Thursday 28 February 2013

Hawk sighting

The little birds at the feeder across the street were making such a fuss the other day that it drew me to the window. It was all about a young hawk that had perched nearby. Of course I ran for the camera and took several photos, gradually edging closer. I had to discard most of them because of intervening branches, but when the bird moved into a large maple, I did get one opportunity for a reasonable shot before it flew away.






Hawk sighting

The little birds at the feeder across the street were making such a fuss the other day that it drew me to the window. It was all about a young hawk that had perched nearby. Of course I ran for the camera and took several photos, gradually edging closer. I had to discard most of them because of intervening branches, but when the bird moved into a large maple, I did get one opportunity for a reasonable shot before it flew away.


Signs of Spring At Last

It's been a couple of months since I added to this blog. There's been nothing eventful to report on either house or garden. However, in spite of one of the gloomiest Februaries I can remember, there's finally a bit of action in the garden.

Snowdrops are out regardless of the rain.







And snow crocus are popping up too, although I've had to wait many days for an opportunity to photograph them with open flowers.

This is Crocus sieberi 'Firefly':





When 'Firefly' opens, it will reveal its deep orange stamens that are, I assume, the reason for its name.



And this is Crocus chrysanthus 'Gipsy Girl':







One of the best things about 'Gipsy Girl' is that when the petals fold up in cloudy weather, those tiger stripes on the undersides become more visible. This makes it a great choice for climates where the sun rarely shines in February.

Hellebores are already preparing to take over as the stars of the late winter garden.  We are promised sunny weather on the coming weekend, which should give them the encouragement they need.


Signs of Spring At Last

It's been a couple of months since I added to this blog. There's been nothing eventful to report on either house or garden. However, in spite of one of the gloomiest Februaries I can remember, there's finally a bit of action in the garden.
Snowdrops are out regardless of the rain.


And snow crocus are popping up too, although I've had to wait many days for an opportunity to photograph them with open flowers.
This is Crocus sieberi 'Firefly':

When 'Firefly' opens, it will reveal its deep orange stamens that are, I assume, the reason for its name.

And this is Crocus chrysanthus 'Gipsy Girl':


One of the best things about 'Gipsy Girl' is that when the petals fold up in cloudy weather, those tiger stripes on the undersides become more visible. This makes it a great choice for climates where the sun rarely shines in February.
Hellebores are already preparing to take over as the stars of the late winter garden.  We are promised sunny weather on the coming weekend, which should give them the encouragement they need.