Okay - I know I'm a bit late but this is my first opportunity to say Happy New Year. I hope it has got off to a terrific start for you and your friends and family. This is a great time of year to look forward and enjoy the prospects ahead, and I can definitely say I'm feeling inspired by all that nature has to offer all around me.
The first month of 2017 has seen me really busy, working my way through a list of commissioned artwork, from horse portraits to house names. I specialise in Scottish animals and wildlife, so this big fella was definitely out of my usual comfort zone - good thing I love tackling new subjects!
I'm really excited to get out and about and start photographing local wildlife for new projects on the horizon.
It's a good thing I don't need to hibernate through the winter, as my sleep pattern is being broken by nature. Tawny Owls are busy calling to one another, sorting out who's pairing up with who - and I often hear the distinctive cry of foxes long into the night.
An arctic blast paid us a swift visit earlier in the month, giving us enough time for a spot of sledging
- and making me feel as though I was living inside a snow globe -
The Witch Hazel in my garden is a welcome explosion of colour on dark dismal days, just a shame it doesn't stay in flower for longer.
This is also the earliest I've ever seen Primroses. Normally they're a sign of Spring, but a small cluster of yellow primroses has already opened in full flower on an exposed position in my garden. I have also spotted Snowdrops too.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
* Snowdrops
* Witch Hazel
* Take a walk on a dry calm evening and listen out for those owls and foxes.
THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR WILDLIFE:
* Provide plenty of nuts/seeds/fruit/fatballs for all those hungry wee birds;
* Check the birds have water too
* Check any wee animal homes you have previously made. From time to time they may need a little 'vamp-up' if the weather has been rough.
Join me again next month to see what February has to offer. Till then ...
HAPPY WILDLIFE WATCHING!