Energies

The energy displayed in sound waves coming from the newly arrived warblers has to be heard to be believed. It is one of the wonders of Blacka. And it is caused by this:

Once upon a time there would have been none of the warbling phenomenon because Blacka was predominantly heathland a word meaning artificially managed to stop trees growing. When that artificial management declined and ceased the trees returned and with them the songbirds and others that love woodland. Great news for those of us who are captivated by the Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps etc.

Once at a RAG meeting a conservationist with an avian interest  summarised the results of his bird observations on Blacka. It was mostly gloom: a lot of the birds that *should be* here were absent or in decline he said due to lack of management. He chose to focus on the Red Grouse which he said had not bred on Blacka for many years. Adopting the role of an innocent layman I plucked up courage to offer a mild challenge. "As some species have declined" I said, "have any species been succeeding while this has happened". He pouted, looked thoughtful and then said "Wrens" with something of a disapproving expression clearly having a low opinion of these little birds. This was just one more example of the dishonesty of local conservation people. So many birds have benefited from the re-colonisation of trees on Blacka, especially the warblers already mentioned.

We expect Blacka's trees to be behind those on lower land in recognising spring. But there's a huge difference within a few paces.

This one is the most advanced birch. Nearby some show almost no greenery.