Spring-like

The weather these last couple of days, has improved somewhat. So yesterday, we set out for a stroll to Straw's Bridge with the sun shining and the birds singing. Bright, sunny days in winter usually mean frosty mornings and although not exactly frosty, it was certainly a bit colder than of late.

The hedgerows are beginning to bloom with Blackthorn blossom which always gives good value but this year, being so much earlier than usual and seen against a beautiful blue sky, it looks fabulous.

We were not the only ones to appreciate the blooming Blackthorn. As we walked past, a glorious, male Bullfinch was busy helping himself to the flower buds.

Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) are famous for their love of flower buds. As a result, they have had rather a strained relationship with growers of fruit trees in particular.

The female Bullfinch is rather drab in colour compared to the more flashy male bird. Indeed, it is often said that British birds are a little dull compared with some of the more exotic species to be found around the world. But, what could be more spectacular than a male Bullfinch in full fig such as this one?

Simply beautiful!