Meadow Lodge Farm

 This time we did a route on the RTV so Richard could trim back any branches that were hanging over  and impeding the way.   We kept our eyes open for wildlife and as usual saw hares,  about 20 sightings of them mostly running away from us or across the fields!    We also saw a fox sitting nicely for us but as I got my camera ready he turned tail. We saw him in the same place on the way back so it seems that is where he likes to hang out!    A couple of muntjac also put in an appearance and I saw a jay and a pair of mallards on one of the ponds.    The ground was still a bit sodden in places but better than it was.     I fastened my trail cam to a tree overlooking a couple of well trodden tracks although realised it was only set for daylight hours so may not capture much.  I will alter the timings next time in the hope of seeing more  activity. A couple of hares Fox turning tail and disappearing   Trip round...

 Today we met representatives, Laura and Lucy, from the local Wildlife Trust for a walk round the farm and to discuss the options for attracting even more wildlife.  Apparently it was registered as a County Wildlife Site back in 2009 acknowledging its value for wildlife although there is no requirement for any particular management .  We noticed the deer tracks and evidence of badger (latrines dug into the soil) so I must put out a trail cam when the weather is suitable.  We saw several hares whilst we walked the site and disturbed a snipe!   First one Ive seen this year and another tick for the farm bird list.  It was suggested we could encourage turtle doves by scattering seed in certain areas, cutting down some of the vegetation round the ponds may encourage kingfishers and the reed beds could provide ideal habitats for sedge and reed warblers. I am looking forward to the summer!   Whilst we were there I refilled the bird feeders which wer...

 I think the boys were pleased with this new addition to the farm!   Hopefully will save some walking down to the far end fields! looks easy enough for me to drive too and it DOES  fit in the garage - just!

 Today I turned part of the derelict shed into my bird hide!  I did notice in the morning the sun is shining from behind the feeders  which is not great for photos but as the trees come in to leaf and the sun rises higher in the sky, hopefully it wont be too much of a problem. We also walked round the orchards which were rather waterlogged in places withe ponds still overflowing.  We caught site of a fox in the distance, a deer running off ahead, disturbed several hares, a pheasant and saw a heron flying up from one of the ponds, which was a first sighting of one this year for my bird list.  Lots of small pathways were visible where the long grass  had been worn down so would be interesting to see what footprints we can see in the snow if we get any.