Early blossom

Early can be a relative term when it comes to spring flowering blossom. However, when I see a tree (or trees) in full blossom towards the end of February I think of them as early regardless of whether or not they are usually in flower at this time.

The pink blossom is (I think) a Taiwan cherry. The white blossom is blackthorn. The former was in a spot that experiences quite a bit of shadow on a late February day but the blackthorn was in a protected, south-facing location. Consequently I think the cherry was probably flowering around the usual time but the blackthorn was earlier than usual.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Peacock butterfly on blackthorn

One of the problems of running more than one camera is keeping up with the shots you take because, of course, there are multiple memory cards to manage. Today's photograph is a recent one that I'd have posted earlier if I'd remembered I'd taken it. In these coronavirus times a colourful, uplifting shot carries more weight than it might otherwise. Butterflies seem more abundant this spring though I have no hard evidence to support my feeling. Peacocks in particular are everywhere and this one minded my presence rather less than usual.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P900

Blackthorn blossom

Last year spring came late. This year it is here much earlier. Hawthorn hedges have been showing green leaves for a couple of weeks already and the beginnings of flower buds can be seen. We even saw a few early bluebells on 26th March. As for the early flowering blackthorn (Prunus spinoza) such is the weight of blossom already on view you could be forgiven for thinking it is trying to outdo the snow-like covering usually associated with hawthorn in May. It should produce a wonderful crop of sloe berries.


photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100