I find this little plantation a bit creepy. Not for any kind of logical reason. Suspect the trees are poplars of some flavour, but don't quote me on that. There aren't many deciduous plantations of single tree varieties about here. This may be the only one, or only one of a non-local species. Perhaps it's just the unusual aspect of it I don't like. It certainly looks out of place, to my eye. Most other deciduous trees grow all-over the place - in a more random manner. These things look like clones.

[Edit: just noticed a Blip from the 9th of April last year. This same plantation is on the bottom right of the photo, and was breaking out into leaf. It'll be a bit later this year...]

Countryside is continuing to look distinctly drab. Due in part to the prolonged cold spell. There was an inch of snow this morning. Despite more snow falling nearly all day, the stuff on the ground all melted away.

Was out for a short walk, that became a fair bit longer. Over six miles, and a good couple of hours. A couple of large flocks of Pink-footed Geese were noted. Plenty of Red Kites, and Buzzards. Oddles of (released) Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges. A pair of Common Partridges was nice to see for a change. Signs of Spring were the aforementioned being paired off, likewise for various Mallard. A solitary Shelduck was a surprise, some miles from the coast. Small flock of Meadow Pipits may indicate some of the smaller species moving North, or inland, even with it still being so cold. Big flock of finches near home. Mainly Chaffinches, and Siskins.

That should be enough to keep any Twitchers content... apart from the complete lack of rarities, or photographic evidence.

Noted a dust spot on this camera's sensor yesterday, or rather, on the photos produced by it. A quick check revealed there are a few other little ones too. Not really noticeable with apertures wider than f/8, but a cleaning is in order. Soon-ish. D700 has a single one that needs zapped too. Likewise that only starts to show around f/11 and smaller. Not values I use much, so no urgency.