Lesser Celandine -already

This morning our, otherwise fairly dull, January walk was brightened by this Lesser celandine (Ranuculus ficaria) waiting for just a little more sunshine to coax it open. This seems extraordinary early even though it was growing on a sun catching bank along the Fraserburgh by pass. There are already  silky  willow catkins showing in several localities and Dr. Anne reported a primrose in bud at Sunnyside on January 2nd.