January - the first sight of a Little Owl 'on the stump' - later, a mate would appear, and two youngsters, although one adult is killed on the road.
February, and we're jumping around the beach trying to catch oiled Guillemots and Razorbills. After treatment at Mallydams Wood RSPCA unit, a good many are successfully returned to the sea.
March - a bountiful harvest of Alexanders is harvested from the roadside, and found to be tasty. At the time of writing, the new year's growth is emerging despite the cold weather.
April - warmth, flowers and butterflies appear, including a Small Blue by South Road.
May - an Early Spider Orchid is found on Kingsdown beach. I'm so proud!
June - my first-ever sighting of Cornflowers. Later in the year, more are discovered in the new 'nature reserve' at the end of Victoria Road - how will that develop in 2009?
July - Sundews at Hothfield Common.
August - a scattered colony of Wasp Spiders is found on the undercliff. At the same time, there is a large second emerence of Common Blue butterflies there.
September - up to 43 Mediterranean Gulls roost on Kingsdown beach. They probably come from Europe, flying along the Rhine valley and then across the sea. They departed gradually until there were none.
October - a noticeable influx of migrant Goldcrests, Firecrests and Robins.
November - a mostly horrible month, with a close encounter with a Shag on one of the few bright days. While away on holiday, I miss one of the best couple of weeks of rarities at home.
December - a male Black Redstart stays on the rifle range - and Waxwings invade B&Q (but we've had enough photos of them).
So the wheel of the seasons comes full circle, and our hopes and fears, loves and losses, hates and fancies.... burn and fade. We've made new friends and regretted the passing of old ones.....
and next year we'll do it all again.
7 comments:
What a wonderful way to remember the year! Wish I had thought of it :-) This would make a wonderful calendar! Each one is a real prize shot!
This is a great way to remember the year. I wrote a summary last year, but photos are much better...
I love this post, what a great idea. It was a great year for you it seems! I may "steal" your idea and do my own year in review. What is the latest update with your litte owls? Have you seen them lately? Happy New Year!
Glad you liked it - the repeats are (almost) always the best!
Re Little Owls, one has been seen occasionally on the stump - we'll have to wait and see if it pairs up again.
Steve ,
Excellent end of year blog .
Lets hope next year will be as good .
Best wishes to you and yours for the New Year .
Happy new year Steve.
Great post.Glad to have discovered you this year, always good to have a new friend, even if it is a cyber - friend!!
Its looks like it was a grand year for you with wonderful sightings, and I am envious of your early spring. All the best to you and your family for the new year!
ann
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