Spring has changed for us this year … but in Nature, it’s forging ahead here on Exmoor.
We have noticed that even with all the North Devon wet winter weather our spring flowers are amazing! Early Snowdrops appeared, especially around Arlington, and gave an amazing display. Beautiful primroses spring up along the banks and woodland, wild garlic coming along and soon, of course, the Bluebells. Gardens and riverside walls adorned with Crocus and early Hyacinths. We mustn’t forget the gorse on Exmoor. Just picture the carpet of yellow framed by a blue sky across the commons or lining the banks down by the Barle!
“…with bated breath waiting for the wildlife to turn its thoughts to the joys of Springtime.”
We have until recent events occurred watched the Dippers collecting nesting materials and by now nesting in all the regular spots along all our rivers.
Local woodland and garden birds are also busy, love to watch the Robins, tits, wrens etc proclaiming their love to a passing female. Nuthatches are early nesters often in a tree hole and sometimes nest boxes. We are very lucky to have a nest to watch on our exercise walk from our home in Lynton. This walk includes the Valley of Rocks
This week we have seen our first Wheatear return from Africa a striking young male. Little flocks of Stonechat, pied wagtail, meadow pipits and chaffinch are settling down or passing through, in the sunshine a few butterflies have made an appearance, squirrels are active, foxes pursuing rabbits try to get a bit of sunshine. Such activities and most definitely it’s all happening out there.
We shall now look forward to the Swallows returning, Martins, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff, and of course our herald of the open Moor the cuckoo. Later still the arrival of Redstarts, warblers, flycatchers, just too many too list.
I hope I have painted a little picture for you to imagine and then soon we can ourselves return and rejoice in the beauty of Exmoor and especially Lynton and Lynmouth.
[ Words and Images by John & Jenny Elvin @ Tarka Photography ]
