Hummingbird Hawk moth in February!

I was really excited to spot a Hummingbird Hawkmoth feeding on my Mahonia today.   Unfortunately, one of my pair of resident robins also had his eye on it.   Reminding me how remarkable nature is, just as the robin attacked, the moth beat a hasty retreat and they both shot off around different sides of the hedge into my neighbours' garden so I didn't see the outcome.   Moments later, the robin re-appeared, apparently still hungry so here's hoping the moth got away!

Mahonia flowers, like tiny daffodils

No pictures on this encounter but here's a shout for Mahonia which attract so much attention from both birds (mainly blue tits) and bees from January onwards when there is so little in flower - and it smells so good!   I consider them a must-have for any garden - especially near a window where you can watch the activity.

In contrast the self-set crocuses are a a joy to behold, especially when they open in the sun.   I must have planted a few years back and they have multiplied and interbred to produce quite a diverse range of forms from pure mauve to some with almost white outer petals and pale mauve inner.

Crocuses self-set along a brick path