MESSY EATERS

These birds need to learn some table manners!

I think Woody wins the prize for the muckiest eater. When we lived down in the town, we used to see many Collared Doves but had never seen one up here. I used to be very snooty about these 1950's imports but was actually quite excited to see our first rather windswept one yesterday:

Some other birds this week:

We've had mist this week:

A new foal H:

Isaac stretching:

Ferns are unfurling............slowly:

Foal B:

The fresh green of the new Beech leaves looks beautiful against everything:

A walk with Trigger:

Tadpoles!

It's half term next week so I'll be doing a lot ferrying again. Pretty soon I'll be moaning that I don't see enough of him so I'm not complaining. I hope you all have a great weekend. I'll be sitting on our home made bench with the camera pointed at the nest-box as much as I can, trying to get Nuthatch shots that aren't totally blurry. For some reason, it's refusing to focus on them as they come out of the hole or sit on top with a beak full of insects. Many, many failed attempts so far I can tell you. Until next time, here's Snippet careering about as usual.

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