There were a few frosty mornings last week. Only Yarrow (Achilles millefolium) was still flowering around the bus stop.
Now the trees across the road are bare I enjoyed watching three grey squirrels run up and down trees, jumping from branch to branch. They ate from bird feeders alongside Magpies (Pica pica). Occasionally the squirrels flicked their tails when they sensed danger; sending a warning to the other squirrels and letting any predators know they’ve been seen.
On Monday I finally managed to obtain a photo of a Red kite (Milvus milvus).
It came down low enough for it to be identifiable in the photo above. I have been trying to get a reasonable photo of a Kite for ages so was very happy to capture one of these beautiful birds at last.
Even though winter is on its way there are signs that spring will arrive eventually too. I noticed buds on another of my favourite trees, the Star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) on Wednesday.
It will be ready to flower in March before the leaves appear. The Starlike shape of the white or pink flowers gives this tree it’s common name. Native to Japan this small tree fits nicely in a small garden.
Bee in the Moment 