I think these are goat willow catkins. They fit with a spring day that was part bright and yellow and part steely and grey.

The park was quiet for once. Strange. I saw a grey heron at the lake tucked in the shadows near the swan’s nest. The grey wizard and the swan princess, like a waterfowl fairytale.

In the evening with my camera there was no sign. Just the cormorant, grebe and plenty of geese.

For dinner, freshly made wild garlic pesto strong and peppery.