David

Leaf buds on an alder just about to open. Pictures taken on one of the frosty mornings a month ago.

Another rare (for me) actual sighting of parakeets in West Park, only a little while after seeing one of the birds investigating a hold in the trunk of one of the trees on the island.

This time, three of them were high in the branches of a tree almost directly above me, along with two or three magpies. The magpies were less than happy with the parakeets presence, but seemed to be having no effect on the intruders.

Crocuses seen when the flowers were just about to open. Most of these were growing in Bantock Park. One was in a front garden nearby.

Some of the local population of ring-necked parakeets have been regularly hanging round West Park recently, much more often heard than seen.

This one was flying between the different trees on the island opposite the Conservatory. Then it paused on one, and spent some time inspecting one of the holes in the trunk. Was it looking at a possible nest site?

I’m not sure whether the snowdrops in Bantock Park are succeeding in self-seeding, but the patches they are growing in seem to be gradually getting bigger every year.

More West Park birds searching among the frosted grass for something to eat during last month’s cold spell. This time it’s Canada geese, out in force. In amongst them, a couple of carrion crows are once again also on the hunt.