Hazel Catkin

The weather has at last turned half nice so I went out early.  The reserve, part of which has been closed for several days, is now extremely flooded - so much so that it's hard in places to know exactly what is path and what waterway.  The moorhens are swimming on the tracks and the river's lost its banks.  I did start going round the circuit - thank goodness for wellies - but not for long as folks from the Trust were there making decisions.  Yes, I got chucked out and the whole thing is now out-of-bounds for at least the next four to six days, all of which are going to be full of sunshine.  Rats!

So instead of birdlife, here is a hazel catkin looking all ready to puff it's pollen though not doing so as the tiny scarlet flowers are still tightly closed up.

Last night in some torrential rain the leak in the roof I had very expensively fixed last May came back with a vengeance and soaked a corner of the bathroom.  Oh hooray!  Still, the roofers are coming to look on Monday and will hopefully finish the job.  And I'm looking forward to a peaceful night.

Take care, dear blippers  xx

PS: I have just heard that both waxwings and pine martens have moved into Hampshire - how exciting..