Red, White and Blue

Scarlet Elf Cup was found growing on an old log pile down near to Risedale Beck. In European folklore, it was said that wood elves drank morning dew from the cups!

Once again, Barn Owls are breeding on the reserve. Last year, the female was buried by Jackdaws several times who covered her with twigs and sheep wool (their nesting material). This year, a close eye will be kept on the box to make sure there are no intruders! This owl was ringed by the bird ringers last week and had an especially bright white chest. Associated with the night the Barn Owl has also been called the Ghost Owl, the Church Owl even the Death Owl. This one was more sleepy than scary!

Although not in flower yet, the Bluebells on the bank in the woodland are looking promising with plenty of green leaves. In a few weeks time this area will be a beautiful sight. In folklore, Bluebells were said to ring when fairies were summoning their kin to a gathering; but if a human heard the sound, it would be their death knell. Not surprisingly, it was considered unlucky to trample on a bed of Bluebells, because you would anger the fairies resting there!