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Reprise of Sizergh snowdrops and aconites

13/2/2023

1 Comment

 
PictureSnowdrops, Galanthus nivale
 
​Snowdrops and aconites are splendid in Sizergh gardens. Along our way are mossy banks and snowdrops with delicate green markings within the bell-shaped flower. Snowdrops cluster beneath the trees in the  orchard where  fieldfare ate windfalls in mid-December. A mossy stone wall has niche and crevice, as if inhabited by mice and vole, a thoroughfare for stoat. Here were dragonflies in summer.  

Willow catkins gleam in the morning sun and Sizergh gardens are fragrant with early spring flowers.  A strong perfume of Sarcoccoca confusa is unmistakeable and delicious. There are tiny cyclamen, crocus and hellebore.   A sole bee seeks nectar from the snowdrops.  ​
At Park End Moss geese flew in chevrons over the water, calling to each other as their formation formed and reformed.  An egret and a shag showed, with widgeon, teal and moorhen.  Tomorrow is St Valentine's Day and it marks the season when birds are in courtship pairs and in breeding plumage, their best finery.   A pair of mallard gave a display of courtship behaviour, rising in the water and the male then swimming around his female.
19th February and skylark are returned to Scout Scar for the breeding season.  Their calls are sotto voce at first, and tentative, as they settle in.  Soon, each  male will begin to establish a territory  and to seek a mate.  Then their wonderful display song will be heard.
1 Comment
an orienteer
17/2/2023 07:50:01 am

What wonderful images Jan has provided here, heralding the promise of Spring.
Maybe they resonate with us as this tiny flower survives despite winter's cold and dark.
Snowdrops, have an alternate common name of Candlemas Bells. Candlemas Day is 2nd February. Often as this year February is a month of cold, but brightening and lengthening days.
Snowdrops bring a lift in spirits. Their appearance is a sign of new growth and new beginnings. Of hope for the future.
Their flower structure ( brilliantly captured in these photographs ) of frills of white and subtle green echoes an alternate name for Candlemas, as does their dancing habit as they bob and sway in winter winds. I too had never heard of World Tutu Day, also 2nd February.
Which appropriately is also World Optimists Day!

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    Jan Wiltshire is a nature writer living in Cumbria. She also explores islands and coast and the wildlife experience. (See Home and My Books)

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