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...