Bullfinch...

.. A pair were flying around the garden today, I think this is the female.
We still have crispy snow on the ground; the blue sky gives a deceptive impression of warmth. 
A pair of blue tits were flying around too and I spotted a definite pair of mandarin ducks. Spring must be in the air?

The news is all most sobering.

(And we have a burst water pipe locally, so only trickles from the tap... The least of problems in the greater scheme). 

Still, even today some people have a birthday. 
Happy Birthday to those who do.