A biting wind raised white horses on the water and waves crashed on the shore. Some waves were close to 6 inches high so I was naturally a little alarmed.
Wind turbine between Byfield and Boddington. 23 February, 2015 |
Rafts of waterfowl were riding the waves in the centre of the reservoir, patiently waiting for the wind to abate but there were positives; the wind turbine in an adjacent field was producing a steady whoosh-whoosh as its blades rotated. Clean, though not cheap, energy.
I walked along one side only, the south facing shore, so I felt grounds for optimism; surely this favoured aspect would display some signs of spring. Alas, flowers were as common as hens' teeth. All that remained were the dry brown fruiting heads of last autumn.
Teasel plants on the north shore of Boddington Reservoir. 23 February, 2015 |
Teasels (Dipsacus fullonum) had found a congenial habitat among the boulders which formed a retaining wall. The heads are much favoured by goldfinches, the birds tweaking out the seeds with their slender bills.
Close-up of one of the flower-heads. |
A closer look shows that the seeds have long gone but the spines on the flower-heads are clearly visible. It is these which, for centuries were - and still are - used for raising the nap on high quality cloth.
The flower heads of Lesser Burdock. Boddington Reservoir. 23 February, 2015 |
The bristles on the flower heads are hooked as an aid to seed dispersal. Boddington Reservoir, 23 February, 2015 |
It can be seen that the burdock spines are furnished with tiny hooks. These will annoyingly cling to clothing if the passer-by brushes against then, but they are a brilliantly effective aid to seed dispersal.
Grey silk forms the web of an Amaurobius species. Boddington Reservoir, 23 February, 2015 |
I left the reservoir slightly disappointed but a surprise awaited me on my return to Byfield.
Winter Heliotrope, Petasites fragrans. Bell Lane, Byfield. 23 February, 2015 |
Protruding through a drystone wall in the village was a plant of Winter Heliotrope. Petasites fragrans, a species I have not seen for several years. As it name indicates, the flowers are fragrant, with a vanilla-like scent but unfortunately on such a chilly and windy day this was not discernible. It is another member of the Daisy Family, Asteraceae.
So, an eleventh hour reprieve, making my jaunt worthwhile.
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