they're back

ah well, back to reality, no kind house sitters, short walks and lots of food, they're back and I will have to resume my blogging chores.

and I see they made some unsavoury new friends

We're off on our holidays for a few days. We will be back soon

mistle thrush

It is British bird count day today. Normally, on this auspicious day all the birds in our garden disappear (probably because everyone puts food out for them) so it was surprising to see a pair of mistle thrushes. This is the female, the male perched in a tree and watched over her while she looked for worms. They usually nest early and we should see the young in early Spring. Back to bird counting!

spot the blue tit

well camouflaged and very shy

and looking at you

bramble flower

I have never seen bramble flowering in January. I guess it may have continued flowering from last year. I can hardly believe it has started to flower anew this early

cornish canary

a goldfinch flashing its brilliant colours in flight (nothing much else to photograph at present)