April 4th, Easter Sunday

Out at 7.45 a.m., weather as yesterday, but with both a bit more sun and, unfortunately, NW wind. So it was nice where sheltered, but cold where not.

Again walked the long way round, no ravens, not even in the ravens field. No raven calls either.

The Ash trees are breaking out into flowers, the Oaks are still looking totally dead. It was the same last year, and the old rule (ash before oak - in for a soak, oak before ash - in for a dash) was utterly confirmed, with the wettest July in Wales for decades, and wer and cold August as well ...

Later, around 2 p.m. in Pontcanna Fields, we did see a pair of ravens, first in the paddock next to the river/lower field, then they flew up to the tree-lined avenue, where they drank from the puddles. I did throw a couple of scraps, not sure if this was my bold pair. At least they did not fly off ...

April 3rd, Holy Saturday

Out at 7.30, felt milder than the last two mornings as hardly any wind. Dry, still overcast.

Walked round the long way again, no raven calls at first, then, as we went along the wall to the allotments at the ravens field, ravens called, and we made our way to the enclosure, walking round once without any ravens - then a second time, the ravens came.

Sophie, on the lead, jumped at them and barked (First Time Outdoor Bark!!), jigging my arm, so I spilled all the scraps on the grass ... Still, the ravens (the bold pair, natch, who else!) were not scared off, and got all the scraps to eat.

Saw some ravens when out later, p.m., in Pontcanna Fields - but none came close. They did quork, though.

April 2nd, Good Friday

Out at 7.30 a.m., cold, darkish, no sun, damp, wind from the West.

Walking round the long way, one raven on the top of a rugby goal post, flying to a young lime tree along the Horse Chestnut Avenue, watching us. His companion also appeared, flying to the ground. I threw a couple of scraps, but then we walked on. I think this was the quarry pair.

Into the ravens field, walking along the tennis court hedge, not into the middle to the enclosures because of Otis and Tyler - Miss Sophie being apprehensive. Along the wall to the allotments - two ravens flying into one of the maples, one making croaking sounds. I threw some scraps - they came to the ground: the bold pair, no doubt about that!

We kept walking on, because I'm still working to get Miss Sophie to feel secure and relaxed in this park.

Interestingly, I dreamt of the ravens last night, they came flying to the ground, so close as to make us stop, and asked why I hadn't fed them ...

April 1st, Maundy Thursday

It is still wintery here, the icy gales are truly penetrating through several layers of clothing, but today the rain has been very sporadic.

We left the house at 7.15 a.m., but only did a short walk, round the big field, mostly on the footpaths, which Miss Sophie seems to like better. 

No raven calls, no ravens.

Later, when we went to Pontcanna Fields around 2 p.m., we again stuck to the tarmac paths, but did see two ravens on the ground. I approached them, and one, the one further away from us, actually did a begging display and cawed. His companion walked on, unconcerned. As theyw ere quite a distance away, I couldn't make out which pair they were.

We also observed a pair flying to the ground, to the space in front of the riding hall, picking up stuff, then flying to sit on the boundary fence, obviously carrying something in their beaks, and then flying off in a loop over the allotments to the far end, perhaps to a tree on the boundary wall to the ravens field.

So they are not starving, and it looks as if they are helping a breeding pair 'at the nest'.

There won't be any entries in this blog from tomorrow, Good Friday, until Easter Monday, when normal blogging will resume.

Miss Sophie and I wish you all Happy Easter Holidays!

March 31st

Winter clothes were definitely needed this morning - it was perishing, with a gale blowing straight from the ice cap.

We left the house at 7.10 a.m., it was dark because of the racing clouds. 

And did I say it was cold? It was - as cold as in the depths of the deepest winter!

There were no raven calls, and we did not spy any sitting in the still bare treetops.