Willow Catkins

Another certain sign of spring, and there are a lot of catkins on the site of the former Clifton Hospital in York.

Willows are dioecious, which means the male and female flowers are on separate trees, hence the willow trees and shrubs are either male or female, and their catkins are different. Male catkins are grey-white and oval, which become yellow when ripe with pollen, female catkins are longer and green.

Catkins provide an important early source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects, and birds forage for caterpillars and other insects. Look out for bees and other pollinators collecting pollen from the male catkins.

Pollen is believed to help the ovaries of the queen bees ripen, so that once she has found a suitable nest, she can lay her eggs. Pollen is an essential part of the bee's diet, providing a wide range of nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.

Ian

[gloria jones]

Great details and signs of spring

[Judith Johnson]

Super close-up and yes these little gems always remind me of Spring too.

[bkb in the city]

Nice shot

[Sarah Bremner]

Ooh how gorgeous and so much further on than up in our cooler zones!!

[Yoland]

Beautiful shot with the light catching these.

[Peter H]

Wonderful shot.

[Kathy A]

Nice detail and great light

[Peter Dulis]

Sweet light

[Dione Giorgio]

Great story to go with a great shot.

[Fisher Family]

@seattlite @busylady @bkbinthecity @sarah19 @yoland @peadar @kjarn @pdulis @sangwann

Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.

So today, the sun has been visible for hours, and the temperature is rather warmer, much more appropriate for spring!

Ian

[Pyrrhula]

Beautiful close up and spring image. Fav.

[Nina Ganci]

Terrific details and close up

[Fisher Family]

@pyrrhula @ninaganci

Thank you both. It is so nice to see that spring is here!

Ian

[Vesna]

So fresh and beautiful!

[Fisher Family]

@vesna0210

Thank you Vesna - there are lots of these to be seen now.

Ian

[Donna]

I just found your page and enjoy seeing the sites in York as I live in Oklahoma and probably will not get to see them for myself. The lighting is very nice and sharp focus.

[Fisher Family]

@djclow

Thank you Donna - 365Project is a great way to explore the world from an armchair! At the moment Covid-19 restrictions are stopping me visiting places around York that I want to photograph, but hopefully soon when the restrictions are relaxed there will be more of a variety of photos from me.

Ian