Winter flowers

I decided to walk a figure of eight from home this morning, with Risley Moss the furthest point. I had however forgotten that the Moss is closed on Fridays, so that part of the circuit must wait another time.

I came across a Hazel bush with the male catkins open, but couldn’t see any little female flowers. However, further on I came across another bush with lots of the tiny red flowers, and the catkins (which are technically also flowers) closed. Being wind pollinators the plants avoid self-pollination by ensuring that the female and male parts open at different times.

It didn’t feel as cold today, although I was well wrapped up so it was probably colder than I thought. The Science Park pond was partly iced over, the ice providing a platform for both gulls and moorhens. The latter were moving around gingerly, taking care where to place their enormous feet (extra)