Teasels

Although it has become bitterly cold the day length is improving all the time and wind and weather are clearing away the remains of last year's dead growth. These teasels seem to be tougher than most of the surrounding vegetation and haven't succumbed yet. The goldfinches have probably long since stripped them of seeds, although I can't recall seeing any on this group of plants, and I've passed by here often enough this winter. 

It's a battle at the moment between improving light levels and Siberian winds, and the winds seem to be winning for now.