Random flora, swans and courting Mandarin ducks

Late daffodils down by Kenwood lake – and breaking buds on the trees up on the ridge.

Bluebells hiding behind the railings down by the Boating pond and delicate early cow parsley

Down on Hampstead Pond No 1. our swan watcher reported that one swan pair has hatched no less than ten cygnets.

I haven’t managed to see the swans yet but over on Sandy Heath I did catch these courting Mandarin ducks at relatively close quarters.

And a promise of good things to come. The first azaleas and rhodedendrons are breaking cover around Kenwood House. Last year, during the first lockdown, the grounds of Kenwood House were closed so we missed them – a treat in store.