WOW - How fortunate have we been with a lovely long spell of pleasant weather? However, dare I say it - I'm really quite happy to see the rain arriving as my
horses' troughs are dry and the usual steady flow of water in the burn is now a
mere trickle. Gardeners have been searching the sky for clouds and the poor
Swallows can't make their mud nests out of dry crumbling soils! My kids have
tried to help the swallows by pouring a bucket of water daily onto the same patch
of ground to keep it moist. Fingers crossed it does some good.
May is always a busy month in the wild life calendar. So many beautiful flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees are bursting into their unique forms.
Eggs are hatching, chicks are being fed, mammals are feeding their young, and
the chorus of bird song in the early mornings and early evenings is simply
stunning.
At wild life club we have been busy with Malcolm Henderson as our tawny owl laid three eggs in our box. Two out of the three eggs hatched and when they reached
three weeks old, Malcolm came to our club and we ringed, measured and weighed
the chicks. Names to be confirmed - but at the moment Ant and Dec are
favourite!
The Hedgehog exhibition is still on at Harestanes near Jedburgh, with a variety
of my hedgehog paintings on slate.
I also have a selection of art on display and sale at The Welcome to Langholm
shop in Langholm.
This is the MOORLAND month festival, with a variety of artists/crafters
work in the exhibition, so do pop in and learn more about the lovely and
amazing moorland between Newcastleton and Langholm.
Well worth a trip out.
Things I've spotted in May
* Adders are out and about from their hibernation
* Bluebells on wooded banking
* Tawny owl chicks almost ready to branch
* Swallows and swifts darting about
* Baby birds
* 3 grey squirrels, caught and dealt with! (thank you neighbour)
* Butterflies and moths, and so so much more
THINGS TO DO IN MAY
* Please don't pick up young birds, unless they are at risk from cats, traffic etc.
If you feel they are in danger place them in hedge,shrub or grassy area closest
to where you found the bird, as its parents have probably encouraged it to leave
the nest. Be aware that ticks and adder numbers are up this year, so always wear long
trousers tucked into your socks, and long sleeved tops when you're out in
wooded, long grass areas. Ticks can pass on lymes disease, and if one does
latch on to you or your dog, remove it very carefully with tweezers or a
special implement designed for the job. It's very important not to leave
the head behind.
Adders will normally move away if they feel the vibration in the earth as we
walk, but they do like to bask in the heat. Always be respectful towards them,
leave them alone if you spot any and seek medical help straight away
if you do get bitten. * Enjoy the bluebells * Keep an eye out for birds feeding their young * Take a walk late evening and listen to owls near you, you may even
hear the young calling to their parents.
Enjoy being wild in May!