The bluebells on the north and east sides of Hillsborough, Ilfracombe, North Devon are astounding at the moment.

To see them:

• walk from the harbour round to Hillsborough
• go via the car park by the swimming pool
• climb the cliff steps from Hele Bay

The best displays are on the north side, which faces the sea. The paths are quite steep, but the views are worth it.

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!

We also accidentally woke up this chap . . .

. . . a peacock butterfly.

He did not seem to happy to be woken up and 'buzzed' at us by rubbing his wings together.

What to do? We had removed his winter sleeping quarters.

Now you see him . . .

Now you don't . . .

We moved him outside into the sun on to a honeysuckle box hedge . . .

. . . where he woke up and then flew away.

Hopefully, it's mild enough here in Ilfracombe, North Devon for him to survive. Apparently, they live for up to a year.

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 . . .

 

Pussy willow is bursting out again. It amazes me every year.

And other trees are producing leaves and shoots too.

Something new appears every day at this time of year.

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!

As well as uncovering its ancient historic past as a hill fort, the work clearing vegetation from Hillsborough is making it easier to appreciate different views of Ilfracombe, North Devon, especially the harbour.

We were up there this afternoon in glorious sunshine and, luckily, had my camera with me. I should have taken a tripod as a northerly wind off the sea made it difficult to hold the camera steady. Nevertheless I hope these photos give an idea . . .

It's good to see construction of steps to make the paths easier to climb. All in all, it is making Hillsborough not only more interesting, but even more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.