Nature

Andrew and Jan visited the reserve recently and sent us some photographs.  The first, and please do not get too excited, is of Red Kite flying over Harewood House.  One flew over Foxglove a while ago, but one flap of its wings (wingspan 1.8m) and it was out of sight so not even a splodge.  Whilst visiting it may be worthwhile to keep glancing up. 

Primroses are covering the south facing banks and now the Bluebells are beginning to appear in amongst them.

Glancing down may provide you with a possible story.  Very difficult to catch butterflies in flight, but could this be an Orange Tip chasing off a probable male Brimstone from its food supplies?  Or was he chasing it away from its territory as he tries to attract a mate?

Upwards again, and the Norway Maple is in flower.  These trees can often be seen in hedgerows.

Not all the trees are showing opening buds so there is still a chance to see a bird singing and get a clear photo.  This could be a Chiffchaff or Willow Warbler.  A newly ringed bird or a returning summer migrant?

Some birds like to find the highest point to sing out its song, warning others that it is his territory.  This Song Thrush could not get much higher!  He was at the very top of the Grand Fir.

Lockdown during the pandemic brought Nature to many people's notice.  Walks in the countryside, parks, nature reserves and gardens became very important and brought people very close to Nature.  Watch and listen whilst you walk around the reserve and you never know what you might see.

Thanks to Andrew and Jan for the photographs.