Grisedale Farm Latest News

The GRISEDALE TRAMPER

2011-10-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

October 18th 2011

We are trying to raise the balance needed to purchase a TRAMPER, which is a 4 wheeled drive, all terrain, electric buggy for less abled people so they can enjoy the area around Leighton Moss RSPB with family and friends. You can help us to do this by voting for this project through this link http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/4376 Natwest will fund six of the most successful projects in given areas up to £6,000.00 each - so here's hoping. There are more details on their website of this project.

PLEASE VOTE FOR THIS PROJECT

MAY TO SEPTEMBER

2011-09-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

1st MAY - Heard the Cuckoo in Deepdale Wood around 8.30 pm. The Hawthorn is just coming into flower and the smell is beautiful. The Bullfinches have arrived on my feeding station just outside the dining room window but still no sign of the Nuthatch.

Gold Finches, Green Finches, Chaffinches and Bull Finches (M & F) all seen on my feeder at the same time, plus house sparrows, coal tits, long tailed tits, blue tits, marsh tits and gr. spotted wood peckers flying on and off. Also Jackdaws and grey squirrels.

4 Fallow deer seen grazing in field below Deepdale Wood and 26 Red Deer spotted in our lower field adjacent to Leighton Moss.

JUNE - Male G.S. Woodpecker seen on bird feeder feeding impatient young male. Barn Owl spotted near farm.

Trowbarrow Quarry - Bee and Fly Orchid in flower - what a beautiful sight.

Quad, heifer calves born - all doing really well - never heard of this happening before!

JULY - Sparrow Hawk seen attacking Reed Warbler by Lower Hide. Late July Cuckoo seen flying by. 2 Marsh Harriers seen over RSPB Centre.

Nuthatch eventually seen on my bird feeder.

AUGUST -Not a very good summer weather wise making life difficult on the farm for getting in our crops for winter feed.

SEPTEMBER - Guests visited Heysham and sighted Sabines Gull, Leaches Petrel, Black Tern and Little Gull. At South Walney saw Lesser Whitethroat Bird and Whimbrel.

Very good views of Tawny and Little Owl along causeway at Dusk. Kingfisher and Bearded Tits seen on reserve. Deer have begun rutting and saw 12 deer in field behind farm with magnificent stag.

Beautiful end to September with fine, warm weather after all the torrential weather that we have experienced over the summer. Hawthorn trees are red with berries so does this mean we are in for another long, cold spell of winter weather?

SUMMER UPDATES

2011-09-27T03:25:00.000-07:00

END OF APRIL

Where does time go to? I apologise for just catching up at the end of September but as usual, and thankfully, we have been very busy on the farm and with B&B and the CL site.

22nd - 30th APRIL - Otter seen from Lower Hide, to L.H.S. of mere - approx. 8.15 p.m. Marsh Harrier (Male), Red Deer - hinds on path from Lower Hide.

Tawny Owl along footpath to lower hide about 8.30 p.m. Otters on far side of mere and Marsh Harriers in front of Lower Hide.

Peregrines at Warton Quarry. Bullfinches and Sedge Warbler at RSPB - Reed Warbler spotted at Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank at Morecambe hide. Red Deer in long meadow left of track to Grisedale Farm.

Marsh Harrier and Osprey seen from Lower Hide. Spotted Redshank, Little Egret and Ruff at Eric Morecambe hide. Reed Warblers, White Throat, Lesser White Throat and Blackcap at Lower Hide.

2011-04-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

7th March - Hen Harrier seen from Public Hide around 3 pm - Pair of Marsh Harriers seen from Lillians Hide. Peregrins seen in old quarry at Warton. 12th March - Marsh Harrier seen from Lower Hide, also Bull finch and Siskin. 23rd March Beautiful warm day violets. celandines and primroses blooming. 27th March - House Martins have arrived. 29th March - Red Poll seen on bird feeding station. 30th March - Pair of Bull Finches seen by feeding station at Leighton Moss - Spring happening as trees burst into life. April Sightings 2nd April - Swallows have arrived! 4th April - Marsh Harriers seen displaying passing. 11th April - Brown Hare seen running in park near Leighton Hall also pair of Barn Owls. 12th April - Black Thorne blossom out also Damson - 8 Red Stags seen just below Leighton Hall and 6 Fallow Deer seen near Deepdale Wood.

MARCH 2011 Observations.

2011-03-01T02:55:00.000-08:00

1st March 2011 - First Day of Spring and what a beautiful, sunny but cold day - March has certainly come in like a lamb. 2 Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Long Tailed Tits and Marsh or Willow tits seen on feeding station during breakfast.

FEBRUARY SIGHTINGS

2011-03-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

13th February, 2011 -Long Tailet Tits, Robin, Great Tits, Gold Crest. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tits, Chaffinch and Sparrows seen on bird feeding station at Breakfast.

14th February, 2011 - Terrible screeching heard outside near bird feeding station. On investigation saw a Sparrow Hawk attacking a Great Spotted Woodpecker! Shouted at them from upstairs window and Sparrow Hawk eventually let go - both flew off - hope Woodpecker was alright. Found a pile of what looked like Sparrow Hawk feathers so maybe it had bitten off more than it could chew this time!

19th February, 2011 - Two or three otters seen from Lower Hide around 7.30 am.

20th February, 2011 - Seen from lower hide - pair of Wrens and Buzzards.

21st February, 2011 - 3 Red Hinds seen on Bottom Field around 7 am.

28th February, 2011 - It has certainly been a very wet month and lived up to it's name of February Filldyke!

Barn Owl Sighting

2011-01-30T03:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday 28th January, 2011

Barn Owl sighted flying out of our barn - wonder if they are thinking of nesting again - if so, I hope they manage to raise their young this time.

Last two days have been glorious with blue skies and wonderful sunsets although it's been cold and the water has frozen up again in the farm buildings. The starlings have been a wonderful sight coming in to roost and the nights are beginning to draw out.

Our hens are beginning to lay very well with beautiful eggs and our new Cockerel, Rocky II, has settled in well with my girls. He is a magnificent bird. They are so funny to watch roaming round in our orchard where the Snowdrops are just beginning to come out. Spring is on its way at last after the hard winter we have just had.

2011-01-07T04:23:00.000-08:00

AUGUST 2010

Hedgehog poo found on caravan site - nice to think they are down there somewhere.

Sadly the Barn Owls didn't make it again - hopefully they will nest again and it will be 3rd time lucky.

SEPTEMBER 2010

Kingfisher seen with fish in its bill at Public Hide.

OCTOBER 2010

Stags rutting already and making a great deal of noise lasting well into the night - pawing marks seen in the fields. Early Oct. Red Deer Stags seen in fields at 7.30 a.m.
Bearded Tits seen on Grit Trays on main causeway - deer still rutting at end Oct.
Great Spotted Woodpecker seen on feeding stn. outside dining room window also long tailed tits.

NOVEMBER 2010

Heron seen catching a large fish at Lower hide.
Autumn colours spectacular this Autumn due to the warm weather in June I expect.
Waxwings seen on edge of Golf course near to Leighton Moss.
The Starling Roosts have been spectacular this year with their aerobatic displays being captivating to watch. Also sighted a Sparrowhawk in flight after an early supper!
End of November we encountered our first snowfall and the weather turned very cold.

DECEMBER 2010

Weather continued very cold with more snow - problems on the farm with frozen pipes and bursts. Not pleasant working in sub-zero temperatures all day. Having to ration central heating oil as don't know if we will be able to get a delivery before Christmas! Luckily it came the day before Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day - no water outside - only water in farmhouse cellar - all water to be carried outside to water livestock.
Late Dec. a pair of Jays seen visiting the bird feeder. What beautiful birds.

JANUARY 2011

Here we are at the start of another New Year. The Wood Peckers are already drumming in the woods. I saw my first Goldfinch on the feeder that I have seen for many months feasting on the niger seeds. The Snowdrops are through in the orchard and it's been snowing again but it has not stuck.
Well, I'm up to date now and ready to welcome the happenings of nature that this New Year has to offer although I hope we have seen the end to the snow!

2011-01-07T03:31:00.000-08:00

PLAYING CATCH UP AGAIN!

Rest of June 2010 Sightings

Five Little Egret seen from Lower Hide at Dusk. Woodcock seen on edge of Reserve, just below Farm.
Peregrine showing well at Warton Crag.
Red-Hellibourine close to flowering on Arnside Knot.
Commom Shrew noted at Gait Barrows.
Three Otter seen playing in the water at dusk near Lower hide.
Red Stag seen below the farmhouse in field down to the Moss.
Many froglets seen on the path and young Coots on the mere.
The weather has been hot and sunny this month and the farm needs rain as everywhere is looking burnt.

JULY 2010

6th July - Lower hide 7.30 a.m. - 2 Otter seen swimming and playing in front of hide. Also Marsh Harriers present.
Gait Barrows NNR - High Brown Fritillaries seen flying, Grayling, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Blue tailed Damselfly and Common Darter.
Warton Crag - Adult female Peregrine and 2 fledged young seen.

7th July - Beautiful Red hind seen drinking in the Moss up to its belly in water - seen from main dyke bridge - not many water holes in woods as these will be dried up due to the hot weather and lack of rainfall.

24th July - Osprey seen on dead tree on Moss eating fish.

28th July Rocky the baby Rooster arrived to look after my girls.
Young stoat seen on causeway in early afternoon. Evening - otter seen fishing on far side of pool at Lower Hide plus roost of 15+ egrets in large dead tree seen from Lower Hide.

29th July - Osprey seen flying over Moss and several deer seen grazing in field alongside path to Lower hide in the early evening.

30th July - FOX STRIKE in the Hen enclosure - 8 of my lovely girls killed including my favourite hen Maria. Mr. or Mrs. Fox had pushed in under the gate like a limbo dancer to do their worst.
The carnage was heartbreaking and the survivors were absolutely traumatised. My poor girls.

JUNE 5th

2010-06-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

MORE GIRLIES HAVE ARRIVED!

On Saturday we collected 6 more ex-battery hens to join our remaining 14 residents. They are settling in well and enjoying their well deserved freedom. Also to join them we bought 2 speckled hens that are on the point of lay so hopefully we will have some nice brown eggs.

MAY SIGHTINGS

2010-06-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

Nuthatch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker both male and female, various Tits, male and female Bull Finch and a pair of Jays sighted on or around bird feeding station.
Good views of Sedge Warbler, White Throat, Goldcrest in woods near farm.
Barn Owl seen near barn and Otters at Lower Hide.

MID MAY - Red Deer seen on path into reserve. Marsh Harriers nesting on edge of mere about 150 yds from Caravan site observed 'passing' and changing places. Other sightings of Tawny Owl, Lapwing, Shoveler, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swallows, Swifts, House Martins and Avocets at Allen and Morecambe hides.

At Gaitbarrows sightings of Butterflies including Duke of Burgundy, Brimstone, Comma Blue, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Dingy Skipper and Pearl Borded Fritillaries.

On Warton Crag many sightings of Peregrines and Green Hairstreak, Small Heath, Broad Bodies Chaser and Blue-tailed and small red damselflies.

End of May saw Ladys Slipper Orchid out.

BARN OWLS

2010-05-04T02:48:00.000-07:00

3rd MAY 2010

Success at last! We have 2 hatched and 3 more hopefully to hatch in our secret location. Will keep you posted.

Great activity still on our bird feeding station with male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers visiting frequently. A very colourful Bull Finch visiting regularly but no sighting of Nuthatch for a couple of weeks.

Trees coming out all be it slowly but things are stiring and more colour in the countryside. 25+ Red deer sighted grazing in field behind farm.

Last week one of our guests saw an Otter at Lower hide around 6 am swimming around, then catch an eel and then disappear into the reeds for breakfast.

First attempt at uploading photos!

2010-04-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Four legged Green Tourists, who came to stay with their riders.

My 'girlies' during the Winter seige!

Winter at Grisedale looking out across Leighton Moss RSPB reserve and the Lake District.

Some of our Green Tourists going for a ride in our beautiful countryside.

2010-04-03T03:39:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY 3rd APRIL 2010

29th March - Marsh Harriers - male and female seen near lower hide, also 3/4 swallows, house and sand martins over public hide.

30th March - 3 Marsh Harriers at Lower hide, 2 Willow Warblers and several Chiff Chaffs, Tree Creeper, Goldcrest and 2 Longtailed Tits on causeway.

31st March - 2 male and 2 female Marsh Harriers seen over Lower hide. Siskin, Nuthatch, Gold Finches, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bull Finch, Chaffinch and all manor of Tits still visiting the bird feeding station outside the dining room window. Also numerous sightings of Red Deer in the fields around the farm.

LOTS OF EXCITING NEWS

2010-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday 18th March 2010

HOUSE MARTINS sighted flying over the farm this afternoon. They must know warmer weather is on its way. Much warmer today 14.5 oc although it has rained this afternoon for the first time in ages.

This morning saw my first Bubble Bee on the wide awake Crocuses - what a marvellous sight - and this aft. a host of wild, golden daffodils near Leighton Moss.

Earlier this week one of my guests saw a pair of BARN OWLS fly out of the owl nesting box near by. Last year unfortunately the box and eggs were abandoned - do hope they succeed this year.

Everywhere still looks drab and drained of colour however the Snowdrops are still looking marvellous.

MARCH 2010

2010-03-01T02:12:00.001-08:00

1st MARCH 2010

Ofically the First Day of SPRING and St. Davids Day, what a beautiful sunny morning and the day here has certainly come in like a lamb - lets hope it stays that way this month and does not go out like a lion! The birds are in a frenzie of activity around the bird feeders and I caught my first sighting this year, of a Gold Finch on the niger seeds. The Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and all the varities of Tits are still frequent visitors to the feeders.

One of my guests thought she may have heard an early call of the Bittern. It has been heard this early so we will have to keep our ears tuned in for its BOOM.

Everywhere the grass in the fields and countryside is still looking so bleached and yellow from the long cold winter lets hope spring weather will not be too late in coming.

FEBRUARY 2010

2010-02-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

6th February - Around 7.45 am wonderful view of a mother OTTER and her two kits swimming in the mere at Lower hide on Leighton Moss. Red Deer sighted in field near farm around 8 am. Birds busy feeding on Bird feeding station by dining room window with Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker making numerous visits.

7th February - Tawny Owl sighted from Lower Hide.

10th February - Several Red Deer Hinds with last years calves seen around 2 pm in field next to road between Leighton Hall and Farm.

17th February - Dog Otter seen walking along causeway around 8 am.

18th February - Snowdrops nearly at their best in the Orchard. My girls (the hens) are starting to produce more eggs again and really enjoying basking in the sun again.

THE THAW - at Last - we hope!

2010-01-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

MONDAY 10th JANUARY, 2010

For the past 3 weeks life on the farm has been very difficult due to the snow, frost and ice. Some of the buildings have had no water so all the water has had to be carried across the yard to make sure all the animals have had water to drink. The roads have been impassable even in the Land Rover - the postman has only been able to get to us twice in 3 weeks!

However, now it is thawing with rain falling on the ice which has made certain parts that had ice cover, treacherous to say the least. This hasn't stopped the woodpecker who could be heard this morning drumming away. The bulbs in the garden are showing quite well and soon the snowdrops will be flowering reminding us that Spring it on it's way.

The B&B has been very quiet but now a few enquiries are starting to come in which will be very welcome indeed as we have not been able to be open for the last 3 weeks, due to the weather.

JANUARY 2010

2010-01-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

5th January 2010 - Walked across the causeway on Leighton Moss to RSPB shop for more nuts and seeds for my feeders. Meres all iced up and very icy underfoot. The sun looked beautiful as it was very low in the sky and was shining through the reeds.

We are very fortunate that there have been regular sightings and great views of an otter swimming around and catching fish during the day which is quite unusual. Their return to Leighton Moss is thought to have been helped by the recent removal of excess sediment from the reserve's pools which has improved water quality and thus fish stock for the otters to feed on.

The Woodpeckers can be heard most days drumming away in the woods and tonight snow is falling again.

DECEMBER 09

2010-01-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

December brought us a White Christmas and New Year with snow falling in the week before Christmas. Whilst looking beautiful this brought it's drawbacks with us being restricted from leaving the farm via our main access for about 9 days! Luckily I have a big freezer!

On a couple of days we dare not let the hens out for fear of them becoming stuck in the snow but then as the frost set in it became more solid for them to walk on.

The bird feeding station, outside my front door, has constantly needed to be replenished during this cold spell. Great spotted woodpecker, Nuthatch, Robin and all varieties of Tits have been visiting including a Pheasant which decided to balance on my B&B 'A' board to reach the fat balls and also sat on top to feed off the little tray. This has changed my opinion on how bright a bird they actually are!

On Christmas Eve, from my kitchen window I saw 4 beautiful stags with quite big antlers jump over the fence in our paddock. Against the background of the snow it was a magnificent winter scene.

NOVEMBER 09

2010-01-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Mid November - this is an excerpt from my Flora and Fauna Diary written by one of my Guests........ what a wonderful location from which to visit Leighton Moss. A Bittern flew across - what a sight! Kingfisher from Public hide. Ducks, mallard, teal, wigeon, golden eye (pair), lapwing, curlew, little egrets, great white egret and the sound of Cetti's Warbler. But the best.......... the Starling Roost! I saw them come in, in the evening, walked the reserve very early, heard them all chattering, then a loud whooshing like strong wind and they were up and away.

Whilst walking the dogs at dusk in our fields, I have almost had to duck out of the way of these murmurations and have seen the sparrow hawks hunting in amongst them.

OCTOBER 09

2010-01-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

It's the rutting season for the deer and we certainly know about it. Strange noises penetrate the night, beginning at dusk and well into the small hours from the antics of the love struck deer. From our doorstep, can be heard the clashing of antlers as they fight for their ladies.

The nights are drawing in and soon the clocks will go back which will curtail my evening walks with my 2 dogs. This will have to move to an earlier time of day.

SEPTEMBER 09

2010-01-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

The very wet weather this Summer has really held us up with our harvesting for winter provisions for the cattle. Earlier in the Summer we managed to get only about 200 small bales of hay which we need to feed to our beasts in the traditional, old buildings during the Winter months. We do not seem to have had two dry days together which is not enough time to make traditional hay. Still we live in hope as that is all that we can do - surely it can not rain for ever?

Around the 15th September, some of our guests were lucky enough to see a Tawny Owl and a Marsh Harrier, plus a pair of Kingfishers and numerous Migrant and Brown Hawker Dragonflies at the Allen hide on Leighton Moss.

On 20th September, guests delighted to have seen a Bittern flying around the Public hide on the causeway. Also a Great White Egret and Greenshank at the Eric Morecambe Hide. Just up the road from the farm at 7.55 pm they saw 3 Tawny Owls sitting on seperate fence posts.

Finally, at the end of the month we can say all our crops were safely gathered in!

AUGUST 09

2010-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Early August - Several Scotch Argus Butterflies seen near the top of Arnside Knott.

We rescued 6 more battery hens - they are settling in well and are learning the ropes from our resident girls. It is so sad to see them when they arrive as they don't know how to walk properly and don't even want to come out of the hen-house. It is so satisfying, after about a week, when they realise that there is a world out there and they start doing all the things that hens should do - taking dust baths under the pear tree in the orchard - scratching about around the farmyard and of course providing us with their beautiful eggs.

JULY 09

2010-01-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

A Pair of Hen Harriers sighted over Leighton Moss and 3 stoats playing on the path from the reserve to the farm.

Late July an Otter sighted swimming in front of Lower Hide at around 6 a.m.

Also over the months I have had numerous Green Tourists staying in my B&B and also on the CL site. Guests who arrive by car and then either leave their cars in our yard and walk, cycle or use public transport, also guests who arrive by bicycle, train or the local bus which dropped them off at Leighton Hall. We even had one couple who had a doggie back pack for their bicycle and two ladies who arrived on Horseback! I have some photos and when I have mastered the art of adding them to my blog you will be able to view my Eco-Friendly Tourists.

JANUARY 4th 2010

2010-01-04T04:36:00.000-08:00

It's been rather a long time since I updated my blog but running a B&B, Caravan Site and all the seasonal happenings on a farm just don't give me a great deal of spare time! However, I will endeavour to to give you a summary of all that has taken place over the last 6 months from the records in my FLORA and FAUNA journal made by my numerous B&B guests, and personal sighting.

MAY 09 - This has to be my favourite month of the year at Grisedale. Everything in the countryside is just so beautiful and fresh accompanied by wonderful bird song with the Bittern booming on Leighton Moss. Marsh Harriers, Marsh Tit, Mallard with young, Avocet on Eggs, Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Spotted Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Ravens, Little Egrit, Spoonbill, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Barn Owls to name but a few, have all be sighted in the near vicinity of our Farm.

Unfortunately, the nesting Barn Owls abandoned their nest and eggs due, we think, to a spell of inclement weather. However, the result of inspection of their castings revealed that they had been eating Starlings, which are a pleantiful food supply being so close to Leighton Moss.

JUNE 09 - Brimstone, Tortoiseshell and Peacock Butterflies were all spotted by our eagle-eyed guests. We managed to harvest our first crop of Silage during the middle of this month as we had a spell of warmer, drier weather. This will go to feed our livestock during the winter months as they are usually kept inside for about 7 months of the year.

BARN OWLS

2009-05-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Met Jim Brown, the resident Faulkener at Leighton Hall, outside our house who had just picked up some BARN OWL castings from our Dutch Barn where we believe there are a pair nesting. He was taking them home to do some research into what they had been eating as he said they were quite unusual in their shape. He will email me with the results so keep reading the blog for the results.

Jim has developed the Hawk Garden at Leighton Hall where you can experience his BIRDS FLYING, go on a HAWK WALK, have an OWL EXPERIENCE or an AVIAN ALCHEMY and he even offers an OWL ROADSHOW! You can contact Jim on 07990 698451 for details.

2009-05-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Thursday 23rd April 09

Attended GREEN BUSINESS AWARDS Forum at Hornby, which is in the Forest of Bowland AONB, near Lancaster, where I received my SILVER AWARD for the green tourism scheme which I was delighted to be awarded. Also met other members and talked to Colin Newsham, from Forest Hills Centre, near Lancaster University, who has, and is developing, an amazing Green Tourism venture, about BEES as I am very interested in perhaps keeping them.

Tuesday 28th April 09

Must just mention that we had an EARTHQUAKE measuring 3.7 - It was the largest we have had in about 40 years! It was terrifing - the whole house shook for what seemed an eternity and the noise was incredible.

Saturday 25th April 2009

2009-04-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

3.30 pm Just had first heavy rain shower that we have had in about 3 weeks. Very welcome as everywhere is so dry and in need of some rain! The bluebells are now almost all fully out and look an absolute picture in the woods. My favourite 2 cowslips are now fully out in the hedgerow at the top of Big Seeds field. They were a long way behind others on the farm that I thought we had lost them.

One of my B&B ladies was sat in bed yesterday morning and she saw the Barn Owl fly by also spied the Marsh Harrier over Leighton Moss. I have just seen Green Finch on the bird feeder and Siskin. It is really lovely at the moment with the trees bursting into leaf although, as usual, the Ask and the Oak look miles behind.

The 3 farm kittens are becoming very mischievous and we have been able to ascertain that one is female so she it to be called Millie and has a lovely family waiting to adopt her.

EASTER SUNDAY 12th April 09

2009-04-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

11.30 am Heard the Cookcoo calling in Deepdale woods. Beautiful, warm sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky. The 3 tabby and white kittens have now got their eyes open. 2 Marsh Harriers seen soaring over the causeway on Leighton Moss. Two Barn Owls seen flying out of Dutch Barn around dusk. 5 Red Deer seen ambling across bottom field towards Grisedale woods. What a wonderful day!

31st MARCH 09

2009-03-31T03:26:00.001-07:00

Robin sighted nesting in barn wall. Must be feeding young as seen with large worm in beak. Our farm cat, Meg has produced 3 lovely tabby and white kittens yesterday. She is very proud of herself.

30th MARCH 09

2009-03-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

SWALLOWS HAVE ARRIVED! These are about 2 weeks earlier than last year but a wonderful sight.

29th MARCH 09

2009-03-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

First House Martins seen flying over Farm. Daffodils in full bloom. Violets, Daisies, Colts Foot and Primroses are out. Leaves on Horse Chestnut Trees just beginning to unfold.

2009-03-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Siskins seen on the bird feeding station from dining room window at breakfast by guests. Also a dozen red deer spotted grazing in the bottom field adjacent to Leighton Moss at 9pm.

MARCH SIGHTINGS

2009-03-07T05:11:00.001-08:00

1st March 09

9.45 am Heron Flew over the farm towards Leighton Moss.

6th March 09

Guests were awakened by Woodpeckers drumming. At breakfast, on our bird feeding station, which is outside the dining room window, our guests saw nuthatch, blue tit, great tit, chaffinch, goldfinch, great spotted woodpecker and willow tit.

11 pm Barn Owl sighted in the barn perched on beam and Red Deer in the bottom field.

February Sightings

2009-03-07T04:03:00.000-08:00

13th February

11 pm ish Barn Owl sighted flying out of the barn with landrover in. Also sighted a few days ago in the evening in the same location.

28th February

Hare seen in the grounds of Leighton Hall. Tawny Owls hooting in the woods. 6 Red Deer in Leighton Park arounf 10 pm.

January Sightings

2009-03-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

17th Jan

Snowdrops coming through in the orchard.

21st Jan

Watched 4 red deer (hinds) at 8.15pm jumping over the fence into the bottom meadow.

23rd Jan

Watched Nuthatch on the bird feeder.

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