Catkins

Went for a walk on part of the John Muir Way, at Musselburgh by the Esk estuary, round past the ponds and back behind the racecourse. It was rather cold but we were well wrapped up.

By the boating lake were these willow catkins in full flush. Not sure which species.

There were plenty of birds but too far away for good photos, though we did identify wigeon, shelduck, tufted duck, curlew, redshank, mute swan and ringed plover among the gulls. We also saw a large bumble bee, there was little blossom as a food source although I notice the blackthorn is coming into flower elsewhere.

Drove back through Dalkeith for a browse round the charity shops then home for a very late lunch. U3A Science this evening with a topic on Sports Science.