Pigeon Pair - December 2017
Spring was most definitely in the air during my photo shoot on Boxing Day morning this week. It was a beautiful cold winter morning and there was plenty of avian activity to observe.
This pair of Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) were never more than a couple of feet apart, and while I'm not certain whether they are a pair or not, it wouldn't surprise me if they were.
Mr. Blackbird - December 2017
There seemed to be a disproportionate number of male Blackbirds (Turdus merula) showing off in the garden...
Mrs. Blackbird - December 2017
...but there were a few females around, paying them some attention.
Soaring Crow - December 2017
Meanwhile, this Crow (Corvid) soared overhead, keeping a close eye on the garden lawn, that had pieces of bread scattered across it.
House Sparrow - December 2017
There were also plenty of little House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) waiting in the hedgerows for an opportunity to sneak in and grab some bread.
Blurry Bird - December 2017
The Feral Pigeons were much bolder in their approach to feeding, swooping down at every opportunity to snatch a breadcrumb or two.
Winter Honeysuckle - December 2017
My search for floral subjects wasn't very fruitful this week, with this Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) being the only bush I could find in flower.
Holly Points - December 2017
I was very disappointed that the Holly (Ilex) bushes hadn't produced any berries, as they were in blossom a few weeks ago. I can only guess that the frost must have intervened.
Rhododendron Bud - December 2017
At least the Rhododendron...
Camellia Buds - December 2017
...and Camellia bushes looked like they'd be producing a bumper crop of blooms this Springtime!
So, this week I chose Pigeon Pair as my Image of the Week, mostly because I enjoyed watching the pair interact with each other...