Friday 27 February

Good Morning, it was cool and dry.

 The Heron was also waiting for the frogs behind the Top Lodge again

More open flowers on the Lesser Celandine - Ficaria verna

Still expecting the frogs as the weather is good this a favourite spot - The Channel from the Weir

Take Care

Thursday 26 February

No photos this morning rained all the way so a moss from Wednesday that has been ID for me

Very tiny and lovely name Swan's-neck Thyme-moss - Mnium hornum

Take Care

Wednesday 25 February

It had been damp overnight but we did our walk dry

Plenty on the rucks Darwin's Barberry - Berberis darwinii always a favourite.

The one I have in the back came either by bird or boot, it's still tiny but it flowered last year.

Darwin's Barberry - Berberis darwinii looks like it won't be long before we have flowers.

Take Care

Tuesday 24 February

Not a bad morning

I had just done a couple of videos of the bird table, when the male Blackbird arrived for the photo shoot so he had a photo taken

Take Care

Monday 23 February

Cold but another beautiful day

ID as a Bristle-moss - Orthotrichum

 Bristle-moss - Orthotrichum

All the time I was photographing the Moss this Charlie Robin was bobbing about, reminding me that I needed to feed him. They make me laugh - they are so cheeky.

Take Care

Sunday 22 February

Damp & cold this morning not many people about.

took a few photos mainly lichens and this one of the mussels

These are Swan Mussel - Anodonta cygnea they like freshwater, mainly lakes & rivers, they grow up to 6 inches and these were about that size, they are often added to waters to help clean up. The reason I have added them for the blog is the fact that they have been opened and eaten, there were a lot along the side of the lodge in this state, we were visited by an otter a few weeks ago and it caused some excitement, well for us anyway as they have been missing from our area for years - some have been seen further a field but they are moving and hopefully will become part of our environment again, the mussel is enjoyed by the otter so he/she may have returned.

Take Care

Saturday 21 February

The temperature was just on freezing this morning yet it felt well below because of the wind, once we were down in the valley it was two overcoats warmer.

The Young Swan was getting the rough treatment from the parents they want it gone, it was trying to avoid them and once again the wall of the lodge loomed in front - hope it gets away soon.

Take Care