Whetsted Gravel Pits

The Reed Buntings down at the Gravel Pits, Emberiza schoeniclus, is now in full breeding plumage, with the head cap now so black you cannot easily pick out its eye. In contrast the white lenticels on the dark alder bark show out very clearly indeed:

The Grey Sallows, Salix cinerea, there are getting going. The male catkins are now starting to protrude their anthers, and the male trees stand out brightly in the otherwise slightly dull landscape.