Nature notes - November to December 2009
| December 2009 | ||
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Despite the coldest winter for decades, several lesser celandines were seen flowering on the banks of the River Cary near Carymoor on 28th December. The cold winter was preceeded by a warm autumn, with the occasional flower seen on apple trees and strawberry plants and even a cowslip in flower. Could the warm autumn be responsible for this exceptionally early celandine? | |
| November 2009 | ||
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It's always a little sad to see the skies empty as autumn approaches and the swallows move to warmer climes, but before long a new suite of birds appear on the scene. At Carymoor we have counted up to 80 Yellowhammers feeding on crops specially planted to provide seeds for birds over the winter. Yellowhammers are on the Red List due to the decline in their numbers in recent years, so we are delighted to see so many in our area. |
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With the leaves coming off the trees, birds become more visible. Brightly coloured male bullfinches show up beautifully against the bare branches and provide a welcome splash of colour to grey November days. | |
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Not usually considered beautiful, we came across this impressive House Spider (and dozens more) when we dismantled an old portacabin recently. This photo is not far from life-size! |
© Carymoor Updated 2009