Sunday 13 April 2008

Migrant Alley

I hope that Warren will forgive the borrowing of his phrase Migrant Alley, which sums up a lane or line of hedgerow perfectly at this time of the year. Today's morning stroll was much better than yesterday, with lighter winds bringing dozens of warblers - Chiffchaffs, Willows and Blackcaps. A solitary Swallow flew over, confirming that summer is indeed on its way.
In a week or so, these hedges will be alive with the next wave, Whitethroats, but for the moment they are the preserve of the early arrivals and the residents - Wrens were singing fit to burst.
Gorse on the Freedown

In the wood, the first Bluebells are flowering, giving a lovely colour combination with Wood Anemones and Lesser Celandines. There has been quite a lot of habitat improvement since the National Trust took it over, and the clearings that have been created have noticeably increased the number of bird species. There should also be an improvement in plant and insect variety.

Early? Dog Violet
Between the showers it was a clear day, and I noticed for the first time that the Wind Turbines off the north Kent shore can be seen from Wood Hill, well over 20 miles away.

4 comments:

Mary said...

Looks like a great place to take a walk. I like the carpet of wildflowers.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

I would love to walk down that road. It looks so inviting. Beautiful flowers and it's fun to see how your spring is compared to ours here.

Warren Baker said...

No problem nicking my phrases steve..............just send up some migrants!!

Kingsdowner said...

Thanks Warren - yes, they are a bit slow, but at least you've had a cuckoo!