees”, the lane which divides the Woodland Burial Ground from the Dalton Crags and its woodlands, he knew where I meant.  And all last week (June 4^th week 2013) whilst traversing along Nineteen Trees (at approx 6.30hrs) the sun was shining so bright, you could not help but look to your left hand side into the Woodland Burial Site whilst on passing, and you would witness a most spectacular sight, of a small patch of bluebells (maybe some 10-15 ft diameter but laid further back in the woodland, perhaps some 20 to 30ft from the boundary wall) and it seemed as though they were lit or highlighted by a “shaft of light” being shone on them, as though a spotlight was shining from the heavens.  The reason those bluebells were at this particular spot in the first place is more than probable because of the “shaft” of light which had been caused from circumstances on the opposite side of the lane, eg:  Here there is wooden forestry gate with room to park two or three cars, and behind the forestry gate, it was a clearing and forestry track which takes you further up to the commencement of the lower Dalton Crags.  Because there were no trees at this point, the early morning sun managed to penetrate and shine right down the open channel and finished at the point of the bluebells, making this such a spectacular sight for anyone lucky enough to witness it.  A sort of mini effect you would perhaps get at somewhere like “Stonehenge” were light hits a opening at a certain time of day which then allows a shaft of light to be displayed and forwarded.

The old man and his family obviously were delighted to hear such a story and I could see where especially for them that it would have added credence, that the Woodland Burial Site is just that “so special” place.

Peacocks on Hutton Roof - Blog Notes from Sun June 2nd 2013

"Peacocks on Hutton Roof" - They'll be about today that is for sure, and just look at last we've got sunshine! it didnt take us long to get a tan!

Monday June 10th 2013
0600-0700hrs  
Chiffchaffs "Mo" and "Lee" are both calling this morning. Lots of hirundines and Swifts are displaying and feeding. But still only the eight birds at Russell Farm.
0900hrs-1100hrs (Plain Quarry to top of Dalton Crags (upper)
Lots of Tree Pipits singing throughout, also Blackcaps and Willow Warblers, but no Cuckoo calling in Dalton, however I did hear one calling in the very far distance somewhere between the Docker to Newclose Coppice areas. Lily Of The Valley at its best now. Had first Cinnabar Moth today busy laying its eggs on the small ragwort plants.

Friday June 7th 2013.

Really enjoyed giving my talk at the beautiful Heron Theatre at Beetham for the AONB Landscape Trust who's members were such a good appreciative crowd who really enjoyed the talk.

Thursday and Saturday June 6th and 8th 2013
A friend from Blackburn calls for me and we do the annual trip up to Appleby Horse Fair, so nothing to report on the local front.

Tuesday June 4th 2013
0600hrs-0700hrs
Sky absolutely full of hirundines near to Green Dragon Farm with both Swallows and Martins. "Mo" the Chiffchaff calling from the bottom of Mowbray Drive.

1300hrs-1500hrs (Up "Slippery" and then crossed to Pickles Wood and return)
"Miss A Note" Chiffchaff, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers together with plenty of the more common species, also Tortoiseshell, Peacocks, Speckled Woods, Large Whites, Green Veined Whites Butterflies etc.

Monday June 3rd 2013 
0600hrs-0700hrs
Had Mo the Chiffchaff calling. Hirundines doing aerial displays at Green Dragon Farm, still shortage of Swallows at Russell Farm.

0845hrs-1300hrs (Plain Quarry over to Lancelot and Burton Fell and finish off at Dalton)
Both Cuckoos calling and seen in Dalton (upper) one at the bottom and another at the top. Tree Pipits in full song in Dalton Crags both sides whilst going up, and then again at two points in Dalton (upper). Also Tree Pipits seen at the top of Lancelot Clark Storth and also at the top of Burton Fell. Several Green Hairstreaks seen at a couple of bilberry locations. Came specifically today to try and see the Fly Orchids, but I do think that I am too early, but lots and lots of Early Purple Orchids everywhere.

Yesterday (Sunday June 2nd 2013).  In the morning did a check around the Plain Quarry and Dalton East side, heard two Chiffchaffs singing which I presumed to be Craig and Craggy. Two Blackcaps noted at the usual breeding sites. Also had first (for me) of the year "Small Heath Butterfly".

Later in the day (Sunday June 2nd 2013).  Had a check over on Slape Lane and the nearby woodlands for any noticeable Spotted Flycatchers but none recorded as yet.  Still that relentless cool wind.

Blog Reports from Sunday May 26th onwards

May 19th week  "highlights"

I have been out and about this week as usual, doing lots of survey work on Birds Foot Sedge, and checking out lots of woodland rides and woodland edges to see if I can find Redstarts, Flycatchers and Warblers. It was great to see our village Swifts the other evening "screaming and screeching" above the Main Street in Burton In Kendal. Also been spending a day down at "Coronation Street".

Not sure about other places, but the Swallows at Russell Farm have not returned to their full numbers. There is about 8 birds returned this year and normally there would be around the 25-30, and usually they produce young with as many as 70 birds.

Mountain Melick Grass

Yesterday (Friday) was a superb morning, especially on finding a new pair of Spotted Flycatcher's on the boundary confines of the local Clawthorpe Fell. Have also spent most of Saturday looking for them on other woodland  perimeters but nothing positive to report at the moment.

Also been noting areas with Spring Cinquefoil, Spring Sandwort and Mountain Melick Grass.

Nice also to make new records of Willow Warblers to add to my already extensive survey.  Yesterday also produced a new Chiffchaff which was to the rear South West of Adele Bank (off Station Road) Burton In Kendal, and singing from the trees at the head of the motorway embankment.

Birds Foot Sedge - carex ornithopoda

Goldcrest seem to be doing fine so far!  I am really suprised this little bird is holding its own this year with all the struggles with the weathers versus insects.  I am finding them at all their usual locations, plus new sites (all conifer sites so far).

In Lancelot this morning (Sat June 1st 2013), Clarky and Miss A Note were singing away. Blackcaps prolific.

Early Purple Orchids seem to have been everywhere (almost) and think perhaps they are now on the turn, Yellow Pimpernel is showing up on the tracks in Lancelot and Storth, Common Cowheat is about two weeks away in Lancelot, Travellors Joy (old mans beard - clematis) is now bright green and stretching his veins along the grykes of pavement 2a in Lancelot. Could not find Field Madder in Lancelot this year as yet but the Birds Foot Sedge has gone from strength to strength and although we surveyed last year and brought the numbers up to 629 clumps, I'll bet this year there will be even more. The Angular Solomons Seal is represented in most of its usual places and perhaps about one week off its best, also the Lily Of The Valley is a week or two behind but coming through strong now and again a week or so off its best. Nice patch of Bugle is showing up in Lancelot.

Woodruff - galium odoratum

Wow what a fabulous display of bluebells this year in at least a couple of our Woodlands, I would think now they are perhaps at their best and on the turn. The woodlands around Lancelot besides showing bluebells are also showing some good carpetting of  "Woodruff" (a sort of cleaver looking plant) known to grow in ancient woodlands.  I did'nt know it also has another name, "Master of the Woods". I did actually pluck a leaf or two to chew upon and it was pleasant like a sort of "vanilla" taste. Also the Ramsons are taking over a couple of the copses and woodlands giving away their presence with the mighty powerful aroma of "garlic"

Blogs from Sunday May 19th 2013 Onwards inc: Birds Foot Sedge

A Mid May Diary page - Click over illustration to enlarge

Saturday May 25th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0630hrs-0745hrs (Wind: 2mph E)
Heavy frost overnight and windscreen scraping off. Lovely early morning with chill, but becoming sunny quickly and warming up. Clear blue skies.
Chiffs Mo and Lee singing away. Hirundines busy hawking.

1330hrs-1530hrs (Wind: 12mph)
Checking out areas of Burton Fell and Lancelot, looking in particular for the Common Redstart.  Established a breeding pair of Redstart at the bottom of Burton Fell, both birds seen. Then heard another 3/4 way up the fell. And then another calling coming down the SE side of the fell. Bunty the chiffchaff singing somewhere between the clearing (plinth area) and the incline.  Crossed over into Lancelot Clark Storth and checked out the Spring Cinquefoil.  Several small patches at the area close to the NBA plot.  Also Chiffchaff Clarky singing lower down.

Friday May 24th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 15-30mph NNW)
That wind was very strong this morning (seems relentless these days), and that's what is causing the inactivity of some of the hirundines.  Still after saying that there were a few hawking around at Green Dragon Farm, but that's the only place, the rest of them around different points of the village where again missing and now I have come to believe that they are probably having a "lie in" and keeping warm perched on their "barn rafters", and will emerge a little later when the temperatures warm up or maybe if the wind drops. Brief sunny periods and hopefully getting better as the morning progresses. The only Warbler I heard this morning was a Blackcap at Pipers Lane, Clawthorpe.  Off out shortly to try and finish the Birds Foot Sedge survey at Clawthorpe Fell.

1400hrs - 1630hrs - Clawthorpe Fell (Wind: 15mph NW)
Surveying Birds Foot Sedge. Now up into the 700 plus mark. Weather very windy and off and on showers.

Thursday May 23rd 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 18mph NNW)
Its like a Winters day all over again, the temperatures have certainly dropped this morning, coupled with wind and light off and on rain showers.
The hirundines seem to have gone missing yet again, none seen at Tanpits, Green Dragon, Russell Farm, this morning, I wonder why this happens?  I wonder do they go elsewhere or is it that they are tucked up safely at their nest sites, and feeling a little lethargic perhaps!  Even the skies seem empty of our Swifts...
After all this time "Slap" the Chiffchaff was heard today singing from Browside on Vicarage Lane. The first sign of him this year!

0930hrs-1130hrs (Wind: 20mph NW)
Very busy surveying Clawthorpe Fell for the Birds Foot Sedge, now 50% done. In the background being serenaded by at least two Willow Warblers and a couple of Blackcap and one Garden Warbler.

1430hrs-1630hrs (Slape Lane and Lancelot Clark Storth)
 "Clarky the Chiffchaff was singing at his usual spot in the Woodland adjacent to Lancelot. Whilst passing through Lancelot decided to check out the Birds Foot Sedge, Spring Sandwort and the Spring Cinquefoil and the Cowheat, all were doing fine.  Another Blackcap was heard in this area and a new Willow Warbler to record which was just behind the Spring.  First ever in Lancelot for me, and the only one on offer of the Yellow Pimpernel, growing to the area close to the "Cattle Crush".  Also whilst walking across from the Spring to the Cattle Crush area, got absolutely full of ticks (both large black males and the small greyish females), all so easily attaching themselves to my moleskins.  Will have to start wearing my garters again I think!  Also Tormentil in flower in the rides.  I'll bet its not in flower on the higher altitude areas yet.

Wednesday May 22nd 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 20mph NW)
Just one Chiffchaff heard this morning and that was Lee at Thornleigh. A new Blackcap calling from on the border of the Dalton Hall Estate. I think it must have been a OK year for the Blackcap they seem to be popping up all over the place, yet their cousins the Garden Warblers are certainly few and far between this year and so far very poor records are showing.  Swallows and Martins were airborne this morning from most of the usual places.  But again Russell Farm's Swallows seem down, 6 on the line this morning, but a total count of maybe 12 birds now arrived. Still a far cry from the normal 30 plus.

0930hrs-1045hrs (Wind: 20mph NW) (Surveying Birds Foot Sedge on Clawthorpe Fell)
Did a bit more on the surveying of this rare sedge.

1330hrs-1630hrs (Wind: 25mph NW) Slape Lane, Lancelot Clark Storth)
Now six House Martins hawking above Vicarage Lane, Red Campion now in flower on Slape Lane. A Blackbird overhead mimicking the Curlew (and probably about the best version I've heard yet!), Speckled Woods, Green Veined Whites, Large Whites, Orange Tips, Small Tortoishell and Peacocks everywhere.  Blackcap calling at the crossroad gates on Slape Lane.  Checking out the small "bluebell" woodland on the edges in search of Redstarts or Flycatchers. I was immediately overcome by the profound fragrance of the multitudes of "Bluebells", if only I could bottle some of that, but the aroma seemed to diminish the more familiar you got with it.
"Clarky" the Chiffchaff was singing at his usual spot in the Woodland adjacent to Lancelot.  Whilst passing through Lancelot decided to check out the Birds Foot Sedge, Spring Sandwort and the Spring Cinquefoil and the Cowwheat, all were doing fine. Another Blackcap was heard in this area and a new Willow Warbler to record which was just behind the Spring.  First ever in Lancelot for me, and the only one on offer of the "Yellow Pimpernel" growing to the area close to the "Cattle Crush".  Also whilst walking across from the Spring to the Cattle Crush area, got absolutely full of ticks (both the large black males and the small greyish females) all so easily attaching themselves to my moleskins. Will have to start wearing my garters again I think!  Also Tormentil in flower in the rides.  I'll bet its not in flower on the higher altitude areas yet.

Tuesday May 21st 2013 (Burton In Kendal)   "Birds Foot Sedge"
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 7mph NW)
Grey Cloud with the occasional small blue patch showing, but reasonably warmer temperatures on offer. Again to hear the birds so happy is such a pleasure. Chiffchaffs: Archie, Lee and guess what?  After three and a half weeks of no singing Dale has finally come out of his "subdued" state and singing Merrily away at Dalton Hall.  I did see the occasional Swift flying over the village and Swallows at various points from around the Village.  A Blackcap calling from Thornleigh and another (new one to me) in the Orchard near to Sunny Glen just before the Clawthorpe turn off.

1000hrs-1200hrs (Wind: 15mph WNW) Holme Park Quarry Reserve, Clawthorpe
Thorpy the Chiffchaff was singing from the road side of the reserve. I counted 7 singing Willow Warblers which were around the perimeters of the reserve. Also one Blackcap close to the entrance. Also Early Purple Orchids (odds), Wood Sorrell,Dog Violet, Lords and Ladies, Wild Strawberry, Bluebell, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Gorse,Daisy, Cowslip etc.

Then over to the Clawthorpe Fell - I had four separate territorial Willow Warblers singing, also a couple of Blackcaps and one Garden Warbler, also Bullfinch.

Found even more Birds Foot Sedge and decided tto come back later and photograph and do a fresh survey to try and establish just how many plants there are on the Fell.  They are absolutely fresh at the moment.  Also pleased to find "Spring Sandwort" and some Angular Solomons Seal  (needs another week or so yet). Also on the Fell there is the Cotoneastor, Dog Violet, Herb Robert, Primrose, Bugle, Gorse, Rue Leaved Saxifrage etc.

Birds Foot Sedge (click over to enlarge)

1400hrs-1700hrs (Wind: 15mph WNW) "Clawthorpe Fell"
Surveying the fresh Birds Foot Sedge and already up to about 250 plants and only 1/3rd way through. Here is a photo taken.

Monday May 20th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 10mph NW)
Earlier had rained. Grey skies.
Did see odd hirundines flying at Green Dragon and also again at Russell Farm and up Clawthorpe.
Odd Blackcap calling on travels.

0900hrs-1100hrs (Woodlands within Dalton)
Checked out some more local woodlands and found more Herb Paris, lots of Lords and Ladies, Wood Sorrell, Garlic Mustard, Nettles, Cleavers, Ramsons, Bluebells, Ground Ivy, Herb Robert, Lesser Celandine and would you believe "Dogs Mercury"!! (everywhere...)

Also great to find two new Chiffchaffs in song, along with a Blackcap and a Marsh Tit and the "electric buzz" sound of our little old friend the treecreeper..


Sunday May 19th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
1100hrs-1230hrs (Wind: 6-8mph WNW (Woodland in and around Dalton)

A lovely Bluebell Wood

Grey skies throughout, but slightly better toward the end. Warming up temperatures. Fabulous bluebell wood (see photo) then into a lovely open gorge with river in the bottom which I took to be the River Keer, so I guess Lancashire must have been on the other side of the River.  But here today we were in good old Westmorland. It was a fabulous spot and straightaway a new Chiffchaff singing towards the bottom of the gorge. And what a surprise to be met with what must have been at least six singing Tree Pipits holding territories around here. A couple of Willow Warblers, together with a couple of Blackcap, along with a host of the more commoner birds, all happy today and singing their little hearts out.

AONB The Landscape Trust forthcoming events.

Peter Standing of the Landscape Trust kindly asked me if I would display the following flyers on the "I Love Arnside and Silverdale Blogs")

Literary AONB Walk  Saturday November 2nd 2013

If you prefer to see the above poster in larger or original sizes please click here then click again and again

Cuckoo Time and lastest blog stuff from Monday May 13th 2013 onwards

Tree Pipits will soon be doing this!

Saturday May 18th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0615hrs-0745hrs (Wind: 12-14mph NW)
Today was rather murky weather with continuous light rain showers.

Really great to hear the birds singing at their best, its obvious that since Thursday its been all change with the birds, they are now getting their "tummies" full again and are happy and not subdued, resulting in their joyous serenades, just like it always used to be but perhaps, a lot later coming this year, but thankfully the trees are green again and the insects are all about.

Straight away Chiffchaff "Archie" was singing from around the Memorial Hall, "Mo" was singing from within Hordley House gardens, "Lee" was singing from Thornleigh, and "Thorpy" today calling from around the Farleton Rise area in Clawthorpe.  A few Swallows noted at the usual spots, but still under at Russell Farm, with maybe up to about 7 birds (usual years 15/17 pairs).

Friday May 17th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)  
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 10mph ENE)

Still those winds! however after saying that this morning felt good with plenty of blue skies and the sun breaking out. I suppose you could say it was a "proper Spring morning".  The Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens and Thrushes could be heard singing away.  And at long last the skies showed plenty of activity from local Swifts, Swallows and Martins.

Now I have a dilemma! I heard a Chiffchaff singing from the Old Vicarage which is usually the place where "Vicar" sings from, so left wondering if it was Vicar and he has eventually arrived but very late (which I doubt very much), or what I think has probably happened here! and that "Archie" or his partner from across the road at Orchard Close has moved over to the Vicarage, but we shall see.  I have known Archie to go across the road now and again to sing from the blossom trees at the front of the Burton School. So why not extend his territory as far as the old vicarage. Know doubt time will tell.

At least 3 Swifts were flying high over Burton this morning and guess there would have been more in and around Burton. Swallows busy at Green Dragon Farm and a relief to see at least three pairs minimum, with probably far more at Russell Farm and also increased numbers at Oakwood Farm in Clawthorpe. Also  noted were singing Blackcap from both Hordley and  the top of Thornleigh.

It really is a special treat to see these birds back with us, and not only that "they have brought the lovely weather today with them" and I can hear them high above joyfully singing and in a very happy mood, as they catch their many flies.

0900hrs-1115hrs (Wind: 7mph ENE) Plain Quarry to Trig and return.

Chiffchaff "Craig" calling at Plain Quarry, along with two singing Blackcaps. Also heard another Blackcap on approach near to Junction with Nineteen Trees.
Got a exceptional close up views of two Tree Pipits whilst on the ground just at the bottom of the lower Crags.  It was clear to see far more detail of the plumage, especially the 1/4" area along the full length of the primary flanks which is of a dull cream/yellow colour and stands apart, and also a clear view of the pinky/reddy legs which is a far stronger colour than the pinky legs of the Meadow Pipit.  Also pairs of Tree Pipits in upper Dalton, in the usual places, bottom, gulley and top in line with shrike tree.  All birds singing today and displaying as well.
Cuckoo seen at the very top of Dalton (upper) and calling properly today and very regular with full song. After watching for maybe ten minutes the Cuckoo then left Dalton and flew North over the Boundary wall on to the Common.

1400hrs-1630hrs (Wind: 10mph N) Slape Lane and Nearbye Woodlands.
Found and logged over 23 small colonies of "Herb Paris" in woodland at corner of Slape Lane and bordering the wall to Lancelot Clark Storth.  Also heard "Clarky" the Chiffchaff and a couple of Blackcap calling from Lancelot.

Thursday May 16th 2013 (Burton In Kendal) "Swifts have arrived"
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 7mph Easterly)

Intermittent light rain showers, with lovely sunshine and rainbows, combined at times with dark mischievious clouds. Wind dropped today (nice change!)
Only Chiffchaff on the rounds this morning was "Mo", and little in the way of hirundines once again, still only one pair of Swallows returned to Russell Farm, Dalton.  Where on earth are the other regular sixteen breeding pairs? and where can the village Swifts have got to.

0820hrs (Wind: 7mph SS East)   
Only just arrived, certainly not in at 0600hrs. A pair of Swifts hawking over village, first seen going over Church to North, then seen shortly after heading over Station Road and then over the Motorway in a SW.  So I am hoping that these may be the village Swifts returning!  we will see......

1000hrs (Wind: 6mph SSE)
Swifts still hawking high over village.

1105hrs (Wind: 8mph SE)
2 Swifts if not 3 are currently hawking in large circles over St. James Church Burton.

1200hrs (Wind: 6mph SSE)
Now a minimum of 5 birds hawking over the Village.  (1210hrs) Also can confirm a bird coming from down the side of the old Royal Pub at eaves level on the North East Side, and then on to Main Street, probably its been checking out its old nesting site.

On the way down to Heysham noticed Swallows everywhere.  It could well be a good indication that many birds have arrived today.

Wednesday May 15th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0615hrs-0715hrs (Wind: 15mph Northerly)

Continuing light rain throughout.  "Mo" the Chiffchaff heard at Burton House, but no signs of any hirundines throughout.
Realiably informed this morning that two Cuckoos have been seen this morning in the Dalton Crags (upper). area


Tuesday May 14th 2013 (Burton In Kendal)
0600hrs-0700hrs (Wind: 22mph WSW)
Heavy intermittent rain showers, blue skies with dark cloud, odd hail showers as well.
Good to hear "Archie" the Chiffchaff singing from somewhere behind Orchard Close.  Also had "Lee" singing from his usual spot at Thornleigh.

Still only a couple of Swallows to report at Russell Farm.  Its quite obvious now also that the Burton Swifts have not returned as yet.  The odd bird I did see earlier must also have been a "mover" and I have not seen any birds since. This late arrival is also being reported from other parts of the Country as I write.

Beautiful Rock Formations at Dalton (upper) "The Seven Steps"

0900hrs-1100hrs (Wind: 17/18 WSW) (Dalton (upper) Limestone Shelves)
Spent a couple of hours with a friend checking out the beautiful limestone rock formations with its many  grykes and clints in the upper Dalton area, to help us refer and recognise in the future we have for our benefit aptly named the small area "The Seven Steps" of which there maybe up to seven stepped shelves more or less formed below and to the West of the "Line of Trees". It was also nice to see such rare flora such as Angular Solomon's Seal and Lily Of The Valley (not yet fully out), also odd scattered examples of Early Purple Orchids.



Monday May 13th 2013
0600hrs - 0700hrs (Wind: 25mph Westerley)
"Lee" the Chiffchaff singing at Thornleigh.  Just a few hirundines busy hawking over tanpits (both Swallows and House Martins).  At Russell Farm, still only one/two pairs of Swallows back on territory, which is not many when you consider they normally have at least 17 pairs.

0845hrs- 1045hrs (Wind: 25mph Westerley)  "Henry - Chiffchaff" safe and well..

Large "Herb Paris" colony

A showery morning with very heavy intermittent showers at times with "hailstones" (hailstones in May!!)
Did manage to survey a (new to me) woodland closeby in Dalton.  It was great to re-discover "Henry" the chiffchaff which was briefly calling for a couple of minutes. He had previously eluded me so far this year, although I had only listened for him whilst driving past with the window down, but had actually considered him to be one of the birds that had not returned (so hurrah, hurrah, hurrah to Henry).
Whilst in the woodland I just could not believe how rich the floor was with 8 separate colonies of "Herb Paris" which were about 3/4 grown, just making it perhaps a little behind schedule (1-2 weeks). Some of the fabulous colonies were of 30 metre and 20 metre circumference, certainly the largest colonies I have ever seen, the forest floor in most parts was smothered with the usual "Dogs Mercury", but here and there, 3/4 growth Ramsons could be seen, and occasional Wood Sorrell, Herb Robert, Lords and Ladies and Dog Violets.
It was of great interest to me also to be able to record two separate territorial Willow Warblers within the Woodland along with Great Spotted Woodpecker and Goldcrest.

"Bluebell Wood"

I continued my walk in a South West to check out another Woodland which has the most fabulous floor coverage of Bluebells, but perhaps I have come about two weeks early to see them at their very best, but even today they are such a spectacular view. (see photo right)