Hazel Catkins

Hazel, Corylus avellana  is always one of the earliest things to come into flower, but it still comes as a surprise to see fully developed catkins like these so early in January.  Yesterday was lovely spring-like day and Robins were singing, Chaffinches were 'pinking' and Great tits calling 'teacher, teacher'.  Near Nore Folly seven Buzzards were making the most of the sunshine and soaring on a thermal and we caught a glimpse of a butterfly (to brief to identify it) and a hoverfly which at first we thought was a bumble bee.  All of these are false signs of spring and no doubt we will return to winter conditions shortly.