The Blackbird knows

Well! So much for storm Freya, nothing happened on the Wirral. Bit of wind and some horizontal hail and rain for 10mins, just enough to flatten the poor daffodils and crocus. In my book just ordinary February/ March weather.

All things yellow and white are ablaze.   Daffodils taking over from rain beaten crocus and hedgerows illuminated with blackthorn and early flowing crab apple and cherry.

 

 


Yet another  storm 'Gareth' was admittedly a bit more prolonged and dramatic,  giving us over a  week of persistent rain and dangerous winds.  The winds kept me away from the woodland for 10 days longer than usual. 
Will try again this soggy coming week.  This coming week,  says the blackbird, with his  evening song, ( who has been silent for the last 10 days) is going to be mellow and fine.  Having said that he has valiantly  kept up a short dawn chorus despite.

 
All the geese have left for their different breeding grounds north, closely followed by lapwings.  The prevailing winds that take them northwards brings the Swallows, Martins and Swifts up from their wintering grounds in Africa.  

The marsh is much quieter, but with the spring high tides reaching Parkgate, many Kites, Owls and Harriers are on display for the many observers who visit from all over the country. Unfortunately several of the public events had to be cancelled due to the high winds

 It was great weather for rust printing as long as a weather! eye was kept on it from drowning.  Part of the secret is when to take the whole apparatus inside to dry out.  It is also vital when to know to peel off, so as to get the best impression. Managed to acquire several vibrant pieces for new book work. I particularly like the honeycomb structures in the sample below,  formed by the excessive moisture.