Spring comes to Hawkshill

 

All the hard work over the winter is now worthwhile - the Primroses on the crew-cut bank are the most obvious sign of spring, but chalk downland specialists are flourishing. Knapweeds, Wild Marjoram, Salad Burnet, Kidney Vetch and Agrimony are showing well, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else comes up blinking in the unaccustomed brightness.

Chiffchaffs were singing and a Kestrel perched atop one of the Sycamores surveying the scene.

A quick pounce, but unlucky this time.

Butterflies were on the wing, with six in sight at one time - Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone all battled in the sunny ride which we cut through in the cold, wet months.  

There were at least two male Brimstones and one female flying up and down the path, but giving no chance for a picture. I've no idea where their food plant Buckthorn is.