our home

there is nothing better than sprawling out in front of a nice warm fire after a hard day eating and walking

unidentified flying object

we saw this handsome bird gliding in front of us this morning for several hundred yards. I am not sure what it was, it might be a very pale buzzard but it did not act or fly like a buzzard, but more like an owl and paused briefly to attack something in the grass verge before flying on. It seemed completely unconcerned by our presence which is most un-buzzard like. It was not a juvenile herring gull.

reminders

the granite quartz and crocuses mark the spot where Sophie, one of our dogs, was buried two years ago. It has been very dreary for several weeks now but there are signs of some colour appearing in the hedgerows.

snowdrops

there are an amazing number of snowdrops around this February. These are a local variety with large flower heads and an upright god fearing habit.

Spot fishing

contemplating a death defying leap across this raging torrent

the meadows

Greenscombe meadows looking very green. Devon in the far background (still). This is one of Cornwall wildlife trust's reserves (see link). We will be back looking for orchids and butterflies.

Calstock Dog shows

the Calstock family dog show. This little lad got a special mention, as did Harriet in the crossbreeds. Poor judging in my opinion.

february evenings

a very fiery red sunset this evening and the buzzard flying lazily away.

evenings

the beautiful pastel colours of the evening sky are drawn out by the buzzard's rich browns

celandine

and here is the first celandine of the year, on a very sunny day with some warmth in the air. It seems very early for celandines, last year it was the first week in March before I saw any in the garden hedgerows ( see link), same cheerful flower. And there was a painted lady butterfly in the garden. This means that painted ladies are now out almost throughout the year as they are in the Tropics.

February mornings

at the end of our morning walk, Cassie bathed in sun and caked in mud.

an early bee

there were a lot of bees on the mahonia including several very large bumble bees. Early February? Or are we just seeing more because we are getting worried?

thumper

Normally grey squirrels in the woods are very shy. This big fat chap was making odd mewing noises, and didn't flinch until I was about 20 feet away. I have never heard a squirrel make such an odd noise. I guess he was marking out his territory or suffering from indigestion.

spring rising

a mistle thrush full of song

quicksilver

the river flowing like quicksilver this evening