Hazel Catkin ( Corylus avellana )

A very ropey blip, this is the penalty for taking shots and not checking them until the next day.  After 3372 days without missing a day, I am just going to post no matter the quality.

As I did my usual walk to the bins from the Lodge I passed this Hazel in a neighbour's garden.  As the catkins were starting to open I thought "signs of spring" a good blip.  Like a fool, I didn't check my settings so movement from the wind spoiled the shot.

Hazel are monoecious (have separate male and female flowers on the same plant.  Catkins are male, if I remember I will try to get a shot of the tiny unobtrusive female flowers next time I am there.