Regular walk round Hay Hill

 Stepping out from home our regular walk takes us round Hay Hill.  Today there was still a little of the light snow left, but the roads were just about free from ice except along narrow hedge lined sections. This morning it was grey with intermittent fine drizzle.

 Whenever we have been away from home, the view of the hill just before we turn off is a cherish view.

Particularly in winter when the paths get muddy, we stick to the lanes. We are able to walk all around Hay Hill and back, passing the riding centre at Burcott, walking through Coxley Wick and then down onto Hay Moor. We walk along Haymoor Drove, which is edged by Rynes that drain the levels, and then turn back home.  

There are some old trees characteristic of the levels, and a number of birds.  For the last few times we have seen two pairs of stonechats.  Today we spotted the kingfisher, buzzard, swans, crows, jackdaws, blackbirds, robins, goldcrests, different types of ducks. 

There is an old thorny tree most probably a Hawthorn from which sprouts a large spray of male mistletoe.   It is have a more yellow look to it on account of the male flowers.

I've been meaning to frame its lonely growth, no female in sight, for some time. 

 It was at this spot that we crossed with the farmer, who was checking out the water levels around her fields. We hovered and chatted for quite some time, it was a treat to chat to a person face to face. She mentioned that they also get snipe in the area, which we shall look out for, but we ought to bring our binoculars to view further in details across the fields.

On the homeward stretch we catch a view of the barn on  Hay Hill. Still quite a way to go but always the beautiful green grass and the tree topped Ben Knowle Hill on our left.

We alternate directions around Hay Hill.  We cycle around if we want a short cycle ride, but walk if we want a longish walk from home.  During the covid lockdown, we feel this is all we ought to allow ourselves!