Wild Wanderings

Diary 08-03-2020

I decided to walk to the river in search of Hares or Foxes that may have been roaming around the fields. This is definitely the time of year to see Brown Hares but alas there were none. No Foxes either.

On the way down to the river I spotted a single Lapwing circling lazily in the shy. I was alerted to look up by the single 'peewit' call. It reminded me so much of my childhood days when these birds flocked on the newly plowed fields. I stood and watched him for about five minutes. He gently flapped and glided his way in a ascending circle until he disappeared from view. Something like a Skylark. Another bird I see very infrequently these days.

How the countryside has changed. The recent floods had taken its toll on the crops and the fields were still showing signs of water laying on them.

I was pleased to see a small flock of Long Tailed Tits chattering and dashing about the hedges. As I approached the field overlooking the river I could see it was still quite swollen, but it had receded quite a bit and you could at least see the banks now. Through my binoculars I spotted a group of Cormorants standing like soldiers in a line, as if on parade. They were stationed on a small spit of land that had newly emerged from the flood waters under an old grizzled tree. Apart from the Cormorants and the odd Seagull the quarry was deserted.

I trudged my way back home through the heavy mud laden farm track disappointed with the lack of Hare and Foxes. I am hoping they will fight and return back to the farm fields. The Hare is still threatened by this Hare virus which I understand is taking a heavy toll on their numbers.

On such a walk this time three years ago I would have seen at least two and sometimes four or five individuals.

I hope to see some soon. I will have my camera at the ready.

Watch this space.

RJM