30th April ... last day of April already!

Well, with the last day of April, the rain has finally stopped, at least for a few hours!  It seems as though everyone is out and about enjoying the warmth of the sunshine .... what is left of the apple blossom is in danger of being nibbled by curious visitors ... who can blame them?

29th April ... back to the woods - again!

Oh dear, it really has been so wet underfoot, that I am afraid that I have not been to the woods much this last few weeks... ironic, really, as we are officially in a drought!  Ever since THAT was announced it has been pouring with rain!!  Maybe they should have done it earlier!
Anyway, spring, of course, continues to spring whether I am there or not and on the edge of the woods the apple trees are coming into blossom most beautifully!  I do hope that the rain does not wash off all the pollen before the poor bees get a chance to enjoy it - not to mention pollinate the flowers and ensure a good crop of apples in the autumn ...

A few years ago, on the village green - where we also have apple trees - there was a wonderful occurrence one April evening, when a swarm of glow-worms were blown over from the Continent and were attracted to the apple blossom.  It was a strange and beautiful sight, to see tiny blobs of light shimmering in and around the flowers.  Magical!

 

6th April - Good Friday! In the family way ...

The woods are alive with birdsong and chatter!  Even the pheasants, who rarely raise more than a startled trot are in the mood for love!  The male was displaying fervently to his lady love ...



The female was thinking of the family to come ...

... and making a nest with feathers ...

and I am looking forward to seeing more of theses ...

Cute or what???