Loder valley this afternoon

Fieldfares in Shabden Park, Surrey

 In the far corner of this field was a flock of Fieldfares; a long way away and difficult to get a good picture.  They were lovely to see though on their way northwards no doubt.

"Mauve" and a Common Alder tree mauve stalked buds.

 Mauve is a pale purple color named after the mallow flower (French: mauve) according to Wikipedia
 And the Common Alder tree above and below has mauve, stalked buds according to Collins Tree Guide by Johnson & More.

And so they do.  Isn't nature wonderful in the details?  This tree in the Loder valley, Wakehurst Place today.

Kingfisher,Tufted ducks, cormorants, Greylag geese in the Loder valley today

Pintail ducks at RSPB Pulborough Brooks yesterday

 These colourful ducks prefer to feed than pose for photo's.  When one is down the other may be up but not for long.

Song thrush and Redwings at RSPB Pulborough Brooks yesterday

 A Song thrush first caught my eye... then looking further around the field, a small flock of Redwings was feeding in the same damp. shaded meadow.

How beautiful to see these birds, which will be leaving soon to fly north.

 More exciting perhaps, was the harbinger of summer from the buzzing of scores of honeybees in the Goat willow above the path.

Among the bees was a queen bumblebee -- a Buff-tailed bumblebee; just lovely.