January

by Ken Clark - 17:56 on 09 February 2010

Wow! What a terrible start to 2010 with snow that has lasted far too long. I am pleased that I could access some photographs of green grass and trees with leaves on to remind me of better times to come. On my PC I have only three snow photographs that were taken in December; I labelled this “Cold Snap”, how wrong could I have been.

The moles seemed to be the only thing that was penetrating the snow, and what a relief to see the snow melting away in January, lets hope that was the winter over with, I have my doubts.

We have been feeding seed and peanuts to the birds and trying to supply them with water, strangely they have been conspicuous by their absence; it is only now that the snow has gone that they have returned and started feeding again.

It is such a relief that we had a good supply of berries on the hawthorn and the Holly; it was definitely the best season for holly berries for a long time.

It is amazing once the snow has melted away that there are still signs of plant and flowers still alive, some things, have taken there toll but we still have some pansies that are in colour.

I remember wakening up early last week when the thaw started only to be confronted by the call of the Collard Doves. It reminded me of the story of Noah and the Ark; after the waters had receded doves were sent out to search for land. I must admit I don’t like the collard doves call, it gets on my nerves, I think I take after my dad, who used to be woken up with the cooing of these birds nesting in the eaves of the lodge house that we lived in on Lambton Estate.

The next site I am waiting for is the first show of Snowdrops, these are usually quite near to the Church, see who can spot them first, they are a smashing sight of spring being just round the corner.

Lumley Park Burn was in full flow last week let us hope we have a slow thaw as there are always the misery of floods for some people.

Small amounts of bird activity were observed along the burn this being one of the few areas that birds could feed and drink.

I would like to thank all who bought wreaths from the conservation group; we made a profit of £148, which is fantastic. Thanks also go out to June, Tracey and Jacqueline for giving up their time to make these wreaths.

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