26 February 2023

 I haven't been out too much of late, but had a walk around the courses first thing this morning.  There was nothing too unusual, but it is nice to see an increase in Greenfinches, particularly around the first tee on the Red course.  As I stopped off to do some practice at the Doghouse practice ground this Magpie sat on the fence while I photographed from the car.

Magpie [Doghouse practice ground]

On the Blue course there were quite a few Woodpeckers around, both Green and Greater-spotted.  A pair of Kingfishers was near the bridge by the 2nd green.

Kingfisher [2nd Blue]

A Blue Tit was feeding on the Bullrushes next to the 3rd green.

Blue Tit [3rd Blue]

There is a lot of work going on to clear the ditch on the Blue course.  Hopefully this will make it a bit more difficult for badgers to cross...

On the Red course I noticed these artificial bee-hives which have appeared between the 13th and 15th.  

There are also plenty of Snowdrop patches around the course.  These were on the 5th Red.

Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis [5th Red]

6 February 2022

The first flowers of 2022 are appearing on the course.  The patch of Snowdrops by the 18th tee on the green in bloom as are these Stinking Hellebores on to the left of the 14th on the Red.

Snowdrops Galanthus nivalis [18th Green]

Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus [14th Red]

Collard Doves are one of the birds, like House Sparrows, that are common elsewhere, but not on the Frilford estate.  This one was in a tree to the left of the Blue range.

Collard Dove [Tubney range]

Lots of birds singing yesterday, Robins and Dunnocks in particular.  Not so many today with the wind, but plenty of Red Kites maneuvering skillfully.

Dunnock [Tubney Range]

 

Red Kite [3rd Green]

26 February 2021

 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:

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis [5th Red]

Others are a bit less obvious:

Red Dead-nettle Lamium purpureum [12th Red]

Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica hederifolia [12th Red]

Common Whitlow-grass Erophila verna [3rd Red]

A few insects are also visible.  A Brimstone butterfly fluttered by on the 12th Red and a few ladybirds are around:

7 Spot Ladybird [12th Red]

6 February 2021

Walked the perimeter of the Red and Blue this morning, but with limited visibility due to the fog.  I did, however, manage to find my first Snowdrops out on the course, there are actually quite a few patches on the Red course by the 5th, 12th and 1st holes.

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis [12th Red]

Snowdrop Galanthus nivalis [1st Red]

I also noticed some more Hellebores in flower on the side of the 14th on the Red.

Stinking Hellebore Helleborus foetidus [14th Red]

It was a day for hearing rather than seeing the birds.  This Robin was singing in the wild area to the right of the 15th fairway on the Red.  The Robin's song is quite distinctive and sounds very fluid and watery.  Elsewhere there were at least 8 Song Thrushes singing on different parts of the courses.