Out and About on a Sunny Day

The Roe Deer have been seen again and some more photographs taken.  There could have been a great one yesterday as Ann waited for five to come closer before taking a photograph, unfortunately she had help.  The deer were not very keen on Clemmie, the Boxer, who decided that Ann needed some help! 

There were ripples on the pond surface as the Water Vole slid back into the water.  Their foot prints were seen in the clay, in the mink raft.  A Stoat was seen in the Scrapes.  Brambling were in the back garden.

Earlier in the week the ice was thick enough for the Mallards to walk on.

Although we have now had two days where the temperature has risen, much of the lake is still covered in ice.  Some of the Mallards were seen on the wetland and one was under the feeders.

As the temperature rose, the bees from the hive took short flights outside.

Brian photographed this Bulrush that was just beginning to release it seeds.

The seeds are tiny and are dispersed by the wind.

At this time of year we are all keeping our eyes open for the first signs of spring, even though we know it is a few weeks away.  Primrose has been recorded and Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage passed the flower test and was noted on the Observation Board today.  Surprisingly, one Hazel tree not only had its catkins open to release its pollen, but also the tiny red female flowers.  

And finally, as Brian walked through the reed bed with the sun low and the temperature just beginning to drop he photographed the reeds against the blue sky.