April was a delight! The weather was warm enough to enjoy a few walks without wearing two layers of everything, and we even saw a sunbathing squirrel!
In the first week, my eldest spotted three deer while I am standing trying to photograph a fox for the first time. I had no idea what he was talking about when he was adamant that my fox, was not a fox. It had a tail like a deer, and there were three! When I looked up out of the viewfinder and saw them, I had a decision to make. I decided to put all my effort into trying to capture the Deer.
All three had ran away from me when they saw me the week before. They certainly made up for it!
The fox is a vixen, looking quite pregnant as she got up and tentatively walked back into her den. I sent some photos to the woodland ranger, and he confirmed my suspicions. He told me that she might be sharing her home with badgers has it has previously been a sett. This symbiotic relationship is quite common, and to know it may be happening in the park is a worthy contribution to the parks badger surveying.
The colours yellow & blue ripple through the woodlands at the moment. Representing the yellow camp include fine examples of Marsh marigold lining the burn and surrounding the pond’s middle island.
Coltsfoot line parts of the perimeter of the old school playing field. Here mining and mason bees have been buzzing around. There is also a beautiful patch of 131 Cowslips (yes, I counted them all for Plantlife - you can do it too if you fancy here) and still patches of Lesser celandine! All of which have been a great source of nectar for pollinators.
During the first week in April, the daffodils were still sunny and bright but soon gave way to the bluebells. As they stretch across the woodland floor, there is no denying Castlemilk park is a bluebell wood. I feel so lucky to be within walking distance! From the first flowering bluebell at the beginning of the month to this sea of blue. It’s a natural wonder!
If you can, why not visit them now?
Another wildflower species carpeting the woodlands is Wild garlic. Some have just started to flower. Known by many other names such as Ramsons, Bears leek and Stink bombs, they are a chefs favourite. The smell has grown in strength but remains pleasant for now. An aroma that certainly encourages the notion to harvest for oil, pestos and garnish.
It is important to remember that if you are going foraging for food, please do your research first. Make sure you know what you are looking for and how to prepare it. Poisonous plants are growing in the woodlands that can easily be mistaken for edibles, such as deadly Dog’s Mercury!
Garlic mustard is getting ready to flower, catching up with the cuckooflower that has been in bloom for a week or so. The female-orange tips have waited for both these, emerging that little bit later than the males to ensure there are places to lay eggs. This species lay their eggs on both garlic mustard and cuckooflower. I saw my first orange-tip egg a few days ago. Before long, the wee caterpillar will eat its way out and begin its almost year-long journey to getting its wings!
My highlight of the month was spotting a Chiffchaff for the first time! I was also excited to see a fuzzy Blackcap ;), and get a photo of a Bullfinch - I think they are one of the most beautiful looking birds around!
The trees have filled with nests of all shapes and sizes, and I have been watching pairs of robins, coal tits, long-tailed tits and even the herons together.
Again, there is so much to see in our local park, and as usual, I could write about our wee ancient woodland for hours, however, I’m going to finish now with Jared’s highlight - a wee Stickleback!
Hope you enjoyed the read, and for latest butterfly news, see here!
Thank you so much! Yup, unusual looking birds, those Herons - especially in the trees.
Hi Emma, Looks like it’s been a good month for discovery and Plenty of useful information it’s amazing what your able to document. It’s the first time I’ve seen a heron in a tree so something new for me again. The bullfinch is a lovely looking bird, wonderful photography again keep up the good work.