23
Nature Notes. (13/5/15) One doesn’t know what lies around the corner – an expression that applied to a cock Blackbird as he hopped around on a local lawn. Without warning an Exocet in the form of a Sparrow Hawk attacked at speed to kill and carry away the unfortunate bird. This was witnessed by several people in the house. More sad news! Peter, the Buff Orpington cockerel has passed away – natural causes. He had enjoyed his day, made it up into his house to sleep, and died. Cremation followed, now a memory. Also the end of ‘Sidney’, my granddaughter’s chosen cockerel with a very good voice. His persistent habit of choosing a tractor tyre in the barn to roost inevitably caught the attention of a patrolling Fox; the end of Sidney! The wonderful spectacle of Apple Blossom, of Rooks hatching, of Wood Pigeons eating buds on a Plum Tree, the appearance of a pair of French Partridges, never seen before here, make this a marvellous time of the year. I await a report on ten abandoned Mallard eggs placed in an incubator. Some frosts as usual at this time – the old Pembridge fair day. I look forward to the arrival of the Spotted Flycatcher. Let me know anything unusual, please,
R.W.H. (01544 388 210) Gardens open in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. This event, organised by St Michael’s Hospice will take place on Saturday, 6th , and Sunday, 7th, of June. £5 will buy a ticket valid for both days and children will be admitted free. Gardens which will be open are at:
The Community Garden & Methodist Chapel, Chapel Lane Garden House, Orchard Close Highfield, North Road.* Kingsland Court, Chapel Lane Lorne House, North Road Meaburn, North Road* The Old House Westmead. *only open on Saturday, 6th June Tickets may be purchased from Lorne House, the Methodist Chapel or The Old House. Refreshments will be served at the Methodist Chapel and at The Old House. Free parking is available at the Coronation Hall and the Methodist Chapel. Street parking is also available in the village. People who have mobility issues may be dropped off at the entrance to any of the gardens. Further details are available from St Michael’s Hospice Website under the headings events and open gardens.
David Noon, (Editor)