I don't see him very often but when I do, the Priory tawny owl brightens up my day. He'd be so much easier to photograph if he roosted in a less twiggy tree. But he likes his lofty, camouflaged perch and my focusing challenge just puts a twinkle in his eye.
Conservation
Grass Cutting – Again
(I've written about cutting the two meadows before but as it is such a big part of my working life at this time of year you might forgive me for revisiting the subject). Cutting the Priory meadow is a job that looms large from late-summer onwards. Cut it too soon and I lose late flowers … Continue reading Grass Cutting – Again
Almost Wordless Wednesday: House Martins
I'd forgotten about some house martin photos I took in July at the Barrowburn Tea Room in Harbottle, Northumberland. This seems as good a time to use them as any - before summer slips away completely along with the swifts, swallows and martins. I've seen plenty of martins here in Sussex recently on their way … Continue reading Almost Wordless Wednesday: House Martins
Gardening Dangers
My recent post, Aconitum Anxiety, led me to think on the possible hazards I face at work - as any report of a gardener's sudden death is apt to do. Not that I worry too much about danger and mortality but it did remind me that I wilfully ignore some gardening safety advice. There is … Continue reading Gardening Dangers
Wordless Wednesday: Hornet
European hornet (Vespa crabro)
Almost Wordless Wednesday: Bee Swarm
(A swarm of wild honey bees flew overhead today as we cut the beech hedging. I followed them up the drive where they landed on an apple tree to form a large tear-drop around the queen. As swarming bees are not generally aggressive, I got very close with my standard lens: but I wouldn't advise … Continue reading Almost Wordless Wednesday: Bee Swarm
The Farne Islands
I've been a little too busy for blogging. I sold a house, I bought a house and I've endured all the fun-filled, stress-free hours that involves. I've also been on a short break to Paris; and a longer holiday to Northern England. Last year, I crossed Northumberland on foot (see 'Walking Across England') and it … Continue reading The Farne Islands
The Anxious Gardener 