Hoggers

[Goldie M]

Hoggers I love your Barn Owl, you were so lucky to spot it.
Spring seems to have arrived here in the North, yesterday we spent our time tidying up the garden the sun was shining all day and the temperatures were way up, No Butterflies though. The bulbs are coming up quickly now and my Magnolia Stallata( I think that's how you spell it)is nearly ready for flowering also my Wall flowers, roll on. Goldie

[Hoggers]

The Barn Owl was a stunner Goldie, more so for being totally unexpected.But that's what I love about walking in the countryside:it's a bit like visiting a secondhand bookshop, you never know what might turn up. It's nice to know it's on my Patch and I hope doing well for mice and voles. Certainly by the look of this anvil (improvised from a discarded metal sign) which I found today, the Thrushes are cutting a swathe through the local snail population

Nearby I came across this Coltsfoot which is just about to bloom

This afternoon I visited my favourite butterfly and flower site, Wye Nature Reserve

Dog's Mercury aplenty, some just coming into flower

And Spurge- Laurel showing clusters of attractive green flowers

A fine show of Mistletoe

Traveller's Joy: literally just that when in flower but as Old Man's Beard (I can't see it without thinking of our great English Poet, Edward Thomas) simply beautiful

And some friendly locals

Driving home through the village of Brook I saw several Primroses in full flower but all were in front gardens so I've yet to find my first in the wild, but it won't be long now.

[Hoggers]

Today I thought I'd go for a puddle around in Hothfield Bog with Brother Hoggles

It's a fascinating habitat of heath and bog that's rarely found in Kent

With lots of fine mosses

and other specialist plants.

We usually visit only in Summer but decided to pop in this morning to see how things were coming along. The Gorse looked handsome indeed

And the Ling although not at its best is still attractive

I was on the look out for Marsh Marigold but although we found the leaves sprouting up,it is clearly still a tad too early for the flowers

But a few Lesser Celandines were out

On the walk back to the car the sun came out,it got warmer and warmer,prompting several birds to start singing ( including a Wren and a Nuthatch) but also a Bumblebee to almost fly up my nose. So warm in fact, that I began for the first time this year to entertain not unreasonable expectations of chancing upon a butterfly. We decided to drop into Orlestone Forest before ending our Sunday trip, as it's there that we often see Commas and Brimstones in March.

Alas, despite the charming weather, we had no luck encountering any other aroused hibernators. Still, if the weather continues in this pleasant vein, it shouldn't be too long before I see my first butterfly of the year. Once home, I took a look at my flower beds: I think it's getting close to the time when I can at last start planting my butterfly garden, something my greenish fingers are longing to do.

[Hoggers]

A glorious morning but undeniably Monday. I spent my drive bemoaning the fact that I had to go to work, when I'd much rather have taken a long walk in the countryside. Later,paying a visit to the cells beneath Canterbury Crown Court, I heard a jailor say "There's a Butterfly!" I looked to where he was pointing and sure enough, on the floor, I could see the black triangle of a Peacock settled with wings shut tight. A Peacock doing time on remand. My first butterfly of 2013.

It had to be moved as it was in great danger of being accidentally trodden on, nor is there any easy way out once you are in custody.I decided that it had served its sentence and deserved early release.

I cupped it in my hands. It did not stir but rather seemed to be still half asleep. I then carried it out of the building escorted by the head jailor (who informed me that although this was their first butterfly, they often receive surprise visits from local frogs) and placed it in full sunshine but out of the way of the somewhat chilly breeze.

Fortunately I had my mobile and was able to take a few snaps

It soaked up the sun on the already warm wall then flitted away to roost amongst a nearby Ivy.

When I later looked at the photos I noticed that whilst in my hand it had extended its proboscis, seeming to be taking on some minerals from my sweaty skin.

I hope it fares well after its release and that it does not (as so many do) end up back in the cells.

[David M]

Nice little story that, Hoggers.

Pleased to see the Peacock is out on 'bail'

[Hoggers]

I drove to Lewes this morning through village after village, keeping an eye open for Daffodils and Lesser Celandines of which I'm glad to say I saw good numbers, together with the bright sunny faces of many Dandelions. A cheerful sight indeed.

I found this text on my mobile telephone,from my Mother : "First butterfly in the garden - white".

Mum lives in Ashford, Kent too. I spoke to her about this sighting which she was very excited about (more I think because she knew she'd trumped me than for any other reason...) Mum confirmed that it looked "more yellow than white", so I had to give in and allow her the honour of the first Brimstone of the year. I learned long ago never to argue with my Mother.

However, when I got home look what I found in my garden:

Things are hotting up.

[Hoggers]

A third gorgeous day in a row. On arriving at Canterbury I immediately saw a Small Tortoiseshell flying around the court building. My first of the season. At least it wasn't banged-up like Monday's Peacock. I had my camera in the car but the Tortoiseshell was long gone before I could even think about getting it.

Finishing work early, I dropped in at Denge Wood on my way home where I knew I'd have a chance of finding a Brimstone.

I soon came across a Comma

And later, three more.

Some fine Coltsfoot which was popular with the flies

Very pretty.

And my first Primroses of the year

Finally, on my walk back to the car, a Brimstone appeared ,flying up and down the ride, never resting for a moment (but then if I'd been in hibernation for six months I guess I'd want to stretch my wings a bit too). It made for such a wonderful sight as it busily patrolled back and forth. I tried to take a snap of it for my diary but of all the pictures I took this, I'm afraid, is the best of the lot

I think the Brimstone is the yellowish blob in the middle (but I'm not 100% on that!)

It was lovely out there today, Chaffinches singing, Woodpeckers drumming and butterflies back at last after a long Winter's absence. I've missed them.

[David M]

Definitely captured the Brimstone I feel, Hoggers.

They're a bugger to photograph at this time of year. Yesterday was the first time I've ever seen a male at rest for more than 5 seconds during spring.

Where do they get their energy from? It's not as if they have a plethora of nectar sources to visit at this time of year.

[essexbuzzard]

I'm with you on that one,David. I am amazed that a Brimstone,for example,can hibernate for five months,from September or October to March,and still have plenty in reserve once emerged in spring,to fly around for days,or even weeks,with absolutely nothing to eat.
I personally am yet to see a butterfly in 2013,which may be a good thing,as its been so cold this year, any primroses and other nectar sources are still weeks away.

[Hoggers]

One of the most eagerly awaited events in the Hoggers' Household happened today: Frogspawn appeared in the garden pond

Every year I watch for it, collect it and look after it until all those little black dots are an army of feisty Froglets, which I then return to the garden

Yesterday I read with envy Susie and Mark's report of discovering spawn in their ponds. I was particularly worried as my crop of spawn last year failed: it was sterile and I had fears that it might mean none at all for this year.

On average I end up releasing about 1000 Froglets in this way. It's a lot of work when dealing with so many Taddies but highly rewarding. I've never lost my boyhood fascination with the transformation from Jelly Dot to Frog and take it from me, watching a tank full of Taddies is far more fun than watching anything on the television

Lovely Gloopy Stuff.

I've transferred the spawn to an aquarium and I'll let you know how it gets along.

Jolly cold today. No chance of a butterfly so I went looking for flowers.

Red Dead-Nettles are putting on a fine show

And I was surprised to find these beautiful white flowered individuals growing amongst the usual red variety

They're not White Dead-Nettles ( I think )

More like a white version of the red flower.

Also this pretty Field Pansy

Some Chckweed

And this tiny flower which I think is Hairy Bittercress

One flower that I can identify with confidence is a Snowdrop. However, it had never occurred to me until today to turn up one of the flower bells and have a look. What I saw was this

Isn't it beautiful? And I noticed a tiny beetle lodging there. Now that's a nice dream to have: leave the busy world behind and go to sleep in a Snowdrop..

P.s - Clearing out my garden shed I saw these strange traceries on the wall

Paper-like to the touch. At first I thought it was the root system of some plant but on closer inspection I think that some insect, a bee of some sort perhaps, has left them. Does anyone out there know what they are?

[Hoggers]

This morning I took a walk in the woods near to home. The sunshine had stirred many of the birds into song including Chaffinches, Great Tits and Mistle Thrush. I flushed two Woodcocks as I made my way through the brambles, then saw a Treecreeper at close quarters running upside-down along a branch whilst probing for insects (a very smart little bird indeed.)

The Dog Violets are growing steadily amongst which I found Primroses

And a few Wood Anemones just about to open

This woodland floor bouquet was completed by Snowdrops

And Winter Aconite

High overhead a Buzzard was mewing. It was all very restful, far away from the hubbub of the working world.

I walked down to the riverbank. The sun had gathered some strength, it felt warm and it crossed my mind that I might see a Tortoiseshell or Red Admiral. No sooner had this thought made its way from one side of my brain to the other when I saw a Small Tortoiseshell flit up from the opposite bank. I must have magic powers.

I watched it through my binoculars. It appeared to be a brightly coloured individual in fine fettle. I attempted to get a photograph but as it was so far away had to use the x24 zoom on my camera to its full extent. Most of the pictures were of my typical "Smudge and Blob" variety but at least in this one you can see something resembling a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly

It was a welcome find. Skylarks singing too. A pleasant walk in early Spring.

[Hoggers]

The first thought that popped into my head when I woke up this morning was that I should get myself another pond.

I suppose ponds have been on my mind recently because of frogspawn. I discovered a batch had been laid in my garden pond on 10th March. I collected most of it and now it's in an indoor tank.

Then on 11th March I found a second mass of spawn, which I decided to leave where it is and let Fate have its way.

The pond then froze over until yesterday afternoon. How the frogspawn contends with being frozen in ice I don't know,although I will soon find out. But shortly after the pond had thawed I saw the familiar surface water ripple of a frog in action and Hey Presto,a third voluminous batch of frogspawn had appeared.

My garden pond is inhabited by Goldfish. I have discovered that they are not as innocent as they look. They are in fact voraciously carnivorous and find juicy fat Tadpoles irresistible.That's why I only release Froglets and not Tadpoles.

And I suppose it was all this thinking about the whole Tadpole/Goldfish issue that was fermenting in my mind until I woke this morning with an Idea: why not have another pond, smaller than the one I already have, but one devoted to Wildlife and,most importantly,a Goldfish Free Zone.

So I returned to my local Garden Centre this morning and bought this

It reminds me of the galvanised bath-tub my Mum used to put me in when I were a Lad. Ah, Happy Memories..

I think it will go well at the top of the garden close to the flower beds where I hope to have all my Butterfly attracting flowers, but where it will also get some shade from the Sycamore.

Now all I have to do is come up with some pretext to get my Dad round to help with the digging.

[Hoggers]

A much better day than yesterday: as my Dad put it, "Not too hot and not too cold - perfect weather for Digging". Taking the hint I set to work on installing my new pond.
Here's the hole

Into which I placed the polyethylene pre-formed body

Trying unsuccessfully to keep as much mud out of it as I could.

I then had to fill it. Given the weather we're having lately I could have just left it and I'm sure that within a few hours the rain would have filled it up. Instead, I used a water butt full of rain water with some from the other garden pond together with some pond weed and a Yellow Flag

I hope I've located it well. It should get a healthy mix of sunshine and shade in this part of the garden.

I then transplanted a batch of frogspawn from the Goldfish infested waters of my old garden pond to the calmer, safer waters of the new one.

In all it took me about two hours' work to get it in the ground. It's not a water feature that's going to win me a prize at the Chelsea Flower Show and I expect we're all going to get Malaria this year, but if the Tadpoles are happy then so am I.

[Hoggers]

A rather chilly morning. The wood near to my home is now lush with Bluebells

I am looking forward to the flowers, they make for a wonderful sight every Spring.

Ahead of the Bluebells come the Wood Anemones. In the last week they have begun to emerge strongly, although the flowers on most have yet to unfurl

I found just one that had opened

More Primroses are now in flower there too

It was quiet in the wood. I listened out for my first Chiffchaff or Blackcap but I guess it's still a tad early for them.

A pleasant walk nonetheless

Back home I planted a mix of Cuckoo Flower, Garlic Mustard, Coltsfoot and Lavender around the edge of my Wildlife Pond

When I was out on my walk this morning I found Garlic Mustard by the river and noticed how much bigger it was compared to the ones in my garden. Perhaps that is because mine have been in pots up until now? I hope now that they've been planted out they will catch up on their wild counterparts.

I have also noticed that a Blackbird has begun to make a nest in my Ivy and that a Wood Pigeon is doing likewise in one of my neighbours conifers.

[Hoggers]

I discovered another batch of frogspawn in my garden pond on 21st so it looks as if I'll have a bumper crop of Tadpoles this year, making up for 2012's complete bankruptcy in that department.

The spawn I collected on 10th and placed in a tank in my unheated conservatory is showing distinct signs of developing, each black "Full Stop" now no longer round but becoming elongated. By contrast,the spawn laid on 11th and 15th (which I have left outside) remains at the "Full Stop" stage.

It's a touch on the fresh side out there today but I warmed myself up by installing another pond in the garden

It's smaller than the one I put in last week, positioned right at the top of the garden where I hope it will be a safe harbour for frogs and other creatures.

I haven't seen many signs of Spring over this past week, which, given the weather, comes as no surprise to me. But on my drive to Canterbury along the A28 I've spotted a very few Blackthorns coming into flower, a couple of Cherry trees also and a fine display of 537 Daffodils around the City wall (I get plenty of chance to count them as I sit in the daily traffic jams). I guess the cool conditions will favour the Daffs by extending their season and thus ,incidentally, favour Daffodil lovers like me into the bargain.

But that said, O' for some Sunshine and Warmth!

[Hoggers]

I did a bit of planting today before frostbite set in, putting some Garlic Mustard and Celandines around the two new ponds

Every year I get Jackdaws nesting in the chimney. They're lively, smart birds,wonderful acrobats (particularly when warding off Crows) and of all the Crow family they have, to my ear, the jolliest voice, so I rather like them but to be honest, I also rather wish they'd find someone-elses chimney. Anyway, a gang of them turned up this morning and I think they're moving in.

[Hoggers]

I've tried to get some photographs of my frogspawn to show how it is developing, very nearly dropping the camera in the tank whilst doing so. I really haven't got a clue about any kind of photography, let alone taking snapshots of frog embryos, but hopefully these will give some idea of how things have come along since the spawn was laid on 10th March.

This is how I found it on the 10th

And here are three photographs of how it looks today

Quite a change in just two weeks and enjoying a considerable head-start on the rest of the frogspawn outside, which remains at the "Black Dot" stage.

[Hoggers]

About five years ago I bought one of those bird boxes that comes with a video camera inside

It's been in the garden ever since but although we've seen a few Blue Tits size it up as a prospective home, none have ever moved in.

Well,this morning I looked out and saw this

I then noticed that it wasn't just a single bird but that a pair were taking an interest

(Apologies for these photographs, all were taken through the glass conservatory as I didn't want to go outside and perhaps scare them off.)

I plugged in the nest box video lead to my TV to give a covert view of what was going on inside

They were still around the box when I got home mid-afternoon and so my fingers are crossed that this time we will get a nesting pair.

Speaking of birds, I heard my first Blackcap this morning (albeit singing in a rather "It's too cold to be singing my full song" voice). Last year, I heard my first on 23rd March. But I'm still to hear my first Chiffchaff ( 18th March in 2012).I guess the Spring migrants have been stalled by our cold weather.

[David M]

Lovely, uplifting shots there, Hoggers.

Let's hope these Blue Tits move in and provide you with a few weeks of excitement.

[Hoggers]

Thanks David. I thought it might be too early for Blue Tits to be nesting, particularly given the cold start to Spring. This morning I couldn't see or hear any of them in the garden but I switched on the TV monitor to discover that something definitely had been going on since yesterday

Nest material had appeared at the bottom of the box.

Not long after, I was delighted to see both Blue Tits back at the box. One had a beak full of moss which it then flattened down at the bottom before leaving to collect more

This bird (definitely female as it's the one doing all the housework) vigorously tamps down the moss with its body and then will peck and probe around inside the box as if checking it for cracks or weaknesses.
They've been back and forth throughout the day, so hopefully they mean business

It hasn't been such a bad day down here in Kent, we've enjoyed sunny spells and if you can get out of the chilly breeze, it's rather pleasant.

I decided to get to work on my Butterfly Garden and spent an enjoyable couple of hours planting out some of the plants I've bought over the last few months

There's no real plan or order to what I've done here, It's just a mix of various plants which I hope will grow well together and attract Butterflies and Bees(Bugle, Aster, Valerian,Buddleia, Sedum, Thyme, Rosemary,Michaelmas Daisy, Wall Flower, Verbena etc)

So I've made a fair bit of progress since digging the flower beds back in December and I'm enjoying my garden more and more every day.