Wednesday 21 March 2012

Pedestrians and Pets



I like this sign at the entrance to the Liberton Brae office complex based in renovated farm buildings in the south of Edinburgh. I took my birdwatching class there on Monday and we were amazed by the number of skylarks that were flying around and singing above the famrland. I know that four pairs used to nest there, but it seems like there are more there now! We also heard yellowhammers. It's a great area for swallows and house martins in summer too. Further along the walk we had wonderful views of a kestrel, which was a great way to end this term of walks!


Today I did my weekly walk round Colinton Dell by the Water of Leith. Definitely spring! The undergrowth green with the leaves of wild garlic and few flowered leek and yellow with celandines (which were literally shining in today's bright sunshine) and coltsfoot. The air full of birdsong and the magical sound of great spotted woodpeckers drumming. Long tailed tits collecting nesting material and a pair of goldcrests doing an adorable little courtship dance! You can now also read my post about Why I Volunteer for the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.



16 comments:

Ms Sparrow said...

When I read the information on the kestrel, it said it was found from moor to heath to farmland. What are the distinctions among those areas?

The Weaver of Grass said...

My doggy friend would absolutely love this Juliet. Isn't the bird life hotting up for Spring?

Tommaso Gervasutti said...

The greatest roadsign I have seen in my life was at the Orkneys:
"Otters crossing!"

Carol Steel said...

That's a wonderful sign. Sounds like it was a very profitable walk with all those bird sightings.

Christina said...

I like the sign too! I looked at each bird and all are beautiful. I like the little Goldcrest best. Reminds me of our Chickadees and our Wrens, disapproving little faces.

Anonymous said...

That sign is awesome :) You must be very fit with all the walking you do!

RG said...

HUGE flocks of American Robins showed up a day ago - such chirping an fliting about!

Crafty Green Poet said...

Ms Sparrow - well farmland is cultivated the others aren't, heath is defined (I think) as having mostly heathers growing on it and moorland is more grassy and generally on higher ground. Though there is also heath moorland....

Weaver - the birds are certainly hotting for spring, you're right!

Tommaso - I've seen that sign too (in fact I've blogged about it!), but I've never seen otters in Orkney

Crafty Green Poet said...

Carol - it was indeed!

Christina - goldcrests are wonderful and I've seen a lot more this year than in past years.

Gabrielle - I'd like to hope i am!

Rabbit's Guy - that must be an amazing sight!

Lesley said...

I wonder if the animals have to prove they are pets!
I am so enjoying all the birdsong that has erupted with this warm weather.
Thanks for participating in signs signs.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Lesley - oh imagine! It should say farm animals too, there's lots of sheep and horses about!

VioletSky said...

Nice alliteration!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I love that!

RedPat said...

Love the sign and envy the bird songs!

Carver said...

That looks like somewhere I'd enjoy walking. Beautiful shots.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Love how the sign acknowledges walkers and their animal friends! A beautiful sight!