Here at Foxhill the autumn colours are now in their full glory. During a recent walk down the lane we saw a large flock of longtailed tits working their way along the hedgerow. The flock was about 20 strong. At this time of year it is common for species of tits to congregate in flocks - either the same species or many species together. Fieldfares have also arrived. On another walk we also saw a pair of tawny owls. Since getting our chickens about 6 weeks ago we are now attracting some of the local pheasant population on a regular basis. They are getting tamer and we expect they will be around for the foreseeable future.
Not many fungi as yet, probably because it's been relatively dry. The next few weeks should be a good time for fungi foraging, especially because our local lanes have a good selection of dead wood, providing the perfect conditions.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Wednesday 17 June 2009
3 baby swallows
These 3 chicks were minding their own business in one of our outbuildings till I came along and disturbed them. This is just one of several nesting places we have for the swallows.
If anybody can give me some assistance in siting bird boxes I wouuld very much appreciate it.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Pheasants in abundance
Is it me or are there more pheasants around than usual this year? Not a day goes by without seeing at least one of them trying to run off without being spotted. And if you can't see them you can certainly hear them!
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Company for the swallows
Wagtails and yellow finches are now flying about, dipping and weaving everywhere. Wild poppies with their glorious red are appearing and also their counterpart the icelandic poppy. The mayflower is now more abundant and cow parsley is starting to appear.
Owls can be heard in the evening communicating with one another and the pheasants also with their familiar loud screeching sound.
Owls can be heard in the evening communicating with one another and the pheasants also with their familiar loud screeching sound.
Friday 1 May 2009
More swallows - will they make a summer?
More swallows have now arrived and it's wonderful to hear their chatter as they prepare their nests. In the evenings you can watch them swoop over the fields as they catch the midges in the cool of the evening.
The blackthorn is now in flower and it's great to see the hedgerows alive with its blossom. The mayflower has started to appear although a little earlier than expected; maybe it's a sign that a good summer is expected. Local farmers are predicting a hotter summer due to the fact that twins and triplets have been born. Let's hope!
The blackthorn is now in flower and it's great to see the hedgerows alive with its blossom. The mayflower has started to appear although a little earlier than expected; maybe it's a sign that a good summer is expected. Local farmers are predicting a hotter summer due to the fact that twins and triplets have been born. Let's hope!
Monday 27 April 2009
Swallows
It's great to see the swallows back. The first two arrived a couple of weeks ago. They are so entertaining to watch in full flight. We can't decide how many there are now - maybe only four but sounds more like a dozen when they get chatting.
Monday 23 March 2009
Dry weather at last
What a glorious week we've just had ! We spent as much of the week as possible in our allotment, preparing outside beds for planting and marvelling at how much drier the ground is. This week may be a different story apparently. Really looking forward to the clocks going forward at the weekend.
By the way, if anyone has any advice on siting bird boxes please leave a message.
By the way, if anyone has any advice on siting bird boxes please leave a message.
Monday 9 March 2009
Signs of Spring at Foxhill
Below are just a few of the things that are happening around Foxhill Barn to suggest that Spring is on its way: -
Snowdrops, primroses and crocuses are all showing in the garden, and our daffodills have begun to push through. In the hedgerows the trees are starting to bud and the hazel is providing an impressive display of catkins.
We have spent the weekend planting onions, broad beans and peas in our polytunnel and are hoping that the worst of the cold weather has passed as we would like to get on with planting outside.
Walkers who are interested in river routes may be interested to know that there is a feature on the Ribble Way in this month's Country Walking Magazine. As the author discovered, it may be preferable to walk it from sea to source.
Snowdrops, primroses and crocuses are all showing in the garden, and our daffodills have begun to push through. In the hedgerows the trees are starting to bud and the hazel is providing an impressive display of catkins.
We have spent the weekend planting onions, broad beans and peas in our polytunnel and are hoping that the worst of the cold weather has passed as we would like to get on with planting outside.
Walkers who are interested in river routes may be interested to know that there is a feature on the Ribble Way in this month's Country Walking Magazine. As the author discovered, it may be preferable to walk it from sea to source.
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