Sprouts

The last time we visited the Newhailes estate I remarked that the grassy area in the centre had been ploughed for arable crops: today we found the crop in question to be brussels sprouts. Lots and lots of brussels sprouts that appeared in perfect condition for harvesting, but no sign of such activity, except by pigeons, who feed on the tops, giving them a strange conical shape.

Resisting the temptation to help ourselves, we followed the edge of the field, as far as the private area to the rear of the house and, after finding the first snowdrops (extra) descended to the field and watched a flock of LBJ's ('Little Brown Jobs' - those irritatingly anonymous birds that resemble something familiar but with no definitive ID) as they whirled and descended into the crop of brassica and weed (heavily cropped photo in the extra). I think these are linnet. We also spotted what we took to be a goldcrest but it was disturbed by other walkers and retreated too far for study.

The walk had been preceded by coffee in the café, it being rather too chilly outside and, exiting the courtyard by the west opening, past this lovely cottage (extra) for the first time (actually it lies within the 'staff only' area but the sign is on the other side of the gate...I wonder if this was the private residence of a member of the Dalrymple family).

And so past the front of the house,  which we learned had been targeted recently by vandals breaking windows, and back to the car.