Blue Hour

As a norm I get quite depressed around Christmas because with no public transport it is impossible to go anywhere.  Christmas Eve is usually bang smack in the middle of a named storm and getting to church is mostly a  major logistical effort....  BUT not this year.  Christmas Eve was the nicest day we had had in several weeks.  Dawned in fog and mist that slowly lifted to blue sky and warm sunshine leaving tiny jewels of moisture hanging on the ends of twigs in naked trees. 

The trees are not that bare though,  as they  burst with spring buds and shoots ready for the warmth of spring. Colours still abound with young oaks draped in golden brown leaves and the occassional wildflower lingering  in sheltered places.   Nests are already being done up and on good days groups 40+ Woodpigeons are  hanging out together in the glow of a permanently setting sun enjoying the warmth and companionship.
 

K

Much to my disgust I have given in and started a 'TWITTER' account.  After much initial resistance it turns out to be a very interesting immediate source of up to date information, provided I am very careful who I follow.   At the moment it is restricted to nature, woodland and landscape art  sites, with occassional interesting individuals such as nature writers. I have also discovered  it is possible to hold personal conversations of a general matter regarding books and articles with their authors.


 

Robert Macfarlene does a daily 'Lost Word'  post on Twitter  which I now follow. eg.  
"Blue Hour"
'period of twilight when the sun has just slipped below the horizon............the blurring of edges of things......softness, sadness.'


In this season of perpetual twilight where the sun is settled close to the horizon all day  there are some wonderful opportunities for low light photography.



 Whilst watching murmmarations of lapwings over the marshes at Parkgate I nearly missed the Hen Harrier sitting and chilling in the tree above me.