13 March 2022

 

Another sunny day and the spring flowers are more in evidence around the course.  Daffodils are present on quite a few holes.  Primroses are most common around the ditch on the right of the 18th Red, where there are also a few Coltsfoots.

Primrose Primula vulgaris [18th Red]

Daffodils Narcissus sp [4th Green]

I had some nice views of the Reed Buntings on the 3rd Blue this morning.  

Reed Buntings [3rd Blue]

There are also a few Roe Deer about.  I saw these two in the field next to the Doghouse practice area and there were also a herd of four or five in the woods to the left of the 14th Blue.

2 April 2021

 

Plenty more signs of spring and plenty of yellow about today.  There were 5 Yellow Wagtails on the 9th fairway this morning.   These are classic golf course passage migrants, liking short grass - other than golf courses you tend to see them in fields with grazing cows.  Quite a few have been reported in Oxfordshire in the past week and they tend to appear in April and September.  They are similar to Grey Wagtails but are a lot more yellow, particularly on the head and upper parts.  They also tend to be in parties of several birds, whereas you usually see Grey Wagtails singly on in pairs.

Yellow Wagtails [9th Blue]

Yellow Wagtail [9th Blue]

A couple more migrants also around.  I saw the first Swallow on the course flying over the 3rd on the Red yesterday and saw and heard a Blackcap singing on the 14th on the Red this morning.

A few more spring flowers have started to bloom.  The primroses around the stream on the 18th on the Red are quite spectacular.  There is also a patch on the 18th on the Green along with a few Wood Anemones.

Primrose Primula vulgaris [18th Green]

Wood Anemone Anemone nemorosa [18th Green]

If you are unfortunate enough to push your ball into the hazard on the right of the 2nd on the Blue, have a look for the Marsh Marigolds.  Their bright yellow flowers may offer some solace.

Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris [2nd Blue]