these childish things

This little bike has been parked here for a week or more. Don't ask me, I don't know.

this week's guest dog, Meg

now, how did that happen?

Downhouse

despite the cold weather the crocuses at Downhouse are making a fine display this year mixed in with snowdrops, and daffodils yet to flower.

no spots on my D600 (yet)

rooks and starlings swarm over a field where muck has been spread, giving the impression of a very spotty CCD.

a day at St Ives

We went to an exhibition of William Scott at the Tate modern, St Ives (see link) and quite unexpectedly enjoyed the brilliant photographs of Peter Fraser, of which these are not examples, but very much in tribute to him.

des res

one bedroom, much sought after location, near popular restaurant, safe for children, must see now, viewing by appointment only.

I need somewhere bigger than that

Inny valley

the Inny valley in late winter, showing the gentle slopes down to the river. The sun is out and the sheep are grazing.

purple nuns

even earlier than usual purple toothwort makes its annual appearance in the woods by the Inny

and an ambi-otic collie (Meg) making a guest appearance

a little poppet

A meadow pipit in the grassy terrain they like, showing the slender beak and pale eye markings typical of this common but restless bird.

mist in the valley

Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way

which one?

We have a mistle thrush in the garden which likes to sing from the top of the tallest tree. They are described as greyish looking birds which makes me wonder if this is a song thrush with its warmer brown colouring. How do you tell?

Con brio

Spot, full of the joy of living

Old Mill

This used to be a quiet wooded valley full of larch! Anyone who knows this area would be hard pushed to recognise the dam below Old Mill from this picture.

here we go again

the opening chords of this year's natural symphony

no show

and someone who didn't bother to turn up for bird count weekend, a male bull finch looking very smart.