Summertime in Newton upon Rawcliffe

Though most birds have stopped singing with the passing of the main breeding season there are still many birds in evidence.

Swallows, martins and squadrons of screaming swifts pursue insects on the wing.

Hedgerow birds such as chaffinches and yellow hammers are starting to flock as the time for nesting finishes. Whitethroats can be heard deep within the thickest scrub calling with their harsh contact notes. The village is alive with the chirrups of sparrows and family groups of pied wagtails patrol the village green alongside blackbirds and jackdaws.

Roadside verges are festooned with clumps of mauve-blue meadow cranesbill and the drying heads of cow parsley. The stately pink spires of rosebay willows herb tower over everything backed by the emerging white trumpet flowers of hedge bindweed.

Young rabbits can be seen along the roadside taking their first forays into the outside world and hares are much in evidence along the quieter back lanes.

Nature’s daily routine is now carried out to a back drop of busy combines and tractors as the harvest gets under way. The resulting stubble fields will soon fill with birds looking for dropped grain and roe deer will be visible again as they venture out in the warm evenings and who knows the odd badger maybe!