More signs of spring - I spotted these alder catkins in the woodland near the office this morning. Not a brilliant picture (I was having troubles with wind) but you can see the shorter, oval, woody female catkins from last year. These will have released their seed over the winter to get dipersed by wind and water. You can also see the longer male catkins - the darker ones are yet to open, and some are half open, and some fully open, releasing their pollen into the wind. Liza.