Steve Downer / Timelapse of Sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) leaves developing, UK. March. Controlled conditions.

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture / Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) nibbling on oak buds, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands, Scotland, UK, January.

Donald M. Jones / White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura) in winter feeding on buds, western Alberta, Canada

Ernie Janes / Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) hanging on Pussy willow branch, Norfolk, England, UK, April.

Terry Whittaker / 2020VISION / Feral pigeons (Columba livia), Manchester, England, UK, January. Did you know? Pigeons only have 40 taste buds whereas humans have around 10,000.

Guy Edwardes / 2020VISION / Pussy willow catkin (Salix caprea) bursting out from bud, Somerset Levels, Somerset, England, UK, April

Markus Varesvuo / Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) perched on a thin twig, possibly looking for buds to eat. Kuusamo, Finland, February.

Markus Varesvuo / Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) perched on a thin twig, possibly looking for buds to eat. Kuusamo, Finland, February.

Simon Colmer / Spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) twig, buds and seedcase in winter, UK

Edwin Giesbers / Tuberous hawkbit (Leontodon tuberosus) bud, abstract, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, Europe

Colin Varndell / Close up of Spindle tree (Euonymus euroaeus) buds, late winter. Dorset, England, UK February

Colin Varndell / Close up of Field maple buds (Acer campestre) Dorset, England, UK February