Alder catkins

Fin and I enjoyed a beautiful spring like walk this morning. We were dropped off several miles from home and wandered along the Southern Upland Way towards Abbey St Bathans. This little hamlet is on the Whiteadder River and not far from home. The countryside was full of life. I heard my first skylark singing, watched some hares playing, saw some Roe deer run ahead of us and then once at the river an otter amusing itself both in water and along the bank. Following the river downstream to home Fin enjoyed a wallow or two and I spotted a bat flying above us. I don't know which type but I was surprised to see one out and about at midday! We passed our resident badgers setts and later in the day I set up a camera trap to hopefully capture them as they busy about in the evening. Will let you know the results.