The swallows are back... North Devon thurs. 6th. April. Dawn chorus is improving daily.

I spotted a lone swallow Saturday (8.4.06) evening whilst taking the dogs for a walk in Hampshire, it is now sleeting here so bet it wished it hadn't come!!

Updating my qualifications on Saturday at Hartland - N Devon.

Got a suntan and the swallows were so thick in the valley they distracted from grouping!! Nice to see them again.

Rgds Ian

I had nearly two inches of snow on my car this morning....

Although I did "think" about having a BBQ yesterday.

FB

C'mon FB! What selfrespecting Cyriot won't spit a lamb next Sunday?

Hey Bog,

Our Easter is actually the week after the English easter. I was looking to go home for 3-4days and get involved in some Ouzo and spit roast lamb but the flights worked out too expensive, so I had to ditch the idea.

I think some local uncles will have to come into play!!

FB

Looking for a spring stag, shot a roebuck this morning to the musical accompiment of the cuckoo. First I have heard this year, I would be interested in who hears the cuckoo when in Europe/Scandinavia. Stags casting antlers.
The black thorn is looking proper, lot of primroses and have seen peacock butterfly last weekend, several bumble bees getting about. Grass, bramble and nettles really starting to grow and sting! winter corn hide a hare and fox now!

Springs a little later up in Dumfries and Galloway but on crystal clear Saturday morning I took my second young roebuck this season. I heard my first cuckoo and the curlew's were calling again.
Once the bracken arrives hunting could become more challenging.

Have spent the last few days, solidly stalking and rabbit bashing. Knackered and off for a good nights sleep!

However, was out yesterday with a friend from France, when we ran into this pleasant sight!! Seems early to me.





rgds Ian

Mark H,

I am a little farther North than you, beyond Inverness, but, this has been the magic fortnight. The Whooper swans have gone, the geese have been going over in impressive noisy skeins, the swallows are here, the curlews are calling (my favourite) and the cuckoo is due anyday now. I love it!

John