David

The furry-looking catkins of the pussy willow.

A bluetit taking a pause while eating from a peanut feeder.

One of the few fungi which carries on growing even in the cold season. It grows directly from the trunks of deciduous trees, here a horse chestnut.

These frogs and frogspawn were in a corner of the pool in Wightwick Manor garden.

The one below seemed to be trying to have a staring contest with me.

There were a lot of frogs, and lots of spawn.

Now some of the lesser celandines have fully opened up.

At this time of year magpies gather into large groups and socialise.

Whatever they are up to, it involves lively interactions between them.

They fly about frequently to make an impression.

In bright light to becomes possible to see that the black in their plumage can appear as other brilliant colours.

Another tree preparing fresh growth for the new year.

Another sign yet of spring – daisies are now coming into bloom.

In a few weeks, the flowers will be giving their delicate scent to the air.

For the moment, the broad leaves are gathering as much sunlight as they can.

More signs of spring. This was the first dandelion I saw this year.