Greylag Filigree

A frosty morning gave way to a dull day. We spent the morning gazing out of the window for the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch before football in Roberts Park, after which we traipsed our mud through the Hockney galleries at Salts Mill.

The one hour bird count threw up eleven species this year, down one from last. A pair of linnets was the most exciting spot, and for once the ever present Black-headed gulls got counted, as one touched down on the telegraph pole that sits in our front garden. The full list: Blackbird 2, Black-headed Gull 1, Blue Tit 2, Carrion Crow 3, Collared Dove 1, Dunnock 2, Great Tit 1, House Sparrow 7, Linnet 2, Magpie 1, Robin 1 and Starling 22. Our resident Wren didn't show and the Goldfinches seem to have deserted us this year.

This Greylag Goose came later in the day, as we walked over the canal over to Saltaire. We're lucky to have all these Hockneys on our doorstep.

netted
in a filigree
of winter branches
a greylag goose
treads water