Awakening Stars

Park Wood – Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3091

Early morning before sunrise at Park Wood near Wells in Somerset.  A pair of roe deer tip-toe around the edge of the woodland nibbling at the long grass.  This was as close as I could get.  Walking around was slow as the ground was sodden.  When will the rain ever stop?

Eventually the sun rose above the surrounding hills and poured into eastern edge of Park Wood illuminating the woodland floor.

Park Wood – Nr Wells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3325

Overnight the wood anemones bow their heads, hanging loose waiting for the sun to reappear.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3198

Across the woodland floor the speckled light reaches the anemones deep into the under story.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3465

As the run rises flowers turn to face the warmth.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3430

But on a cold morning, where temperatures are only just above freezing, it takes a while to wake the stars.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_3241

But there is no rush.  The sun will soon be high and warm.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2733

As happens in life, there is always one that stands higher than the rest. They use their height advantage to soak up the sun while all around bow their heads.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2764

Wood anemones cover the ground – a carpet of stars that begin to sparkle in the morning light.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2889

And finally…

The anemones provide a rare source of nectar to the few insects venturing out at this time of year.  As the sun rises hover flies visit the anemones.  I think this was using the flower as a perch that follows the sun around the sky.

Wood Anemones – Park Wood, Somerset, UK. ID JB_2926