Ivy

The ivy on our walls is a blessed nuisance.  A nuisance because it undermines their stability by penetrating through the mortar between the stones. And blessed because it is of inestimable value for the garden wildlife.  This is one of the times of the year when it is at its best, we have a blackbird nest-building in the ivy viewed from the kitchen window.  While the blackbirds and wood pigeons are also now feasting on the ripe berries, as this lady is demonstrating. I watched one the other day, picking them off, discarding the unripe, and swallowing eight ripe ones. How many can a blackbird's crop hold? I didn't find out as the bird was disturbed by a rival during its meal.

The other wildlife highlight today was the arrival of the first willow warblers on the top of the Knott. I had expected them yesterday morning after the strong southerly winds the day and night before, but only chiffchaffs were singing first thing. Tomorrow, doubtless many more will have arrived to herald the Spring.

Less of a highlight was the newest of the crowns on my back teeth falling off. Who knows when it will be possible to get that safely repaired. I already had a molar waiting a crown that was due to be fitted in early March. The appointment was cancelled as my dentist was unwell, and then the virus arrived. Someone told me the other day that, for obvious reasons, the only emergency dentistry being done at the moment is extractions.  But compared to what so many people are going through at the moment, it really is the most trivial of inconveniences.