Black and Blue

Taking advantage of the lovely weather this morning, Malcolm and I set out for a longer walk to Osborne's Pond. On the way, we trudged up and over Shipley Hill and as we walked past the old Suffragette Wall, the sun was shining on some wonderful cushions of moss on the top.

Going by the scientific name Bryum capillare it is better known as Capillary Thread-moss and is common in the UK and can be seen all year round. The most obvious thing about this delightful little moss, has to be the reddish threads - or setae - which sprout up from the cushion and which are topped by green spore--producing capsules or sporophytes. Very attractive when looked at closely.

Further along the walk, a particularly lovely Blackthorn bush was in full bloom and enjoying the sunshine.

The first of this year's Bluebells are starting to show their colour too. Along the trails and among the leaf-litter they are gradually opening their flowers.

Still rather scarce, these pioneering little flowers are only the first of many more to come - we hope.

Summer Migrants

Our walk this morning, took us through Shipley Park, up and over the hill and down to Mapperley Reservoir. Despite the dry forecast, we were frustrated by continuous spots of rain, but were delighted to be accompanied by the sound of some summer migrant birds. Chiffchaffs have been singing their two-syllable song for a several days now, but this morning, we heard, for the first time this year, the gorgeous song of their close cousins, the Willow Warblers.  Onward towards Mapperley Reservoir and the water was looking less than inviting.

Still very muddy looking and cold, only a brave few were seen swimming about on it this morning, including one particularly inquisitive Mallard who kept following us, no doubt hoping for a bit of bread.

Out over the water however, we were pleased to see the first of this year's Swallows flying low and fast over the surface. As we walked on towards Mapperley Village, several more swallows were perched on the wires above the road.

After their long journey all the way from sub-Saharan Africa, they were looking a little 'worse-for-wear' and spent a lot of time preening and tending their feathers.

So, Summer is well and truly on it's way, so, as I pointed out to Malcolm, It'll soon be Christmas!

Home-patch First

Malcolm and I set out for a slightly shorter walk this morning, taking in the lakes of Straw's Bridge once again. at 'Swan Lake', we were delighted to see 26 Mute Swans of varying ages on the lake.

The sunny weather and blue sky made a wonderful backdrop to this magnificent male or Cob swan. who seemed only too pleased to pose for photos.

Heading home again, we were stopped in our tracks by the sight of a bird which is a first for us on our 'home patch'.  Sitting in a tree above the reed beds of Pewit Carr, was a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta).

A small member of the heron family, the Little Egret is a recent colonist to Great Britain and they are still mostly confined to the South and East coasts, with a few spreading to Wales. They first bred in the UK in 1996, but have been seen here since about the mid 1980's.

They are beginning to spread further north as this individual proves. I had heard reports of a Little Egret being seen at Shipley Lake a few weeks ago, but heard nothing since, so it was a great surprise to see this one today.

We were not the only ones to be taken by the sight of a Little Egret this morning. Another couple had stopped to view this still rather rare bird.

The British population of Little Egrets is increasing all the time and currently stands at some 660 - 740 breeding pairs and an over-wintering population of around 4,500 individual birds (figures from the RSPB.)

Let's hope this one is just the first of an 'advance guard' of a resident population in the area.

Sunlit Wood

After a few days not getting out and about, Malcolm and I stepped out this morning for a good walk around Shipley Hill. At last, the weather has brightened up a bit and despite the rather chilly wind, the sunshine made it seem warm and Spring-like.

Daffodils were everywhere. Nodding in the breeze and turning their yellow trumpets towards the sun, filtering through the branches.

There seem to be a lot more Daffodils this year. Last Spring, most of the plants were 'blind' with very few flower buds. But this year.....

Among the Daffodils, Bluebells are beginning to show their hand with the promise of better - and bluer - things to come.

Spring

Well, that's Easter out of the way for another year and as usual, all the traditional things have been going on. Family gathering for Easter Dinner, chocolate eggs and hot-cross buns have been eaten and the weather has turned cold, wet and windy!
Easter greeting have been sent from Malcolm's family in Switzerland too. Irma and Fritz have been enjoying a Swiss Easter.

And so have their chickens...

Hopefully, the weather will improve a little now that the Bank Holidays have finished and we will be able to get out and about a bit more.

Horns and Bells

We had to get out and about without delay this morning as the forecast was for rain by mid-day, so we set out to do 'the farm walk'. Along the old railway lines, where the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have cleared so much of the scrub away, a herd of White Park Cattle were taking things easy.

Many of these good-looking beasts have some pretty impressive head-gear, making them look rather more fearsome than they are.

Among the adult cows, were a few adorable calves. This one was just beautiful....

With a just the beginnings of its own pair of horns.

Yesterday's walk took us up and around Shipley Hill to see what was in flower there and to our great delight, the Pieris bushes were starting to bloom.

Taking a close look at these beautiful little bell-shaped flowers, it is obvious to see the Pieris' close relationship with the much smaller Heathers.

10 Years On

It's our anniversary today. Malcolm and I had our Civil Partnership ceremony on this day ten years ago. Where has the time gone? Our walk this morning took us to the lakes of Straw's Bridge and the blossoming Blackthorn growing around swan Lake.

We had only a short walk because after getting home for coffee, it was out again to pick up fish and chips for lunch, washed down with a glass of celebratory bubbles.

We must do this more often!