Author: David

Mezereum (also call  daphne mezereum, mezereon, February daphne, spurge laurel or spurge olive) in full flower in a front garden.

As I walked around West Park, I first heard the raucous cries. Several parakeets were around, being very vocal.

Then I spotted groups flying around from tree to tree. There were perhaps five or six birds in each groups, with at least two groups heading in different directions being in the air at the same time.

There was no way I could manage to get pictures of this activity.

Then I spotted these two birds high in an alder. They were interacting, probably a pair. They were also busy, industriously eating the young buds on the tree.

Cherry-plum, one of the first bushes and trees to flower in the early spring. This one was by the footpath along the Penk at Perton.

A carrion crow, safe on a high branch in West Park, spending some time taking thorough care of its feathers.

The two islands, each in the middle of one of the lobes in the lake in West Park. Well-wooded refuges for the resident birds.

A pair of magpies carefully search in short grass, finding plenty to snack on.