Catkins (and leaf buds): pussy willow

Catkins (and leaf buds): pussy willow

Catkins on one of the twigs of a pussy willow bush: the male catkins with yellow tips of the pollen to be released into the wind. Also beginning to open, the buds of the leaves.

Disturbed (godwits)

Disturbed (godwits)

Flock of godwits, mainly and prehaps entirely the black-tailed species, flying around over the RSPB reserve at Bowling Green Marsh. They had been disturbed by two or three carrion crows which can been seen mixing with their number in some of the pictures.

Meanwhile, other birds including shelducks and redshanks remained unfazed on the islet the godwits had been using.

Swan courtship display, Exeter Quays

Swan courtship display, Exeter Quays

The intricate synchronised dance of a swan courtship display on the Exe at the Exeter Quays. As far as I could tell, the swans were actually mating when I noticed them (first picture), and then performed (repeated?) the courtship routine.