Trees, etc

   Three weeks ago, some fierce winds seared the new growth on oaks, hawthorns and limes; fine weather this weekend has allowed the trees to recover somewhat. 

   A reed bunting is feeding a brood just ten metres from the kitchen window. A sedge warbler pair is established in the bramble patch. Our pair of willow warblers have fledged their young. And yesterday evening we watched the pheasant pair with very young chicks, about ten, in the grass and dock plants in the horse field.

   Hot weather is also silage weather, so the whole place is busy with tractor noise.

   Butterflies are also doing well. A big movement of painted lady butterflies went through from Friday onwards. Now, four days later, there are still lots of them about.   

   As the mind and hopes stretch forward to summer, things get left behind: the hawthorn blossom has peaked by now, and many of the trees look spent.