Spring is coming

[Bowlander]

First flocks of Lapwing and Curlew are back on the breeding grounds here. Saw Lapwing and Golden Plover pairs displaying as well. Movements of Skylark and Meadow Pipit overhead.

Walked dogs in daylight morning amd evening as well. Fantastic!

 

[Harvestman]

Lots of courtship behaviour amongst waterfowl today, pairing off and driving away rivals.

 

[Mesquite]

I saw last week that the hazel round my way is starting to flower already

 

[dwardo]

Swans courting on the canal the other day, bleein sparrows and starlings stripping the eves nesting too! ...

 

[Bowlander]

In like a lion! Struggled to get home in a heavy snow shower.

 

[HillBill]

Its been very springlike here for a few days... snowing now though.

 

[British Red]

Thrushes are singing their hearts out here.....

 

[Toddy]

We've got gales, sleet, snow and hail and we're trying to replace fencing that blew down in the gales last month…the panels were up agin the gable wall in the (vain !) hope they'd dry out a bit so we could get them painted. Last night there was an almightly thump, and when I went to looksee, the panels had blown over in the wind and have smashed the corner of one of the greenhouse panels
Roll on Spring right enough. I've had enough, I want Summer

M

 

[Harvestman]

Saw lots of spring signs today. Then the wind snapped the hinge on the car door. Opened the door not realising the strength of the wind. Door whipped open, over-extended, loud snapping noise. Oh dear. Text to wife to tell her I've broken the car again.

The weekend was going so well until then...

 

[MT606]

if it is, it must be under 4 inches of snow waiting in ambush

 

[Bowlander]

Thrushes are singing their hearts out here.....

Only the Mistle Thrush aka Storm Cock is singing here!

 

[Macaroon]

Only the Mistle Thrush aka Storm Cock is singing here!

Same here these past few days, but it's come a little better this morning; I know there's plenty of time for a big snap, but it certainly feels as if we're over the brow of the hill now

 

[vestlenning]

Lots of "snøklokker" (English: snowdrops) around here, I like it a lot!

 

[DurhamBushcrafter]

First flocks of Lapwing and Curlew are back on the breeding grounds here. Saw Lapwing and Golden Plover pairs displaying as well. Movements of Skylark and Meadow Pipit overhead.

Walked dogs in daylight morning amd evening as well. Fantastic!

Talking of Lapwing, I know why they are protected, and why they are the official bird of the RSPB. They are DELICIOUS!!

About 28 years ago I saw a hawk of some type hit and disable a lapwing, when iI got over the lapwing was dead and the hawk (or whatever bird of prey it was) flew off.
I did what I usually do upon finding a 'fresh kill'....I took it, skinned the breast, and cut the breast meat off, then cooked it over an open wood fire.

It was like a cross between very tender beef and chicken, a very dark and rich meat.... no wonder its protected!

 

[Toddy]

In the 1930's when there was widespread unemployment and no NHS or Welfare State, my Dad said he and the other boys collected the peeweeps (lapwings) eggs for food and to sell to those folks who would buy them.
When he talked of it and regretted that there were no lapwings now, that they shouldn't have taken so many of them.
A while later a whole field of them rose up down at Laighlands near here when we were passing by, and the delight on his face is still with me now. Took them fifty years to recover to that though

M

 

[Coldfeet]

Despite the heavy snow storms earlier, it is now sunny and bright. Primroses, snowdrops, daffodils, and crocus are all out here.

 

[Bowlander]

Talking of Lapwing, I know why they are protected, and why they are the official bird of the RSPB. They are DELICIOUS!!

About 28 years ago I saw a hawk of some type hit and disable a lapwing, when iI got over the lapwing was dead and the hawk (or whatever bird of prey it was) flew off.
I did what I usually do upon finding a 'fresh kill'....I took it, skinned the breast, and cut the breast meat off, then cooked it over an open wood fire.

It was like a cross between very tender beef and chicken, a very dark and rich meat.... no wonder its protected!

Their eggs are/were a delicacy too, although the RSPB emblem is an Avocet.

The big problem with peewits is the foxes and crows like eating them and their eggs!

 

[Toddy]

Makes you wonder why no one tried to domesticate them ? Dad said that they'd lay another nest if the first one was herried.

M

 

[Bowlander]

If their eggs were taken before the 14th April they'll relay.

Not sure why they weren't domesticated, I guess they were so abundant there was no need. Also they'll only lay a few eggs a year and need high protein grub.

 

[Toddy]

I think you're probably right. When left in peace (relatively so) they'll flock in their thousands, and I know that they were part of the seasonal food gathering, like rooks were.

M