It may feel like autumn but spring cannot be stopped. Snake’s head fritillaries abound.
These delicate flowers are a blink and you miss it affair so I was thrilled to find clumps growing together like this, as yet undamaged by the seemingly endless rain.
I am so lucky and today was so great.
So, last week was hard. Maybe this week will be too. Migraines are kicking me hard and I am treading water, trying to stay positive and, most of all, trying to keep going.
I did not anticipate the start of this year being so full of illness (of all kinds, take your pick) but also so distractingly full of incredible wildlife encounters. As a result, I have not finished my novel as planned. Instead of getting despondent I am giving myself a deadline – the next draft must be finished by the end of April. I feel good just writing that because it’s doable but it means I need to stop letting myself be pulled in a hundred directions and focus more of my healthy time on editing. I can definitely do that.
Doesn’t mean I won’t be getting out and enjoying spring though! Not a chance.
There is something incredibly special about seeing the first ducklings of the year. Today was that day, ten little ones snoozing in the sun, shadowing each other and stealing my heart.
Spring is here!
March 18th?! How is that even possible? The months are racing by. Still editing my novel and trying to fit in as much creative time as possible.
More snow this weekend has put a temporary hold on spring but there’s been so much to see in the last few weeks.
I’ve seen all sorts of unusual behaviour from wildlife trying to deal with this cold snap but this robin definitely takes the prize for boldness.
I actually thought it was going to hop on my shoe at one point, so desperate was it to persuade me to give up the goods. I hope it was more successful in its hunts after I left.
My first ever redpoll!
What a view, and a what a truly stunning little bird.
Truly a master of camouflage. Managed to snap this shot before the bittern skulked deeper into the reeds.
After a tip off, I decided to go on an unfamiliar riverside walk. Fifteen minutes in and there was a flash of blue. My son and I followed it to find a kingfisher perched on a delicate branch. We watched it for a few minutes and then off it flew.
Absolutely delighted to get such a good view and managing to snap a photo was icing on the cake.
It’s been a while since I went on a fungi foray. This one, admittedly, was accidental but it produced some beauties.
I only remember one of the names (turkey tail!). Must get better at learning and remembering the species I see regularly.
Ocelot Creative Works 