A very thin layer of snow covering the ground, with roads and footpaths clear. The West Park lakes, about half the water covered with ice. A clear blue sky, a bright morning sun, but a bitterly cold easterly wind in sub-zero temperatures.
Snow, falling lightly as these pictures were taken, makes life harder for feeding birds. Blackbirds probe the soil for invertebrates, and need to spend longer working at it when the ground is frozen.
Snow again, still falling when these pictures were taken. This time, one of the most persistent visitors to the birdseed feeders was a female squirrel. She was probably feeding young.
Robin grabbing a quick snack at a bird feeder. Despite the weather, the bird’s plumage looks in fine condition, ready for the breeding season. Whatever the weather, the season starts today, according to folklore (or perhaps fakelore).
Another look at some of the wintering tufted ducks on the lake at West Park.
Crocus flowering at Bantock Park. First week of this month. No snow, but the flowers wer splattered in mud from the frequent, heavy rain.
