It's been a glorious spring this year, but I don't think anything provides as big a lift as the arrival of ducklings.

This morning, in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe in North Devon, I heard ducks squabbling down in the East Wilder Brook as it passes under a small bridge. I looked over the fence and saw a mother duck and her fleet of ducklings. Unfortunately, there were three male ducks trying to mate with her, explaining the noise as she fought them off.

Some blurred photos, taken with zoom lens while hanging over a fence with two spaniels on leads . . .

One of the park-keepers said they were born on Sunday. I counted 12. Before I could take any more photos, they swam under the bridge.

Meanwhile, back on the duck pond, this pair were doing some serious courting and a bit more when they weren't being interrupted by other jealous suitors . . .

Expect more ducklings!

I have to take my camera because there is something new every day.

This morning I saw bluebells flowering in Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon . . .

The magnolias are also blooming too in a variety of colours . . .

It's a wonderful spring for blossom. All the trees are heavy with petals . . .

All we need now are lots of ducklings on the pond!

Well, on camera, anyway.

This pigeon landed in a tree in Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon, looking very pleased with himself. He had a twig or something similar in his beak, possibly nesting material.

He seemed to think he could not be seen, but I had my camera . . .

I think he spotted me and didn't look very pleased . . .

. . . but he was up in the tree and I was on the ground where no one could reach him.

I took his photo, thanked him, then walked on.

What a bright, sunny morning and so clear!

The daffodils in Bicclescombe Park just get better each day and I couldn't resist taking a few close-up photos.

There's nothing more full of life to bring us cheer!

It feels and looks like spring in the park as everything wakes up.

The daffodils are blazing across the grassy banks . . .

. . . although the snowdrops are a little more subtle . . .

Even a robin sits in a magnolia tree to survey the park . . .

. . . and the ducks are pairing up and getting frisky.

Spring's arriving.

Just added some blossom . . .

 

I couldn't have asked for a lovelier morning.

At Bicclescombe Park Ilfracombe, North Devon, the sun seemed to want to play tennis . . .

. . . while a sleepy pigeon blinked in the bright morning light.

The trees are blushing with blossom . . .

. . . and the Wilder Brook in full flow.

In the distance, sheep are grazing on the Torrs . . .

. . . while the sun lit up the Round House on the Cairn.

What a great way to start the week!

The alarm clock seems to have gone off for many plants which are springing to life.

At Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon, we have blossom on trees, blooming daffodils and snowdrops in flower.

In our garden the chives, mint and lemon balm are waking up.

Camellias, fuschias and hyacinths are also emerging . . . . . . and crocuses and heather are blooming.

A wonderful time of year.

 

Last weekend, this chap (or girl) arrived.

At first, he didn't appear to be accepted by the other ducks and was hiding in a bush, but now he is swimming with all the other ducks in the duck pond.

What do the other ducks think about the new muscovy duck?

This duck appeared quite happy . . .

 

Everywhere I look I see patterns in the frost and cold.

Here are just a few from Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe, North Devon.

The recent rains have fuelled the streams and rivers in North Devon. Travelling from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple this past week has involved driving through flooded roads and lanes, whichever route was chosen.

In Bicclescombe Park, the East Wilder Brook is flowing fast and I was reminded of some video footage I took in July 2009. I've just looked it out and uploaded it.

The park is always an interesting place at any time of year. Most of the time the brook, the millstream it feeds and the duck pond and boating lake are peaceful and still, but when the torrents rush down from the hills to the sea, the turbulence is impressive.

It is easy to see why the mill, now tea rooms, was built here and I wonder why we no longer use this source of energy.