As harvesting is almost over and farmers trim the field hedgerows, apples and blackberries are ripening, purple heather, yellow gorse bloom on the high moorland and on the coast and grasses turn from green to gold it’s time to say farewell to Summer. A wet and windy one at times with unusually high temperatures recorded in parts of the UK, in a changing and challenging world we can always depend on wildlife to bring joy and complete the cycle.
Butterfly numbers have been worryingly low but they seem to be making an appearance now, though not in great numbers. The Buddleia aka Butterfly Bush is still blooming in my garden and this week I have seen a Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White and a Speckled Wood.. Good news is that I have seen plenty of bees and insects.
The Swifts have long since gone. According to my nature notes 29th July was my last sighting and this week the House Martins and Swallows have been gathering. They sit together on the wires and flutter wildly aloft, swooping over the field so it won’t be long before they begin their long journey back to Africa. The magical photo shows a lone Swallow on the wire, I hope he catches up with the rest of the gang.
As the main bird nesting season comes to a close, remember they still huddle quietly while the young ones get used to their new surroundings and the old ones hunker down for the moult so take care when trimming trees, bushes and hedgerows. Also take care when strimming, watch out for ground nesting birds, hedgehogs and other precious little critters.
According to Natural England "The ‘Bird Nesting Season’ is officially from February until August
and it is recommended that vegetation works (tree or
hedge cutting) or site clearance should be done outside of the nesting
season."
Just as I'm writing this I noticed a little shimmering through the window, a fledgling Goldfinch fluttering its wings with mum or dad. Happy Days.
Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus
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Read all about it
🐦RSPB. Brilliant Broods: A Guide to Bird Nests & Eggs https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/brilliant-broods-a-guide-to-eggs-and-nests
🐦Advice on protection of birds visit UK Government Wildlife & Countryside
🐦Act 1981 updates and legal information - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/contents
Wild birds: protection and licences https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences
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Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle
Explore the Coast and' Country' side of Bideford Bay and Beyond
