Catkins

I think these are hazel catkins but, then again, they could be alder. Anyway, they are a sign that spring is not far away and I love to see them in late winter. Along with pussy willows, they remind me of school days when I was very young.
We came across them on our usual Saturday morning walk up the hill behind the village and along the road to the farm. Usually we meet two riders out exercising their beautiful horses and quite a few men in lycra steaming along on their bikes. They are all very friendly but I do wish they would put bells of something that sounds on their bikes as they can be a bit dangerous as they approach at speed from behind!