Early March Garden Colours.

We have had a few sunny days which has provided an opportunity for me to do some tidy up jobs in the garden after a wet, windy winter and to locate a few of the 'stars' that are on show at the present time. 

The Hellebore's are putting on a decent show but aren't the easiest to photograph when most of their faces are pointing towards the soil!

One of the few remaining Snowdrops still in flower is this Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno', a very familiar double variety.

Just a couple of Crocus still hanging on but other bulbs such as the numerous clumps of Leucojum vernum (Spring Snowflake) have continued to increase in volume year on year.

For many of my followers who are still having to contend with a long cold and snowy winter I hope it won't be too long before you soon see signs of Spring in your own gardens.  FAB.

White Nun.

One of the smallest sawbills is the compact and very shy Smew (Mergellus albellus) that breeds in the northern boreal forests of Scandinavia and Russia.. A few individuals migrate in the winter to regular sites in the South of England but are often difficult to locate. I have not been sucessful in finding one this winter so here are a few images taken during a stroll around the wildfowl collection at the London Wetland Centre (WWT) last week.

As you can see the male in full breeding plumage is very distinctive hence it is commonly known as the 'White Nun' and its appearance always reminds me of 'cracked ice'. Conversely the females and immatures are commonly known as 'redheads'.

 In anyone's language this has to be one of the most stunning little diving ducks.  FAB.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday hosted by Stewart. So click the link to view numerous other species from around the globe.

The Stealth Hunter.

Around the pond on my local patch all the Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) are extremely wary of any movement even when the watcher is nearly a hundred yards away but on Heron Pond in Bushy Park most of the individuals are far more tolerant.

So here are just a few of the many images taken last September of a  2nd year bird nearly into its adult plumage (distinguished by the almost white forehead and still some grey on its upper mandible) as it went about the task of searching the algae covered waters for a snack. Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday.

Its ability to stand motionless for ages is legendary but once the eyes lock on the prize the action is over in moment ... far too quick for my reflexes or maybe lack of concentration!

I think it is saying "Ok, your time is up ... now move on".  FAB.