The first crocuses have appeared in my yard, along with the first robin, and some additional bird activity- for the first time at least one of my three birdhouses appears to be occupied by feathered friends, and the goldfinches that frequent our finch feeders are turning brighter every time I see them. The forsythia has yellow buds, and best of all- one of our daffodils just started blooming.
Went for a bit of a wander in the sunshine yesterday around by Rathfarnham Castle, which was fabulous (of course!). Good crowds at the children’s playground, and quite a few people out walking or playing on the grounds. As I was lounging around by the lake, a grey heron turned up and, after joining in taking bits of bread alongside the ducks, came over by me as if to see what I was up to (taking photos of it, of course).
I love herons. Always have, ever since I read the series of books that includes Dicey’s Song by Cynthia Voigt when I was a kid. Gorgeous birds. After hanging around by the lake watching the heron for a bit, the heron took off and I moseyed on around the castle, which is spectacular.
Wandered down to the Dodder to walk up around by Bushy Park, as is my wont, when lo and behold, who did I spy on the river but none other than “my” heron…
Our paths seemed to be following the same route – I wandered up a bit, he flew along… He flew onward, and I ran across him again further up the river, all the way up to the bridge by Tesco Rathfarnham.
Then, as we were sitting down to dinner, out the window I saw the heron headed back toward Rathfarnham Castle to the lake, presumably to settle in there somewhere for the evening… Lovely.
More photos here, if you’re interested…
I had noticed last week that there seemed to be an extraordinary number of swans on the Grand Canal near Portobello Bridge (a sure harbinger of spring, no?). Earlier this week, I decided to leave work a bit earlier than usual and take a little detour up along the Grand Canal on the way home – and really lucked out with my timing, being treated to some spectacular views of clouds turned all different shades of pink with the setting sun. The swans, of course, were stunning against this backdrop, and I had the camera out a good bit (appearance of being a tourist be damned). A lovely Asian fellow had come along to where the swans were as well with a proper camera and kit, and quite kindly waited for me to take my few snaps, which I thought was generous of him. A couple of favourites:
Notes from the journey... 