.........Snowdrops Galanthus usually have the stage to themselves,
but this year they are sharing a platform with other Spring plants who are also well through the ground.
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Snowdrops bravely face whatever weather is thrown at them, be it cold winds, rain, frost or being completely covered in snow.
The striking whiteness of their flowers together with the finely etched vivid green markings are delightful features found on most of the 19 species of snowdrops. I think that I can safely say that those of us who live in this northern hemisphere eagerly look forward to the Snowdrops arrival, particular now, when the celestial sphere is near its lowest point for us.
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Deep sleeps the Winter,
Cold, Wet, and grey;
Surely all the world is dead;
Spring is far away.
Wait! the world shall waken;
it is not dead, for lo,
The Fair maids of February
Stand in the snow!
Cicely Mary Barker
These attractive Bohemian Waxwings - Bombycilla garrulus have been delighting us for the past few days. A very large flock of them have been feasting on the glut of hawthorn berries found on the land surrounding our home. Word of these lovely birds arrival appeared to travel quickly and an influx of "twitchers" turned up armed with long lenses.
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Rather like the Short-eared Owls that recently arrived here in large numbers from Scandinavia, more Waxwings than usual have also travelled here seeking food. .png)
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