celandine

and here is the first celandine of the year, on a very sunny day with some warmth in the air. It seems very early for celandines, last year it was the first week in March before I saw any in the garden hedgerows ( see link), same cheerful flower. And there was a painted lady butterfly in the garden. This means that painted ladies are now out almost throughout the year as they are in the Tropics.

February mornings

at the end of our morning walk, Cassie bathed in sun and caked in mud.

an early bee

there were a lot of bees on the mahonia including several very large bumble bees. Early February? Or are we just seeing more because we are getting worried?

thumper

Normally grey squirrels in the woods are very shy. This big fat chap was making odd mewing noises, and didn't flinch until I was about 20 feet away. I have never heard a squirrel make such an odd noise. I guess he was marking out his territory or suffering from indigestion.

spring rising

a mistle thrush full of song

quicksilver

the river flowing like quicksilver this evening