Here is a strange word that I found in “Wisteria Lodge”, one of The Greatest Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Based on the context, I thought it might be a bird, so I looked it up to share it with you. I was wrong – it’s not a bird.
Catkins – a spike of flowers with scaly bracts and no petals, as on the willow or birch
Usage: “I’m sure, Watson, a week in the country will be invaluable to you,” [Holmes] remarked. “It is very pleasant to see the first green shoots upon the hedges and the catkins on the hazels once again.”
Here is a picture of Hazel Catkins from Sussex Wildlife Trust. I can see how these yellow flowers would bring joy and hope for the approaching spring.
Beautiful picture. I kept rolling the word “catkins” over on my tongue, and it reminded me of Beatrix Potter. I had to look it up, and I was right.