The Point's wild 'garden'

The other night we went on to the lower part of the Point, to look at the seabirds nesting on the cliffs. It is a familiar refrain as to how few seabirds there are now, compared to the past. But it is true.  There are not as many.  Having established the nest we were interested in was a shag nest, we walked along the Point, where I haven't walked for a long time, and not at this time of year.  It was magical.  If a little vertiginous.  Inching out on my knees to take photographs of these beautiful cliff edge flowers, like the most wonderful wild garden. 

The week has continued to give us good sunsets...

The bluebells are glowing - this is the site for our proposed site, if ever we can sort out the access issues at the road end...

Last night the last cow to calf (very late) took herself off to this corner of bluebells next to the wood, and for a couple of hours we could hear her calling.  Farmer was checking on her from afar, using binoculars!  It was quite handy she had chosen to be close to the house for that reason.. About 9.25 he saw the front feet appear, and 30 minutes later when he checked again she was licking a newborn calf, already up on its feet.  Easy calving is one of the qualities you look for in a bull.  This years calves are the first from the bull we bought in March last year.   Farmer is pleased, and relieved, that there weren't any problems at calving time - no need to help or intervene.   Daughter and I reckon the calf will have to be called Bluebell, irrespective of its sex.

Along Loch na Keal, this hillside was sprayed 2 summers ago, and it has revealed a carpet of bluebells.

Shian garden has recovered from the upheavals of the winter!

Duill garden is recovered too.  We have sown wild flower seed on the bare patches of soil and laid some turf on this bit.

Last night Farmer had to go to Crackaig and Glac Gugairidh,  I went along for the walk.  There are more photographs here. 

The rain forest

After midnight, the moon rises above the hill behind the steading.  The sky is clear.  Stars are out. It is mildly breezy.  Everyone has gone to bed.  Except the moon.

The wind got up and brought cloud and rain this morning.  We fought our way through the wooded wilderness.  It is wet and muddy underfoot, with the added hazards of brambles and fallen trees.

It was tragic to see this huge tree felled by age and the weight of its branches in leaf.  (Not like we had a big storm or anything recently.)

The damp and shade loving plants thriving under native hazels and birches - a natural rain forest.  Delighted to see Sweet Woodruff coming into flower and to smell the heady scent of the bluebells.

Celebrating the spring

It is difficult to be indoors when the weather is this good. So please excuse the light on words blog this week!

On the farm, Jamie has been helping with the field work, and cleaning out the cattle shed. This saves Farmer's back, which does not like the tractor at all. Next week, the in-bye ewes and lambs will come in for marking. Planning dates for shearing hoggs and eild ewes. (those who did not have lambs). We expect the eild numbers to be higher this year, as although the ewes were in good condition in January, the winter has been hard on them.

Leaves are just beginning to show on the sycamores round the farmhouse. Sometimes at this time of year we can have strong winds, but the forecast for the next week or so is pretty good and calm, and so we are hoping the blossom on the apple trees is safe.

Burns are running dry.

Wild flowers are moving from 'spring' into summer, with bog cotton, common orchid, early purple orchid, birds foot trefoil, milkwort, lousewort, butterwort, flag iris and water avens. We are still enjoying huge clumps of king cup though!

In the garden the comfrey is attracting lots of bees.

On a walk to the Sitheans the other night, we disturbed a snipe - and found this where it had lifted up from. Don't know if this was plundered or whether the young had fledged. (hopefully the latter). I have been hearing lots of snipe drumming near our house.

Bluebells still strong.

Silvery sun.

A broody hen in my flowerpot.

We found the remains of a curlew on the hill. Feathers everywhere. I know it is Nature doing its thing, but it had been attacked by something bigger than itself and it was sad to think we had lost one of 'our' curlews. I so love seeing them and hearing them. I was surprised by the length of its beak.

Time to get the rotovator out.

Farmer and I took off to Lochaline yesterday to meet some friends for a delicious lunch at the Whitehouse. Sensibly they have a special 2 course lunch deal! Prince Edward was also visiting Lochaline and this was his reception committee.

Away with the camo look, and welcome to the beacon look. A replacement 'buggy'. Will be easier to spot Farmer now!

The cockerel.

Lots of water avens at the side of the burn by the house.

I can hear Farmer calling the cows. Someone had left a gate open so they were in the Haunn cottages gardens this morning.

And these 3 are getting more difficult for one person to feed on their own. Need 3 hands.

Speedwell.

Common orchid.

The Park dyke.