Country Notes

Published on 5th April 2007 in News

Well, the clocks sprang forward last month and with it brought some very spring-like weather. I have seen my first Comma, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies of the season fluttering around in the garden. There have also been lots of seven-spot ladybirds which have been lured out of hibernation by the smell of spring. I am now eagerly watching the skies for the arrival of all the migrant birds.

However, our resident birds have beein giving me interesting viewing, with all their kiss chases and nest-building. Then, during the last week, I have had two cock blackbirds and two cock pheasants, very resplendent in all their colours, strutting their stuff and displaying with flicking heads and tails. Quite a sight. Then they set-to and there was a proper 'cock fight', but very soon one of them hurried away in defeat, hardly harmed but obviously bowing out to the victor.

Driving around, I have been pleased to see the hedgerows slowly turning green and I have seen blackthorn and wild plum in blossom, but it will be about a month before the hawthorn blossom sifts onto the hedgerows. Looking through my book of superstitions I read that hawthorn, as used for the crown of Jesus, was very revered by the Christians but was also associated with magic, especially at pagan festivals, and was a bringer of bad luck. All but the most brave or foolish would let a hawthorn grow in their garden, and it was also thought that to take may blossom into the house would bring great misfortune.

Well, I don't think that I am either brave or foolish, but I am pleased to have hawthorn around my garden, the fragrant flowers attracting all kinds of insects including moths and butterflies. Then there are the birds in the autumn relishing its fruits, the haws. However, just like my mother, I am not so foolish or brave to bring the blossom into the house!

I would be interested to hear your first sightings of the year, phone me on 01430 423920

~ Rosemary Roach