Ramblings with Smudge - in February 2010
by Martin Marais
Despite the very cold snaps we had last February, there was an excitement in the air. The birds seemed to be particularly excited and their song made for a very pleasant experience during our rambles. Their song will continue for the next few months and for those early risers who can be “up with the lark” the dawn chorus is a noted feature of our countryside. Indeed when we first moved to Freeland, the “noise” of the dawn chorus used to wake me up in the mornings.
The plant life has also got into spring mode, with many of the bulbs sprouted during February, in particular snowdrops – one of our earliest flowering native species.
Their name comes from the fact that they often flower while snow may still be on the ground.
A particularly good display of snowdrops can be seen at the entrance of St Mary’s Convent (opposite Pigeon House Lane).
Other plants that I have spotted that were making an appearance included lords and ladies, also known as cuckoo pint which is a species of arum.
I visited Vincents Wood in February and the blue bells had just started to show. The scene I photographed will look very different later in the year when the woodland floor will be a carpet of blue flowers.
While in the wood, I noted that the hazel catkins were out.
Although birds have been very visible during our rambles, they are not the most accommodating subjects for the casual photographer; the exception being the robin, one of our most cherished birds.
© Martin Marais 2010
Although February provided us with some unpleasant weather there were also beautiful days, with a freshness to the air and clear blue skies.
The landscape around Freeland is generally quite enclosed, but there are some places where you can get a real sense of space and the “sky-scapes” from these locations can be beautiful.
In March look out for primroses and other spring flowers, peacock and brimstone butterflies and mad march hares.