THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

Showing posts with label Bullfinch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bullfinch. Show all posts

21 July 2012

THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE HERE



Thursday was the last day of term and we are now well into the holidays and seven weeks without a decent walk I fear! Never mind; my son deserves a great holiday. He’s worked so hard at school this year. He was moved up from year three after Christmas and joined the combined year fours and fives, leaving his group of very good friends behind. He knew some of his new class as he’d been doing maths with them for the autumn term; he has an inexplicable talent in that area! He was given the choice and we were staggered that he agreed to do it. I know I couldn’t have done so at his age. On Wednesday, he was presented with an award for achievement in the church and we are so proud of him. Here it is - the shield looking shiny on the shelf!



This weekend is the Chagstock Festival, which is apparently quite famous now. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been but enjoy the sight of it from the moor, here sparkling in the morning sun – 
yes, SUN.


A few days ago I braved the marsh in order to get to Lizzy and Betty but had to turn back as I found myself sinking VERY slowly into it. I realised before it reached the lace holes in my boots thank goodness but before I did my tussock jumping out of there, managed to get a few shots of them and the altogether lighter Snippet amongst the cotton grass.








That day, foal number two was hanging out with the geldings. He really is growing up much faster than the others. Even foal number one still looks younger than him. Here he is on Friday morning too where I think he, his mum and a few others had slept the night before.



Shaking his head


On Thursday afternoon, I took a little film of foal number four approaching us and staring at Snippet. I think they really want to play with him and often try and nudge him. When he scampers away, they often scamper after him. I usually put a stop to it at that point but it’s very sweet to watch their playfulness and them gaining in confidence.



Finally, a few more pictures from the last few days:


Foal number eight very deeply asleep


Just woken up


Back with Mum


A Snippet in the grass


Hydrangea on the window sill


Tiny Self Heal in the grass


Bullfinch back eating Herb Robert seeds

I can't say what kind of quality posts are in store over the next seven weeks so apologies in advance, but till next time, enjoy the sunshine.


3 July 2012

PRINT GIVE AWAY AND A PAIR OF BULLFINCHES


So, just leave a comment to be entered for the draw or, if you aren't able to do that, send me an email to emparko@gmail.com with your details. I think it was a great idea of Country Rabbit's to suggest other bloggers who publicised her giveaway would be entered twice so let me know if you do and I'll do the same. You never know, I might get a few entries. Just cut and paste the above picture! I'll put the entries in a hat, or something similar next Tuesday July 10th. 

Today, whilst looking out of the kitchen window, a pair of bullfinches landed amongst the Geraniums and Solomon's Seal. I grabbed the camera and got a few decent pictures. I'm always staggered at the vibrancy of the male's colouring. Absolutely stunning.






It hasn't stopped raining all day; just varying degrees of drizzle and downpour. The poor ponies were looking a bit depressed here this morning, backs to the wind.


Some more pictures from the weekend.....


Snippet in the sedge



Moorland grasses


Snippet on a walk along the river Oke on Sunday


Ferns growing in moss on a Rowan tree nearby


Astrantia in the garden....one of my favourites

My shoulder operation date came through today. My son is just really excited that he gets to spend the night at his friend's house; his concern is touching! Good luck in the draw.......


Beautiful, if ominous sky this afternoon