Saturday 19 February 2011

Snowdrops

We try to visit Cammo Country Park every February to see the snowdrops which are at their best in this lovely area. This year was no exception and we spent a lovely afternoon there today. The snowdrops aren't quite fully in bloom and will probably be at their absolute best in a few days time. For last year's snowdrop photo, click here.

As well as the wonderful snowdrops we were rewarded with lots of lovely birds too including quite a large flock of redwing, a few song thrushes singing, a goldcrest, three treecreepers (for some reason I've seen these birds everywhere this year, they're a shy, retiring bird and normally quite hard to see) a flock of goldfinches all calling beautifully from the top of a tree and a female chaffinch who was shouting very loud!

We also saw a lot of Auricularia auricula-judae probably best known as Jew's Ear fungus. There's a lot of this about in the woodlands of Edinburgh at the moment, despite it normally being a summer and autumn fungus. It doesn't look it, but it is edible (not that I've ever tried!).
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13 comments:

ren powell said...

We heard thrushes just a couple days ago, too. Thanks for the glimpse of spring...

Laura said...

today all we hear is the ceaseless wind...it's been howling since late last night...hours and hours of wind...but I am enjoying it...the randomness of the gusts, surprises me each time kicks up.

your photos are lovely.

Anonymous said...

We have a freezing wind blowing today, but the sun is bright. I am thinking spring is around the corner, and your photo proved it. Are the snow drops native there?

Titus said...

Great snowdrops, you're more advanced than we are. I am most taken with the fungus though - never seen that one before!

Anonymous said...

The first photo is stunning - no wonder they call them snowdrops.

Dartford Warbler said...

Our snowdrops are in full bloom in Dorset and Hampshire. Yours will not be far behind.

Oh said...

um, ok, no, that fungus does not look edible at all...guess it's just a matter of taste. It's a great picture, though. And I did the "click here" for the close up on the snowdrops and glad I did!

I have been in search of signs of spring here in the Midwest but so far, nothing particular.

However, two nights ago, in the glow of the full moon, our backyard which creates a rather large "park" with other backyards, was full of shadows which, at closer scrutiny, turned out to be 7 deer, lying there in the open moonlight, resting. It was beautiful, greatly because it was so unexpected.
They were there for several hours. I know because I was outside walking the dogs (very quietly)several times throughout the evening. And they were not afraid, not at all, thanks goodness!

RG said...

Thanks for the snow drops. Reminds me to go to the way-back where we have some and see how they are doing.

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Deb G said...

Snow drops are blooming here too, but we're going into another cold snap, below freezing at night. Sigh, I wanted to plant peas this weekend.

Marvin said...

The snowdrops are beautiful. Unfortunately, they don't grow well here because our summers are too hot for too long. They will only survive in well-shaded and moist locations.

Tammie Lee said...

snowdrops and crunchy ears, that is what I call a wonderful post!

Nicole said...

I love those snowdrops!
So many of them!
Gorgeous!