It feels like a slow Spring. Not only is this apple tree about 10 days behind last year but so are many of our migrant birds. Although the ‘first records’ for arrival dates of spring migrant birds in the UK, or parts of it like my home county of Northants, are distinctly on the early side, numbers are still low. The first smattering of records hasn’t been followed by a big rush of arrivals – maybe this weekend?
How is it for you?
The constant north easterlies and hard frosts certainly don’t seem to have helped. Very few swallows or house martins yet. Do hope they show up soon.
Here, from a gang of oak trees’ perspective, it could be more about last spring being very quick. E.g., on 23 April 2020 these oaks were estimated to be 30% in leaf (30% shade cast) whereas of 22 April this year they still had no leaves open. Looking back over the last 12 years the average 30% leafing date for this wood is 5 May. So still time for things to catch up.
The first migrants were early or on time but being to full local compliment is taking considerable time, first Whitethroat this morning. Each spring is different part of the joy of following nature, I’ve never see the Severn so low here lots of places to walk across it and discover new hidden gems, the fish watching is good too ( Trout and Grayling). Flowers and trees are definitely retarded compared to last year by I suspect both cold winds/nights and a lack of moisture. No doubt we shall pay for it later, what’s the betting on lots of rain in July and August?
The northeasterlies are keeping the tree pollen levels high, bringing in supplies from Scandinavian forests. My allergy is usually waining by late April. The University of Worcester provides forecasts: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/about/academic-schools/school-of-science-and-the-environment/science-and-the-environment-research/national-pollen-and-aerobiology-research-unit/pollen-forecast.aspx
LYn – I didn’t realise that pollen travelled that far in amounts that could trigger allergies. Interesting, thank you.
There’s a nightingale singing in the garden so DBMC is listening to it in the porch but it’s much too cold in the east wind to stand around out there so I’ve put another few meagre sticks on the stove