Dol y Moch Weather Data
Month / Year
|
April 2013
|
Days of precipitation
|
18
|
Total precipitation mm.
|
83.6
|
Maximum precipitation mm.
|
21.01 (14th)
|
Average temperature 0C
|
7.4
|
Maximum temperature 0C
|
20.3 (30th)
|
Minimum temperature 0C
|
-4.6 (6th)
|
Average wind speed mph.
|
2.5
|
Maximum wind speed mph.
|
35 (17th)
|
Dominant wind direction
|
W
|
The weather records for April show that the month was relatively dry with a total rainfall of 83.6 mm. Compare this with 267.4 mm. which was the total for June 2012. There were 12 dry days in April most occurring early in the month when the wind was a cold north easterly.During this period the Dol y Moch weather station recorded 8 days where the temperature dipped below freezing.The change to a westerly airflow at the end of the second week brought warmer moist conditions.
As we approach the end of May the countryside is heavy with blossom and leaf green.Over the last couple of weeks I have watched a local hay meadow change colour from green to a mix of yellow,pink and red as Buttercups,Cuckoo Flowers and Red Clover come into bloom.These wild flowers and grasses make a lovely scented hay crop which the local cattle relish. The wild flowers also feed the huge variety of insects which feed on the leaves, pollen and nectar.Small Whites,Orange-Tip and Green-veined White butterflies can be seen fluttering over the hay meadow feeding on nectar.
If you have been out in the countryside lately you might have come across swarms of Saint Mark's Flies buzzing ponderously a round hedgerows and trees.These flies are easily identified by their black hairy appearance and their long legs which dangle beneath their body as they fly.Their saintly name derives from the date they generally appear.....Saint Mark's Day, 26th April.I think they were a little late this year as I did not see them until the 19th May! A much more impressive yet similarly harmless insect on the wing at the moment is the May-bug also called a Cockchafer.
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| May-bug or Cockchafer |
Children from Parkgate Primary School encountered the May-bug during their recent trip to Dol y Moch.The night flying May-bugs usually make their presence known by crashing into the dormitory windows at night, being attracted by the light.
Many birds are now busy incubating eggs or feeding chicks.Seven of our 12 nest boxes are occupied, five by Blue Tits. A nest box that has been used by Nuthatches for the past three years contains 4-5 chicks that are almost ready to fly and can be seen peering out of their box ( see photo).
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| Nuthatch chick |
