Paxton Cormorants and Ducks

The cormorants already have the white patch on the body under the wing showing they are ready for breeding. Lots of Wigeon around pestering the Coots as they dived for food (kleptoparasitism). Also Tufted Ducks including one with a very snazzy beak 'Ring'  LVC3 I think

Flowers at Madingley Hall

We took a walk around Madingley Hall Gardens yesterday - the frost had gone but it was still chilly. However, lots of flowers are already in bloom. Some of these are expected like the Flowering cherry and Wych Hazel. Other species in bloom were Snowflake, Spurge Laurel, Snowflake, Mahonia, Garrya, Berberis, Hellebore, Jasmine, Iris, Aubretia, Aconite, Green Hellebore, Primrose and Strawberry

Frosty Walk with Full-spectrum Camera

We had a hard frost overnight which was great for walking the 'muddy' footpaths now rock solid and the frost patterns on the leaves were beautiful. A single Red Kite occupied the usual morning tree - hoping its mate is safe somewhere. These are images with the full spectrum camera with very little processing.

Under a Garden Log

As part of my project to record all the species in the garden, in winter I spend time photographing the fungi, mosses etc. Unfortunately a lot of them are very small stretching my macro capabilities. The first two are a couple of different crusts - very colorful with intricate scuplturing. I then located two very tiny slime mould fruiting bodies and a 3mm translucent white Spider/Harvestman plus other crusts and lichens. All will take some time (if ever to put a name to!!)

Hardwick Wood in Winter

 Due to the very thick mud on the paths, Hardwick Wood will be closed from Monday along with other Wildlife Trust woods in the area. After I had finished my usual Saturday morning coppicing session, I took a few images of the wood looking great in the winter sunshine (phone images). I love the way the trees just lie seemingly relaxed on the floor of the wood as mosses and fungi gradually cover them and eventually return them to the soil.