Sunshine!

Sunshine has been in very short supply of late. So, it was nice to be out about this morning, enjoying some early Spring sun. The hedgerows are already bursting with Blackthorn blossom, here, along the Nutbrook Trail, as we headed towards Straw's Bridge.

There are always a few Bullfinches flitting along this stretch of hedgerow, but they are so shy, it is impossible to get a picture. So, instead, we have to make do with the frothy white flowers...

in their thousands! A few days ago, the same blossom, was being taken advantage of by a colony of Honey Bees from a hole in a nearby Alder tree, unusually active for this time of year, but making the most of a warmer spell. This morning however, it was far too chilly for the bees to be out and about.

Further along, there were a few clumps of Snowdrops, flowering alongside the old Nutbrook Canal.

And another.

At Straw's Bridge, all the usual suspects, were there. The swans were busy feeding on seed at the water's edge, a Cormorant was drying itself on an island and several Pochard were diving for their breakfast. The Greylags were occupied with preening and general feather maintenance.

Everywhere is still suffering from the recent heavy rains, so it was a little tricky picking our way through the mud and puddles. But for once, it was nice to get out without getting rained on!

Odds and Ends

With the weather continuing to throw plenty at us, it was nice to get out and about again this morning, for a walk through Shipley Park. But, no matter what the weather, the Highland Cattle can always be relied upon to put a brave face on things.

Amongst the trees on Shipley Hill, the Snowdrops are all now in full swing.

They're always good value at this time of year, even in foul weather, but especially on a sunny morning like this.

Back home, the birds are busy eating their way through about a ton of bird seed a day. The Sparrows swoop in and take what they can before the 'heavy mob' turn up!

We seem to have rather more than our share of Woodpigeons at the moment and although they are stunningly beautiful birds, they do however, make short work of the seed.

One last picture for today and this one is from a couple of evenings ago, when the clear sky meant we had a great view of the very bright moon.

Bright and Beautiful

It was one of those bright, clear and frosty mornings today, so Malcolm and I, set off for our usual morning walk, well wrapped up against the cold. Sunshine has been in very short supply of late, so it was lovely to see blue skies this morning.

The remnants of some early fog, were hanging about the trees and as we got to Shiply Hill, it made for quite a light show.

With a little digital manipulation too!

Nottingham Lodge was looking a little frosty too, although, not quite as much as this, from a couple of weeks ago.

The Snowdrops are beginning to put on their annual show. These were looking particularly good, under the trees, in a patch of deep shade on the other side of the Suffragette wall.

There are a few Gorse bushes in flower too. This one was adding a splash of colour to Slack Lane near Mapperley Village.

Heading back home, we stood for a few moments to watch the Highland Cattle as they breakfasted on some fresh hay, oblivious to the chilly conditions.