End of Spring

Well the 2 pairs of Lapwing hatched their eggs - 4 and 3 chick seen respectively - so now its up to the parents to fend off the preditors.
At least 3 pairs of cornbunting are on the farm at the moment - so that s good news.
The last snipe a flushed on the 2nd of may - birds often stay until then.
Interestingly I flushed a male Teal yesterday, having shortly before seen a Hobby at close quarters.
Meanwhile the Mute Swans have mostly hatched their eggs - with two broods of 5 and one of 1 (artificially controlled?) and one yet to hatch. Dave will be pleased! 

The return of the warm weather has brought the House Martins back - they appeared earlier - instpected nests and then vanished. Perhaps they just wait for the warm weather (and a subsequent insect hatch) before laying eggs. At any rate we seem to have 4 pairs at present - a long way off the 35 of past years.

The Bluebells are just beginning to go off - but still look splendid. Another flower out at the same time is the Early Purple Orchid - resplendant in its dark purple.