Continuing with the theme of snowy scenes, Kew Gardens takes on the look of a winter wonderland. Impressive to find the birds continuing on in their daily routine while adopting strategies to minimize the cold – standing on one leg, fluffing up feathers and tucking their bills under scapular feathers. The light had a quality of translucence casting an opalescent spell over the landscape. It’s the kind of ethereal beauty which disappears all too quickly.
Hercules and Achelous statue in Kew Garden – the icicles grew impressively.
The late afternoon light casts an opalescence on the scene.
The Orangerie restaurant reflections.
The frozen lakes form ice patterns.
A wonderland.
Pink-footed goose well adapted to cold weather.
A golden pheasant strutted around foraging in the leaf litter.
Puffed up to regulate against heat loss.
The one foot stance minimizes heat loss
Mute swan looking intimidating.
Heads tucked into scapular feathers and standing on one foot helps to minimize heat loss
The trees show up their pedigree in bare form.
Nature on the Edge 
Lots of great pix here, Liz. I esp. love the tree silhouette (good thing I like them as I live 6 months of the year looking at them!).
I love Kew and these photos show it well in a season I have not seen it in.
Some great captures. “One foot stance” is my favourite.
Alison
I love the sculptural qualities of a leafless tree against a grey sky.
Lovely set.
You have captured some magical winter wonderland photos here Liz. Love the one legged stance and a reminder that there is something I love about winter – the structure of the bare trees.
So very beautiful!
Snow is wonderful for photography isn’t it? There’s a whole new layer of magic in these shots.
Beautiful shot of the golden pheasant.
Don’t get to see snow any more here in the south Liz, but it sure looks gorgeous in your photos. And as always, lots of interesting and informative information about nature. Wonderful post
Thanks Tina.