It has been a strange seasonal year so far. High temperatures, little rain, some high winds and only a flash of frost. Plants, both garden and in the wild, have flourished but not always in the cycle of seasonal flowering we are used to.
At long last the Ash trees have burst there buds and the new green leaves are appearing. I reckon the Ash is very late, the Oak has been in leaf for some 5 weeks or more.
Now the meadows are being flooded with wild flowers, Buttercups, Cow Parsley, Daisies, Red Campion and Ragged Robin are vying with all the green herbage that is doing its best to drown everything…. to me this is more like early summer than spring, no matter it is a delight to walk and explore the meadows..
Down by the Lake everything appears calm, again the wild flowers edging the bank are flourishing like never before adding a freshness to any mornings walk…
But not all is peaceful, for many birds and water fowl it can be a tough traumatic time. This Coot had thought it had found the ideal nest spot, even a bit of shade. But as soon as the chicks hatched the Rooks and Crows started to harass the Coots. I am hopeful all will be well as Coots are rather feisty birds and there claws a challenge for any predator..
At least for some mums and their youngsters this warm spring has ensured that they can get out in the fresh air and have some sociable fun.
It is still Spring…. but if it was Summer I for one would not be complaining
23rd May
(C) David Oakes 2019
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
Isn’t spring pretty though? All of those colors bursting forth just brings joy to the heart.
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It most certainly does…
But one does have to wonder when the rain will come – sad I know but we do need it 😎🌧️🙄
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lol we are having winter this past week tonnes of rain – including 2 days of amber flood alert. I walked the dog tonight with full winter regalia but we have also had some beautiful days. All over the place. All that said your photos look to be taken in gorgeous weather.
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Hate to brag but this week our average day time temp has been 22c Mind you, you have had a good winter by all accounts. The bad news is that our great spell of spring weather is due to end tomorrow….. If the Met Office is to be believed 😎
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I know it’s unusual but it made my recent holiday just that little bit better. In my 4 weeks in England I only really had one dismal, wet day that kept me more or less indoors. Not bad for March and April. The early flowers were an unexpected bonus.
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It’s been a rather special spring…. Glad you enjoyed it
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