The first orchids are just about in flower in the fen, between the 16th Red and 4th Green. There are two or three Early Purple Orchids, which are usually the first to flower. They have loose spikes of large flowers and dark blotches on their leaves.
Early Purple Orchid Orchis mascula [16th Red]
Various shades of Bluebells are in bloom around the courses. As well as the prevalent blues, there are white native Bluebells at the back of the 3rd Green on the Blue and these pink Spanish Bluebells are on the 15th Red.
Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta [3rd Blue]
Spanish Bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica [15th Red]
Lots of these flies about at the moment. They are St. Mark's fly, so-called because they appear around St. Mark's day (25th April). You can see them flying around fairly slowly with their hind legs dangling behind.
Have walked various bits of the course over the last couple of days. There are definitely signs of spring with flowers starting to appear, birds singing and nesting and even butterflies starting to appear.
Plenty of Crossbills still around on the course. This flock was in the small pine tree to the right of the 11th tee on the Blue, flying down to drink from the large puddle that persists there - not far from where my sliced drive usually ends up.
Crossbills [11th Blue]
They also frequent the pine trees by the greenkeepers shed, such as this male and female.
Crossbills [16th Blue]
Elsewhere, there are Song Thrushes are still very vocal. This is the usual one nesting near the 3rd green on the Blue.
This Mistle Thrush looked to have found a potential nest site behind the 6th Green. I also heard a Skylark for the first time this year to the left of the 2nd on the Blue.
Mistle Thrush [6th Blue]
There are plenty of Hedge Sparrows singing. Their song always sounds very upbeat and cheerful.
and other resident birds.
Woodpigeon [4th Blue]
It is a little early for the main spring migrants, but I did spot this Chiffchaff at the side of the 4th fairway and another singing behind the 6th on the Blue. These are generally summer visitors, although a few do overwinter.
Chiffchaff [4th Blue]
A few flowers are starting to appear. Some are vary obvious, such as the Snowdrops, which are now very visible on the course:
