Tuesday 25 May 2010

I did the 10k run through Lode to White Fen Drove this morning. Weather was dry but noticeably cooler than it has been over the last week. A fairly strong Northerly breeze. 55minutes was a reasonable time.

A couple of Swifts in Station Road Quy and several House Martins. Several Swifts (some screaming) in Mill Road Lode. Usual pair of Swallows at the stat of White Fen Drove. A Green Woodpecker seen in a farmyard in Station Road, Quy and another along Bottisham Lode. A Buzzard flew low over Quy Water into the woods of Anglesey Abbey. A Kingfisher was seen a bit further along Quy Water. A Pied Wagtail was seen along Fen Road, and Whitethroats. On the way back along the old railway track a fox was seen across the field.

The start of White Fen Drove.

Old tree by White Fen Drove.

Saturday 22 May 2010

I took part in my first Parkrun today at Milton Country Park.








This is a weekly 5km run held at a number of sites across the UK and Europe. Although the distance is less than I'm used too it was good experience at running at race speed. My leg was still giving me a bit of trouble at the start however I managed a decent time of 24'34". My km times were fairly consistent at 4'54", 5', 5', 5' and a final dash at 4'40". The weather was very warm. Fortunately most of the course is fairly shady.

Chiffchaffs were heard signing around the lakes.

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cambridge/Home.aspx

Friday 21 May 2010

Last week's run was clearly too early to return to running after my injury. A few more days has made a big difference as I was able to run 10k fairly comfortably today, in a time of 55'45". What a difference a week makes to the weather too. Last week the nighttime temperatures were below zero, we now have day time temperatures in the mid 20's. This morning it was dry, sunny and warm (even before 7 am). The grass along Quy Water was a bit dewy though.

Swallows, House Martins and a Swift in Station Road and a few screaming swifts in Mill Road, Lode. Along Bottisham Lode I managed to see a Kingfisher despite the fact that the verge has become overgrown with Cow Parsley (anthriscus sylvestris). Further along Bottisham Lode towards the start of White Fen Drove were a couple of Swallows and a Kestrel in the usual place, and a small patch of Bluebells. Yellowhammers and Whitethroats seen in various places.





Bottisham Lode - through the Cow Parsley.














Bluebells on the verge.

Thursday 13 May 2010

A short run to Lode Mill (4.6 miles) after a break of almost 2 weeks due to a thigh injury. Although walking has become easier now the running was still quite difficult, hence a slow time of around 45 minutes. Weather was cold and frosty, but quite a bit of warmth in the sun in a cloudless sky. Currently experiencing the coldest May nights for 15 years.

3 Goldfinches in Station Road a couple of House Martins here and 3 in Vicarage Meadow. A Garden Warbler was heard singing along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey. The Mallards on Quy Water still have 4 (now quite big) ducklings. Whitethroats and Wrens also seen and heard.

Friday 30 April 2010

This morning's run was to Bottisham and Lode, then back via Lode Mill along the old railway line. Weather was dry but slightly cloudy and quite windy, not too cold. The track was damp from yesterday's rain but not muddy. Still some stiffness so a slow time of 53'10" for this 9km route.

A single Swallow seen at either end of Bottisham, a couple over Station Road, Quy where the bridleway joins and a couple further on. Also in Station Road there were at least 14 House Martins and another 1 in Vicarage Meadow. A Great Spotted Woodpecker in Mill Road, Lode. A couple of Chiffchaffs heard singing. 2 Jays along the railway line.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

A gentle run to Lode Mill with Joanna this morning. Weather was dry, bright and cool. Distance 4.6miles in around 48 minutes.

A Swallow over the house as we set out. 6 House Martins in Station Road today and 6 Whitethroats heard singing. A fairly large carp was in Quy Water near the mill. A Green Woodpecker in the grounds of Anglesey Abbey by the mill and a Muntjac in the grounds near the house. Another Muntjac was seen in Station Road. A Reed Bunting along Quy Water and 2 Lapwings flying around the field bordering the Anglesey Abbey woods. A Mallard duck on Quy Water with 4 ducklings.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

A morning run to the end of White Fen Drove (7.8 miles). The weather was bright and sunny and fairly warm by the end. The paths were dry, despite the rain at the weekend, but the grassy stretches were dewy. Time 1hr15'03".

4 House Martins in Station Road Quy and 2 Swallows a further 3 Swallows in Lode, 1 in the usual place at the cottages and 2 at the start of White Fen Drove. At least 8 Whitethroats seen/heard in various places and about 3 Chiffchaffs. A Grey Wagtail was at Lode Mill. A mle Linnet was just passed the farm on White Fen Drove. A Green Woodpecker seen towards the end of White Fen Drove, also a single Roe Deer here. Several Wrens, Yellowhammers, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Great Tits singing. A few Goldfinches and Greenfinches seen. A Heron was flying near Quy Water, a Kestrel was near the old station in Lode and a Jay along the old railway track.

The grassy stretch of White Fen Drove.