30th April ..... Swallow returns.

Walking out last week before the forecast break in the fine spring weather.

Whitethroats seem to be popping up everywhere, now giving their short vertical display flights from the tops of hedges or singing and moving along electrical wires. Adding their song to  many more as our  walk continues.

Bluebells also seem to be everywhere and looking stunning in the hot weather, growing along many hedgerows.

 

Good to see lady's smock/cuckoo flower in amongst other wildflowers growing in the more permanent grass fields (which have not been sprayed with herbicide) and along the roadside and footpath verges.

 

A lone male swallow with his long streamers, waiting by nearby stables for his mate to turn up.
Carrying on along Strawberry Hill and passing more  inviting footpaths.

 

Newly planted hedges growing well and showing above their guards.
 Nearing home and enjoying the shade past Hunts Green.

At home a red admiral and lunch. Stewart.
Images Copyright : Stewart Dennis.