Great tit and yellow crocuses

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Spring awakens. Great tit and yellow crocuses

Crocuses are a harbinger of spring, early bloomers that come in Easter egg colours like purple, lavender, orange, pink and yellow. Crocuses are perennial, flowering bulbs that are built for toughness. The plants can endure frost and even snow because their flowers and leaves are protected by a waxy cuticle. That’s why they are often among the first blooms you see in spring. They can grow in a variety of environments, even at high altitude on Alpine tundra, where it is too cold and windy for trees.

While other blooms are still slumbering, crocuses are up and at ‘em. Naturally, they are magnets for brave bees and birds, like this great tit coming in for a snow-covered landing. The birds are widespread and common in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia - and they recognise a sure sign of spring when they see one.