the black paw gang

the black paw gang hanging out together and looking for trouble. Meanwhile the leaves are almost out.

siskins

this unusual looking bird is a juvenile siskin, the adults lack the mottled appearance on the head and breast feathers. Interestingly, it has been ringed for some reason.

the wooded valley

this photo, taken in Wareham woods (or Dunterhue woods, the names on the maps vary) looking West towards Carthamartha and Dunterton, gives a good idea of the wooded nature of the Tamar valley. The river is just visible through the trees at the bottom of the photograph (about 150 feet below). The  conical hill to the right in the background is a hill fort, Carthamartha. These hill forts are the remnants of a line of defensive fortifications guarding the points where the Tamar can be forded easily.

on St George's day

Unlike other parts of Britain whose national days are celebrated with great relish, England's St George's day is ignored especially by our churlish national broadcaster, the BBC. On this glorious Spring day there are no roses in blossom to photograph, but the cherry blossom is almost out, and the chaffinches are singing their socks off. Time for a public holiday, away with the marxist-leninist May Day and on with 23rd April, or maybe have both!

love at first sight

Francis, ever the gallant, gives her a warm welcome. It is love at first sight as they swim away into the setting sun.

Let's hope they enjoy a long and happy life on our village pond.

Elizabeth the first arrives at Venterdon

Harriet arrives with the new duck, now named Elizabeth . At first she (the duck, that is) looked a little lost after the long journey from Launceston, but she was soon to meet the handsome Sir Francis, and life on the Venterdon duckpond would never be the same again.