Spring is in the air

Despite the recent cold snap there’s plenty of evidence in and around the villages that Spring has arrived. From the surge of daffodils, new lambs appearing in the fields and trees blossoming there are signs that winter is in retreat and warmer days lie ahead. Something to cheer us all up! Before the temperatures nosedived last week butterflies and bees could also be spotted, and over on Embsay Update Monika Butler posted about an early appearance by our local bats.

There has been plenty of activity to be seen in the bird world whilst walking around Embsay and Eastby this last couple of weekends . Kempley Pond and the surrounding field has been home to a large flock of Greylag Geese.

The geese have been joined at the water provided by the pond by a group of Oystercatchers, whose distinctive call can be heard deep into the spring evenings. Their call is featured in the short clip below from the RSPB website. Lapwings, Moorhens, ducks and gulls have also been regular visitors.

Another very distinctive call which can be heard in the farmland around the villages belongs to the Curlew, a bird which is sadly facing a rapid decline in numbers. (More information about Curlew conservation can be found here: Curlew Conservation)

This lone individual was spotted looking back towards Embsay from Low Lane.

And here’s a more detailed look at Europe’s largest wading bird.

Image: Andrew Bennett Wildlife Photography

A further notable sighting last week was a magnificent Barn Owl, perched on a fence post further along Low Lane. probably on the hunt for mice, voles or a shrew.

Image: Andrew Bennett Wildlife Photography

Finally on another amble through the 2 villages a Woodpecker could be heard at the bottom of Barden Road where Bark Lane branches off towards Berry Ground Beck, with a couple of Buzzards circling high above in a clear but chilly blue sky.

If you have some observations and/or images for Nature Notes then please contact The Embsay & Eastby Post at embsayandeastbypost@gmail.com