Archive for March, 2009
31st MARCH 09
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Robin sighted nesting in barn wall. Must be feeding young as seen with large worm in beak. Our farm cat, Meg has produced 3 lovely tabby and white kittens yesterday. She is very proud of herself.
30th MARCH 09
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
SWALLOWS HAVE ARRIVED! These are about 2 weeks earlier than last year but a wonderful sight.
29th MARCH 09
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
First House Martins seen flying over Farm. Daffodils in full bloom. Violets, Daisies, Colts Foot and Primroses are out. Leaves on Horse Chestnut Trees just beginning to unfold.
Drier and Warmer
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009
Easter is just round the corner so it's nice to see a drier warmer day, the grass is looking greener.
The birds are busy building nest, a heron was busy in the stream yesterday afternoon, my dogs disturbed it.
The birds are busy building nest, a heron was busy in the stream yesterday afternoon, my dogs disturbed it.
Guest Sightings
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Guests this weekend enjoyed watching the local pair of buzzards circling in the sky and at close range perched on a favourite post in the fence by the lane.
They were very surprised to catch sight of a stoat passing by the cottage still in his white winter coat with the black tipped tail.
http://www.bleasdalecottages.co.uk
They were very surprised to catch sight of a stoat passing by the cottage still in his white winter coat with the black tipped tail.
http://www.bleasdalecottages.co.uk
British Summer Time Starts Today
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
A cold and frosty start to a bright sunny day
We had a RSPB bird count today, but I've just seen 2 buzzards near the wood, this would account for the lapwings disappearing from the fields.
We had a RSPB bird count today, but I've just seen 2 buzzards near the wood, this would account for the lapwings disappearing from the fields.
height top farm 2009-03-28 19:23:00
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
What a surprise. I thought about tidying the garden and found this pea hen sitting.
At least she has saved me from a very cold job today.
We'll watch her progress and keep you informed.
The Clocks go Forward Tonight
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
When its the time of year to put the clocks forward by one hour it is beginning to feel more like spring is hear.
Lighter nights will attract the birds to nest
Hares are plentyful on the fields. The flowering red current bush is in full flower in the garden.
If the weather is ok on monday I think its time to mower the grass for the first time.
There have been plenty of walkers today, the scouts have been out in force, walking from Scorton to Waddacre in groups of 6
Lighter nights will attract the birds to nest
Hares are plentyful on the fields. The flowering red current bush is in full flower in the garden.
If the weather is ok on monday I think its time to mower the grass for the first time.
There have been plenty of walkers today, the scouts have been out in force, walking from Scorton to Waddacre in groups of 6
Elizabeth Mills 2009-03-28 12:00:00
Saturday, March 28th, 2009
Here are some wildlife sightings from Paul Booth, the manager of Rimington Caravan Park:
(Toad photo) I came across this little fellow whilst out in the fields opposite the caravan park...the dogs were most impressed!!!
20/3/09 My two boys were very excited to see frog spawn in our garden pond (we "rescued" the pond and all its occupants from one of the Park Homes on site last summer)
22/3/09 Came across a fine example of a Hedgehog on the site (approx 40cm long) obviously had come out of hibernation after the recent spell of warm weather.
25/3/09 Sadly and rather tragically a dead Badger on the A682 near Gisburn, the first I have seen in this area either dead or alive.
27/3/09 Plenty of Lapwing and Curlew activity in the fields behind the house together with a large mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing.
(Toad photo) I came across this little fellow whilst out in the fields opposite the caravan park...the dogs were most impressed!!!
20/3/09 My two boys were very excited to see frog spawn in our garden pond (we "rescued" the pond and all its occupants from one of the Park Homes on site last summer)
22/3/09 Came across a fine example of a Hedgehog on the site (approx 40cm long) obviously had come out of hibernation after the recent spell of warm weather.
25/3/09 Sadly and rather tragically a dead Badger on the A682 near Gisburn, the first I have seen in this area either dead or alive.
27/3/09 Plenty of Lapwing and Curlew activity in the fields behind the house together with a large mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing.
My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk
lambing
Thursday, March 26th, 2009
We have just finished a successful lambing period and will not have to get up during the night.
The lambs are all lovely and I wish they would stay like they are forever!
Broadgate Farm B & B and Cl site 2009-03-26 10:51:00
Thursday, March 26th, 2009
A cold wet and windy morning but the lapwings keep swooping, a pair of ducks in the lapwing field seem to be sitting
Elizabeth Mills 2009-03-25 11:19:00
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Lower Fairsnape Farm 18/03/09 saw my first bat of the year at dusk flying over Bleasdale cottages. 20/03/09 up at Stocks Reservoir saw my first two bumble bees of the year zipping around the car park and my first toad of the year sunning itself by the picnic tables. Sunny, mild weather all week. Wood anemones coming out in old hedge bottoms and woods and rich yellow celandine flowers appearing. Wild garlic leaves greening up the woodland floors.
My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk
Tadpoles and Frogs
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Tadpoles are swimming in the shallow pools after all the lovely sunshine last week, still masses of spawn in the cold deeper water.
Had to play "dodge the frogs" driving up the road tonight as they seem to be off "FLASH MOBBING".
Had to play "dodge the frogs" driving up the road tonight as they seem to be off "FLASH MOBBING".
How the Weather Changes, BUT it’s only March
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
From Sunday you really wouldn't think the weather could change so much. Yesterday was very cold, wet and very windy at times. I felt sure it was blowing sleet in the wind at times. Pity any small lambs that have just been born, what a shock for them.
Today is sunny again with quiet a chill in the wind but at least it's not a windy as yesterday.
April and warmer weather are just round the corner thankfully.
Today is sunny again with quiet a chill in the wind but at least it's not a windy as yesterday.
April and warmer weather are just round the corner thankfully.
Monday 23rd March 2009
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
The refurbishment in the Dairy is finished at last and is really fab. Could live in there myself! Its been alot of hard work and expense but well worth it in the end
The lounge area looks much better since we removed the sofa bed and have pu
t in a nice comfortable setee and sideboard.
t in a nice comfortable setee and sideboard.The kitchen is a real triumph. Trying to fit everything into such a small space was really difficult and took ages to plan but I think, in the end, we have succeeded magnificently. I can't wait to see the reaction of our first guests this weekend. They have been coming here for the last 15 years so they will see a tremendous difference
We had our annual inspection on Thursday by the Tourist Board and passed with flying colours.
The hens are laying regularly now so our guests will be treated to a couple of newlaid eggs in their welcome basket!
