Guelder Rose

I arrived at the caravan mid afternoon. Everything has grown a lot since my last visit in early April. I noticed hydrangea like flowers growing through the hazel hedging at the front of the caravan, which a bit of googling told me belonged to guelder roses. I am familiar with the bright red berry clusters in autumn, not so much with the flowers. The guelder rose is not a rose but a member of the viburnum family.

Early evening I walked to the hides overlooking the nature reserve adjoining the site. I was entranced by the masses of insects over the pools. Mayflies. I wasn’t close enough to get a good photo.

And then as it was getting dark I noticed the moon and took a photo (extra). Just as I did so a fast flying bird passed low overhead sounding a one note call. A woodcock. One of my favourite birds, rarely seen. They will be breeding nearby.

I felt a bit down yesterday, Coming here has lifted my spirits.