February... starring the hoopoe...

As we look forward to better weather, we're extra-keen to spot all the signs of nature we love at this time of year... mimosa, almond blossom and wild narcissus among others... It's sad to see that most wild almond trees around here are already sowing their petals everywhere while a lot of their branches are still in bud. Climate change? Perhaps. A very wet beginning of the year, yes indeed.

But February's reward has been regular visits of this little punk : the hoopoe (Upupa epops). Discreetly fluffing up its feathers in the olive tree in our garden. Then, more tamely, "fishing" for worms in the lawn without bothering about me and my camera (and even the dogs at times!!!)