swifts and martins

you may wonder how we take these photos. It is a family tradition to stand in rivers barking or holding large pieces of wood (tree trunks not fishing rods) and wait for the next bird to fly past.

Jay fleeing

not Sir DA, but unmistakeable nevertheless. They are very shy and secretive and it is the only Jay the boss has ever seen feeding at the bird table. Maybe the news is getting around the OH is a very good spot for a bird's day out. Earlier today, down on the Inny by Beal's Mill we saw the next chap/ess dipping its wing and catching gnats, sand martin? swift?

bull finch

husband and much duller wife. These birds are very occasional visitors. They are not responsible for the bare apple tree. They were followed by an even more furtive visitor.

ragged robin

ragged robin, a plant of marshy ground, not particularly common around here, and a painted lady for contrasting colours all combined in the link no doubt. It was a strange day today, very sunny and humid. Maybe this is why there have been some very unusual visitors to the garden.

demoiselle agrion

Damsel flies, Demoiselle agrion, the male has iridescent blue wings and the female duller copper coloured wings. They are hard to photograph because they won't keep still. The male looks like some sort of alien helicopter or ancient aircraft.

jaws

Harriet is getting very strong; even Mum couldn't carry this slice for long. I am increasingly having to let her have her own way; is this good for me? Or her?