Water Levels and Other Stuff

The wet weather (for that is what snow is after all) has had an amazing impact at Swaddywell where water levels in the ponds have reached levels not seen since 2003. For many years we have all wondered why the boardwalk along the quarry face at the bottom of the pit was built as part of a geology project, as it seems to serve no purpose. Now we know why as the water laps at its edges (see Jean's picture in the post above showing pond dipping) and definitely makes it impossible to get round the bottom of the pit without it.

Another telling sign of the water level (apart from the measuring board itself), is that the two ponds that sit within the horseshoe path in the pit area have, for the first time I can remember, actually met in the middle (1st photo). When you consider that last summer both these ponds were virtually entirely dry, it gives some idea of just how much water we get around here in winter.

Henry, our dog, flushed a woodcock as I walked around the site this morning.

Other news: I have had a male reed bunting feeding in the garden all week plus one or two siskins from time to time.

Finally, I was delighted to see a barn owl flying over the road last Saturday as I bought bird food at Ann Kennedy's (by the level crossing near the Exotic Pet Refuge at Deepings). The last time I went a tawny owl flew by. What next?