Among stinging nettles, on edge of hawthorn clump, with brambles and wild rose at base of, and fringing the hawthorn, which had attained almost the dimensions of a timber tree. Should not have found it but for the bird flying out close by my feet.
I started out for the Hoo at 7.45am, and arrived half an hour later, and found this nest almost as soon as I started searching but left them until I was ready to come away, so that I did not have that guilty feeling in case anyone spoke to me. This was a squally day, cold and showery, but with a few bright intervals. Saw not a single butterfly or moth on the Hoo, but saw nightjar and searched for its eggs without success. Saw male redbacked shrike, also turtle dove. Took pair of wood pigeon's eggs from large holly, but was disappointed to find they were too much incubated to clean without damage. This was a well constructed nest, perched on a large bare fork. Several blackbird and song thrush nests, and nightingales making spasmodic efforts at singing, and not succeeding much. Unable to find nightingale nest. Holly blooming. Saw one fine Spotted Orchis. Left the Hoo about 10.45 am, and called to see Laurie at Stopsley on way back. Had cup of tea and sandwich with her and then went on to Sundon by way of Badger's Hill and Old Bedford Road. Caught in storm on New Bedford Road, but arrived at Sundon safely. Aunt Polly there.
Lilley Hoo, Lilley, Hertfordshire, May 22nd.
I started out for the Hoo at 7.45am, and arrived half an hour later, and found this nest almost as soon as I started searching but left them until I was ready to come away, so that I did not have that guilty feeling in case anyone spoke to me. This was a squally day, cold and showery, but with a few bright intervals. Saw not a single butterfly or moth on the Hoo, but saw nightjar and searched for its eggs without success. Saw male redbacked shrike, also turtle dove. Took pair of wood pigeon's eggs from large holly, but was disappointed to find they were too much incubated to clean without damage. This was a well constructed nest, perched on a large bare fork. Several blackbird and song thrush nests, and nightingales making spasmodic efforts at singing, and not succeeding much. Unable to find nightingale nest. Holly blooming. Saw one fine Spotted Orchis. Left the Hoo about 10.45 am, and called to see Laurie at Stopsley on way back. Had cup of tea and sandwich with her and then went on to Sundon by way of Badger's Hill and Old Bedford Road. Caught in storm on New Bedford Road, but arrived at Sundon safely. Aunt Polly there.
Lilley Hoo, Lilley, Hertfordshire, May 22nd.
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