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Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Spring Propaganda

Springtime in England, although much praised by writers and poets, nevertheless finds it necessary to operate a finely-tuned propaganda machine. At regular intervals, from February onwards, it organises brief spells of weather to convince all optimists that the dull, dreary days are gone forever and from now on it will be a gentle freewheel all the way into the summer. One such day was at the beginning of this week.



We found ourselves in the familiar setting of Fen Drayton Lakes bird reserve, but with unusually blue skies and pleasantly warm temperatures - no need for gloves and scarves anyway.



Suddenly everything looks brand new: the murky winter skies are doused with a good sprinkling of sunshine, the breeze playfully ruffles the reeds, and even the muddy footpaths become springy turf beneath our boots.



Regular readers will know that I have a small obsession with photographing reeds and rushes, particularly when they are backlit by the sun.



Even if I didn't like them, it would be tricky to keep reeds out of my photographs here at Fen Drayton. It's hard to imagine that just a few decades ago this was a working quarry, excavating sand and gravel for the building industry.



How could you not think that spring was already here? How could you even imagine that just a couple of days later it could be as overcast and drizzly as it is just outside my window as I write this? They're even talking about sleet and overnight frosts again.



'Tis all propaganda, I tell you! And speaking of which....



Here come some proper ganders (sorry!). A mixed group of Greylag Geese and Canada Geese were disturbed from their sunbathing on the riverside meadows.



As impressive as Concorde in its way! And not even native to these shores; Canada Geese were brought here to beautify wildfowl collections, but it didn't take them long to escape and establish themselves in the wild.



The path alongside the River Great Ouse was uncharacteristically dry and made for easy walking.



More reeds, John? Yes, I'm afraid so, but cut the old chap a bit of slack, sometimes he photographs some very weird stuff, like tree-shadows on the side of a shed....



See what I mean? Back to the scenery....



There were surprisingly few people about enjoying this fine day, that's the advantage of being retired and able to get out and about during the week, I suppose. But there was something abroad which I hadn't expected....



Not a very convincing photo, I'll admit, but you'll just have to believe me that it's not a discarded yellow handkerchief, but a Brimstone butterfly out enjoying the sunshine. It steadfastly refused to settle so I had to try to snap it on the wing, which proved to be very tricky. Brimstones are one of the few butterflies that can come out of hibernation on any sunny day in winter and then go back into hibernation and thus survive.



It's doubtful that there's anything for a butterfly to feed on at this time of year. However we face no such problems: we're about to make our way to The Bridge at Clayhithe for a hearty pub lunch. 


Take care.


24 comments:

  1. Thank you for due deference paid to Canada Geese, John! It's a lovely post with springtime in the words. I shall read it again when freezing rain descends on us later today.

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  2. I prefer this type of propaganda over all the other kinds out there!

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  3. Oh, I am delighted that you did not miss an opportunity to move from propaganda to proper gander, because I was prepared to jump right in and do it for you! Spring is being a bit fickle here as well.

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  4. We might have freezing rain today so it is lovely to see your bits of Spring. I have seen small signs of Spring here also but then the chilly weather comes back to remind me that Winter isn't done with us yet. Thanks for your lovely photos, John!

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  5. Lovely to see the hints of spring there on such a beautiful walk. I am surprised to see a butterfly out and about there already. We're seeing Canada Geese here in large flocks making their way north. Spring is on its way, but first we're going to actually get snow here. Yikes!

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  6. Your last line makes me hungry for such a lunch! No hint or propaganda here for spring. Glad you're getting the preview of better weather to come.

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  7. These are beautiful shots.

    Here we're fond of terms like false spring, second winter, and so on.

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  8. Winter is to hit us hard here tonight in Toronto so it was lovely to read this post, John.

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  9. Days like that are sent to keep us going! I didn't know that the Brimstone could return to hibernation..a bit like us going for a walk or ride on a nice day then huddling back indoors.
    Now that shadows on the shed photo.... very nice indeed!!

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  10. The concord does look impressive in full wings in the sky

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  11. Beautiful images, John. Thank you for sharing.

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  12. Por aquí en mi tierra, suele haber cielos azules e incluso en días de invierno.

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  13. I’m with the butterfly May as well take a chance if it warms up at all. Great photos! Photo 5 is my favourite.

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  14. Great tour of some wetlands on a very nice day.

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  15. Our landscape in south-central Kentucky, USA is very different from the fenlands, but springtime is likewise a very fickle season. In the past week we've had bursts of icy rain, damaging winds, and now several days of sunny warmth which we dare not trust. Trees have started to bud and road verges are covered in wild daffodils. Next week it may snow!

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  16. You have such fun on your walks, taking lovely photos and stopping for a hearty lunch. That is an amazing butterfly. We get propaganda days too. Like today it is a warm day with a cool breeze but tomorrow could be stinking hot and humid again.

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  17. I enjoy photographing reeds too and did so this morning at a local nature reserve. You have taken some great photos on your walk:)

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  18. Sun's shining here today but it's freezing cold! I won't be going far so it's lovely to enjoy your walk.

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  19. This has to be one of my favorite virtual walks with you John. It all looks so peaceful and perfect, lovely photos, and the note on the Brimstone is very interesting. I did have a moth on the porch last evening and a carpenter bee 🐝 Hot here today - will break the all time record - whereas the north is having serious snow storms! A pub lunch must have been delicious.
    Mary in NC -

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  20. You write good!!I am amazed!Very nice photoes as well.Spring is on its way!Here in Norway tooo..One can feel it in the air:)))

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  21. A butterfly! What a surprise! We noted that the Canada Geese are returning here so evidently they too are thinking Spring is on the way. Even the peepers are singing in the evenings.

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  22. Pure poetry! Thanks for a lovely walk!

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  23. We have had teasing days here as well--beautiful weather today, calling for a "wintry mix" this weekend. Loved your walk--you always post such beautiful pictures.

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  24. Hi John - twas no propaganda - hope it's not too freezing ... take care and I so look forward to more Spring and with winds not from the north! Cheers Hilary

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