The Big Red Tractor

Just to start off with some cuteness – more goslings have arrived – so that is eight I have seen now.

Since I had a meeting this morning I took the boys out for an earlier than usual walk … which nearly proved the end of Pup!  As we turned into the lane so did the big red tractor.  That then turned into the field across the dyke that Pup jumps for fun.  Now I understand Pup’s take on this … that field has been fallow ever since he has known it and he jumps the dyke so to all intents and purposes it is his field!

We walked down the lane and since the tractor was stood still I let Pup off his lead as usual.  We walked part way through the larch spinney and then I carefully chose the timing to step back into the lane so the tractor was at the far end of the field.  Since Pup is worse on the lead than off AND he had been very cautiously staying on our side of the dyke I simply made him walk close rewarding him as we went and he was fine – never even looked as the big red tractor passed us going in the opposite direction.  Once we were well passed it I relaxed the close requirement at which point Pup decided to jump the dyke and chase the big red tractor.  He hesitated when I shouted his name but caught right up to the back of the harrow before he responded to the “No” and came back – and even then he was after going again.  It is nothing short of miraculous that he didn’t get pulled under!  So more work needed on his chase responses – on big red tractors!

After my meeting to discuss the next steps of the “Steps for Health” Walking Group I decided to wander through the Den and then to Loch of Kinnordy for a look see.  It is incredible to see how many flowers are suddenly appearing – god news for our pollinating insects like this poor injured bumble bee

Bluebells in the Den

Celandine carpet!

Just at the top left of that picture you can see some orange “z”s … this is a barrier across the middle path which has had to be closed for a landslide at the other end behind the Cuttlewell

Lady’s Smock OR Cuckoo Flower

According to folklore the very pretty Lady’s Smock was said to be sacred to the fairies which meant it was considered unlucky to bring it indoors and it was also never included in MayDay Garlands.  It has also been used as a watercress substitute in the past and sure enough I found this growing right on the moist embankment of the Gairie Burn in the Den.

Next up another pretty flower with several names … the wood anemone or Windflower … and I found two different forms: These with puffy extra petals in the centre …

… and these rather more simple forms:

Next I stopped to photograph the Cuttle Well.  Before the picture here are a few links relating to the Den and the Cuttle Well – check out these vintage postcards lovingly recorded by a Kirriemarian (I got a shock looking at the site since it includes a newsreel and there at the first item this evening is the Herald piece about the litter.

From here I went on the footpath out to the RSPB reserve at Loch of Kinnordy

A spurge

 

Ash buds, flowers and emerging leaves

 

Mrs Pheasant pretending not to be there – guess she has a nest!

 

Equisetum in the Loch fringes

 

But these are not anemone’s – these are Wood Sorrel, a member of the shamrock family

 

Lacy Rowan flower heads and leaf bracts

 

And finally … some more cuteness!

Nice Face pulling Ewe!

 

Oh My just look at those little chubbies!

So so weather, slightly sore feet (new boots still needing breaking in some) but a good walk with lots to see on the way.

 

 

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