Emerging from the Winter slumber
When I am out in nature, whether it be in my back garden, at the local graveyard, or on an island off the West coast of Scotland, I enjoy becoming immersed in the natural surroundings. But at this time of year, it can be difficult to embrace the natural world when it is mostly grey and cold, and as of recent weeks very windy. In the colder and darker months, getting out to find and photograph wildlife is a little harder for me. It is harder to be inspired when the days are shorter and the landscape isn’t a vibrant green, and the weather can be less than favourable to work in! Thankfully, the Northern Hemisphere is starting to come out of the winter season and signs of Spring are already beginning to emerge, as I discovered when I visited a small woodland the other day.
The tree branches, like thin, spindly fingers stretching out towards the sky, were bowing against the wind and cracking against one another. The fallen leaves from the previous autumn were slowly decomposing into the soil. Besides from a few green holly bushes scattered along the woodland trail, the landscape appeared bland and almost lifeless.
However, as I slowed down my walking pace, I started to notice small patches of colour on the ground. Firstly, a small cluster of orange mushrooms — upon later research, I believe these were velvet shank mushrooms — growing at the base of a tree along with patches of moss looking like a soft carpet enveloping the cracked bark. And then, a bit further along from the mushrooms, flat green shoots were protruding through the decomposing leaf litter; ultimately the first of the daffodil bulbs re-emerging and eventually revealing their bright yellow trumpet heads. And finally, a smattering of snowdrops lit up the ground on the right-hand side of the path. These little beacons of colour were a sure sign that Spring wasn’t too far away. And then, over the sound of the wind sweeping through the woods, there were the sounds of multiple bird species. To name a few, robin, great tit, goldcrest, blackbird and siskin. Most of our resident birds are now beginning to stake out territories, find mates, and build their nests. Another sign that Spring is slowly but surely returning.
While I thoroughly enjoy photographing wildlife, sometimes I can feel just as content paying attention to my senses and looking at the other forms of wild life that most people can easily overlook. So whenever you are next out in nature, either on a solo walk with your camera or walking with family or friends, look out for the small colours of Spring and listen out for the numerous bird calls as the natural world emerges from its winter slumber.
