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15 August 2024 : Bright evening , very wet underfoot after heavy rain all day
Managed to sneak a quick walk in after the rain, there wasn’t much out after all the wet weather, but it was good to be in the fresh air regardless. The walk started off helping a farmer rescue a sheep that was stuck in a fence, so for the rest of the evening there was a faint smell of sheep following me around ! The Swallows were out making the most of the sun by hunting very low over the grass, they must be stocking up for their departure as the young are now all independent and its getting towards migration time if the past years behavour is anything to go by.
It’s always sad to the see the Swallows and Martins leave the UK for warmer countries, the Sand Martins have already left and the feeding frenzy the Swallows are doing now suggests they wont be far behind. The fields seem a little quiet once the Swallows leave and it points to the fact that the Summer is almost over, despite the fact that it has never really got started in Cumbria this year.
Elsewhere, the Grey Heron was out and about in the fields rather than on the pond which seemed odd until I noticed the large amount of toads in the grass ! The Meadow Pipits were out and the Linnets were perching on the fences with the Swallows. Further afield, the Hares were out in the distance and for the first time since March I noticed they were in pairs, so maybe its mating time again now that the leverets are all grown up. Two pairs were out and about, chasing each other and playing, then stopping and feeding togethor but never coming very close to me, there was no wind and I suspect they could smell me as I approached, I did smell a bit sheepy !
The forecast looks better for the next few days so I will go and check on the Barn Owls and maybe their chicks will finally leave the nest, watch this space.
