and now we are four

 where are we, I can't bear to look

Elizabeth this is Jemima, Francis, this is Cloe, Cloe Elizabeth, Francis, Jemima, no this is Cloe, that is Jemima. Wait a minute, this is .....

come on in, like ducks to water

well, this is the life

hiding

If I can't see you you can't see me.

hole in the wall gang

When our neighbours were strimming their boundary hedge wall this robins' nest was accidentally uncovered.

 The robins seem relatively unflustered by the nest being exposed, and the youngsters were only interested in being fed.

The nest site is now discretely hidden so with any luck the brood should survive the constant predations by magpies, rooks and jackdaws. Yesterday I saw the sinister shape of a sparrowhawk wheeling about but it was immediately harried and chased off by an angry and very assertive mistle thrush nesting in the vicinity.

herald moth

This is a herald moth which I found on our garage ceiling. I am not quite sure why it is called a herald moth. It might be because it reappears in April, heralding Spring, but I think more likely it is because of the smart 'tabard' it is wearing. You can also see in the top photo that it has rather dainty black and white ringed legs.

taking a break

This brimstone settled for long enough to be photographed. Despite the brilliant yellow appearance of the male when on the wing they look quite greenish when the wings are up.

Taking a breather (it wasn't that hot but motherhood is hard work)

humble bumble

Spring is really here when bumblebees are to be seen pollinating  green alkanet.