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.
Wildlife
A Frosty Pause
After my last doleful post, winter got her act together. For a couple of days last week the rain stopped, the skies cleared, temperatures plummeted, mud froze, and, at long last, it was shiveringly cold. Not on a Siberian or Alaskan scale but at -5°C, Sussex was cold. My first chore on arriving at work … Continue reading A Frosty Pause
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
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
A Gravel Garden For Free
Behind some outbuildings at the Old Forge is an oil tank and an expanse of gravel. For three long years, I weeded that gravel until, a couple of years ago, I (finally) realised I was being stupid. Instead of weeding, why not fill it with plants? Drought resistant, hardy plants of course but there would … Continue reading A Gravel Garden For Free
The Anxious Gardener 