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| Brown Hares and Corn Buntings |
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Page 3 of 5 Some time later, possibly because it was disturbed by walkers, my hare came to life, starting up suddenly and running across the field with that classical, long loping stride - a beautiful, sleek animal. The power in its muscular legs give it a running speed of 25mph, and this pace, along with the ability to change course rapidly, is its main defence. It is the fastest land mammal in the UK, and as it runs, it holds its tail down, showing the characteristic black upper-side. The dynamic shape and fast easy motion is different altogether from the hop and scamper of the more endearing rabbit with its familiar, white bobbing tail signalling danger to its fellows. This farmed headland felt special for reasons other than the presence of Brown Hares, Skylarks and Corn Buntings; there was a suggestion of a more sympathetic approach to the management of the land that was apparent even in winter. There were stubble fields attracting Finches, Pipits and Larks, rough grassy areas where Kestrels hovered, plenty of attractive hedges from which I saw Weasels dart, and the fields were relatively small. A visit later in the season was on the agenda. Due to the vagaries of our climate, the chosen day in early July actually felt little different to the February visit. The temperature may have been a few degrees warmer, but the cold wind, this time a north-westerly, stole the sun’s warmth, and with it any sense of summer. Much remained the same - the soughing of the wind, Kestrels patrolling, Larks and Buntings singing, but this time the Larks stayed low down, facing into the strong wind, feathers edged with gold as the sun shone through splayed wings. The landscape looked very different in its new seasonal colours. They were softer and less contrasting, contours and boundaries were less harsh and geometric. Instead of ploughed earth, stubble and pale weather-beaten grass, there were fields of ripe barley, sun-bright or shadowed grey by passing clouds, and elsewhere the lively green of growing vegetation. Around the barley fields were wide margins full of grasses and wildflowers - among them Yellow Hawks-bit, Pink Rest-harrow and Common Mallow - even some red Poppies. Some fields of long grass and herbs were ready for a cut of hay. It must have been the mosaic of land use and apparent lack of chemicals that made the place so attractive. There was no chance of seeing any hares with all the cover available, but I did manage to see the Corn Buntings again. |
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