A little overcast on the Hill today, but amazing to see how dry the ground is already. Bumped into a lovely healthy looking fox along the main path, I guess I was down-wind, as he nonchalantly strolled into the scrub.
The ponies were at the top of the site, all trying to eek out any shoots of grass from the dusty path. Only Kat gave up and started on the hawthorn/blackthorn. They all looked well, no issues with flies or watering eyes.
Another lovely day. Ponies found amongst the hawthorn on the lower slopes.
Gorgeous day on the Hill, and the ponies were a short way up the main path, eating the new shoots or attacking the blackthorn. All looking well, and the flies not too much of a problem, although there were a lot of midges (or something?).
Beautiful sunny morning and the ponies were about 100m along the top path, happily grazing and munching on hawthorn. They all looked well.
Nice whitethroat displaying.
4 ponies were near the top gate. Not trying to browse through the fence. Hoopy has some mangey patches and tried to nip me. The others looked well and happy. Both troughs full. Noticed some fly tipp over the road.
Late to the Hill today, and no sign of the ponies. Not at the top, nor along the top path, or the main path, or just along from the corral. Presumably they were down in the far corner, but ran out of time to check.
To confirm ponies not seen today. Sorry.
Gorgeous sunny day on the Hill, butterflies flitting around, and no trace of rain. The ponies were at the top end again, grazing along the main path and way too busy to stop to say Hello. They all looked well, Kat is looking very sleek, to me Hoopy looked well (the coat is a bit patchy around her brandings).
4 ponies were lying down near the top gate. I see what you mean about Hoopy's skin patches. She wasn't scratching but those areas did twitch a bit. She looks somewhat dejected. Other than that they all seemed fine.
Calm day on the Hill with a bit of a chill in the air. As I entered the site a Red Kite swooped down to check me out, seemed quite small, so a youngster? Found three of the ponies about 200 metres up the main path, all very calm and focused. Couldn't find the Boss (Doune) for a while, looks like she was bringing up the rear but in amongst the scrub. She was fine though. Looks like lots of cowslips on the way up.
Ponies happily grazing on the main track. All looking well and enjoying fresh green shoots.
Sunny but windy on the Hill today. Found the ponies at the top of the site getting slightly wind swept, but at least no flies. They were a bit huddled together and not looking overly welcoming of company, but other than that all seemed okay.
All the ponies were conveniently by the corral:
4 ponies were on the track near the top. Quite frisky, all looked well. Both troughs full, a bit skanky.
Lovely morning on the Hill with a bit of breezy chill going on. On the way to the top of the site stopped to watch a pair of stunning Kites soar over the Hill. The ponies were at the top end of the site on the top of the main path. They were busy eating, breakfast I assume, so not really in any rush to greet me. Hoopy's branding is starting to show through, and Doune's black spot is visible again too. And unfortunately I have to report that the flies are back in force. Other than the discomfort of that they all looked well.
Lots of butterflies around, well Brimstones mostly, a pair of blues and my first Orange Tip of the year.
Also the top trough is looking a little like pea soup, with the lower one only a little better.
A bit blustery up on the Hill, but managed to avoid the rain. The ponies were at the top of the site, the three dark brown girls were surrounding Flam who was laying down. No problem as far as I could see, she was looking well and was happy to sniff my hand. All looking well, Hoopy still a little muddy and dusty.
Quite a chilly morning. All 4 ponies were about 100m west of the top gate and close to the Morestead Rd. 3 looked very sleepy:
3 mewing buzzards overhead while I was with the ponies, and then a small flock of linnets flew over. Blackcaps singing, but no other migrants yet. Southern Water's 'lake' has indeed vanished.
4 ponies were on the main track near the clump. All looked well, grazing and browsing. Hoopy tried nipping Stephen's sleeve, no harm done. Bottom trough was full. Lake is shrinking.
