My own bit of frozen planet

Winter finally hit the south east this week with some serious frosts.   This morning's beautiful clear blue sky accompanied some of the lowest temperatures we've had since the spring, barely breaking 5 degrees on my outside thermometer.   Time to break the ice and take the tops of my ceramic bird baths in for shelter, but not before enjoying the beautiful ice shapes, patterns and reflections which formed in them.

Frosts at last - and a black cap

Last week we finally had a decent frost which set the last of the leaves falling and made things seem right again for the time of year.   At last everything is going into its winter retreat.

I was delighted to draw the curtains to see a black cap sitting next to a black bird on Saturday morning, then a chaffinch, a blue tit, sparrow, rook and red kite all in close succession.   But the black caps are my real favourites, the male with his smart black hat, the female with her pink blush cap.   I haven't seen them for the best part of a year.

Planted up the last tulips bulbs and enjoyed some rocket and land cress from the greenhouse.   Then put my feet up.   Seems like tie to hibernate now!