Another Gallimaufry from around Newton Stewart February 2015

A few pictures from around Newton Stewart over the last ten days.

A head cold and a sore knee limited my activities over the last fortnight but I took pictures.

I'm now back to normal (well as normal as I can be)

The swans are back on Blairmount Pond.

The ducks are getting fat.

Cats are prowling.

Geese are flapping.

Crocuses are budding.

Snowdrops have ripened fully.

Frogs and toads are spawning.

It's rained, snowed, sleeted and hailstones have fallen.

The moon shines, leaves are budding.

An old milk bottle surfaces and old buildings are crumbling.

That's yer lot in the description department, I hope there's a picture for you to enjoy.

Cheerio the noo.

In the forest

A short walk in the forest on Friday the 14th of March 2014.

I'd gone to look for fungi, but it looks like the moss has taken over. It seems that the best fungi is around in the Autumn.

Still there were some colourful things to photograph.

Holly is thriving this year.

Close up of lichen (Cladonia Impexa)

I had quite a task getting this picture, couldn't seem to focus, but eventually got this picture.

I think they are water boatmen.

Across the other side of the pool I saw this, much bigger frog spawn than last weeks.

Worth a closer look...........

,,,,,,,,,,,,,and even closer.

More lichen. Top right is fungus on a small stick. I've no idea what bottom right is.

The picture I've left out, I eventually identified as the remains of a well chewed tennis ball. Folk do walk their dogs here.

A blown down tree makes a great shelter from the rain. (It wasn't raining though)

Under the fallen tree.

A small stream.

Same small stream, different angle.

Moss covers almost everything.

Is it a dragon or some other unknown forest beast ?

The spiders have been busy.

Lace Lichen (Ramalina menziesii)

In such a wet season, it seems certain species will thrive.

Another grass spider's web to finish the post.

Hope you enjoyed the walk.