Sunday 29 November 2009

Sunday safari

I don't like to leave Nella at home when I go walking. Today I was hoping to photograph the Redwing and Fieldfare that have flown into the area from Northern Europe. Each year they come, I have never been able to capture them on camera.
As I walk along the lane I am surprised to see so many rooks nests......with the gales last week, it is amazing they have survived.

Many branches lie on the verge and in the fields.........some in mid-air, catch my eye......


The ditches are full. Only a month ago they were empty.....bone dry. How swiftly things change.
I arrive at the lane where the birds gather. How different it looks from a month ago. The wind is cold and bites at my face....my eyes water. The wind is always so aggressive along this stretch of road. I can see the birds in the tops of the oaks.
Voices carry on the wind. The birds fly across the fields and the moment is lost. How frustrating....another day perhaps.
In the distance I can see the farmer rounding up his sheep. I like Phil the farmer. His family has worked the land here for four generations.

I turn the corner, the old spaniel glances at me. We know each other well. His body is too weary to chase away a friend.
A rook flies overhead as I go through the gate into the garden.
Sparrows sit amongst the Dogwoods.....
and Gt Tits enjoy the fat balls in the feeder.
I check plants that have been re-located.
They are all looking healthy.
Hmmm something has been munching the Calendula petals.
The next bloom reveals all.....a tiny caterpillar. I think of Spring and what is to come. Happy safari Sunday.......



34 comments:

Dan said...

What gorgeous pictures! What sort of camera do you use? Sorry you didn't see the birds you were hoping to, but looks like you had a great walk out anyway!
I can't believe the difference in the weather! It's been raining all day here!! I hope your weather is heading north!

Liz said...

Hi Cheryl,

Lucky you to have such lovely weather!
Today it was still dark at 11am here... I suppose we have been lucky that most of the week it's been sunny here. So frustrating though since it's the weekend...

Your plants look lovely and healthy, I love the photo of Nella enjoying the sun!

Cheryl said...

Hi Dan...I use a Canon EOS....we are still very much in a love hate relationship but I am getting there slowly.

The weather was foul during the night, heavy rain and cold. Today was sunny but bitterly cold. Tonight it is pouring again....up down, up down.....

I walk all weathers.....I am an outdoor girl......

Cheryl said...

Hi Liz....we have had very little sunshine...today was sunshine and showers. Shame about your weekend weather....perhaps next weekend will be better.

I chanced moving the plants a few weeks ago.....all this rain has helped them settle in I think......

Nella loves to sit in the warmth of the sun, indoors or out.....

ShySongbird said...

Lovely photos again Cheryl, how nice you were able to get out, it has been miserable here most of the day.

I too hope to see Redwings and Fieldfares...if it ever stops raining!

Lovely to see the Spaniel and dear Nella of course.

Your plants look very happy and have obviously been well watered in!

Cheryl said...

Hi Jan....isn't the weather just awful. I have never known it so wet and windy. It was good today to see some sunshine....sadly it was fleeting.

The plants have been well and truly watered in!!

Cheryl said...

Jan....I meant to say thank you for introducing me to Dan.....very kind of you

Liz said...

I can almost guarantee next weekend will be horrible, it always seems to be when we go to the carol service! Out of around 10 years there's only been a couple of nice years to walk around the old town before going into the Minster...

I'm sure the plants will be fine, have you have any frosts yet? I'm yet to see one here, we've had cold dew but no real frost so far.

We can't blame Nella for sitting in the sun, I'm the same! At work last week I was throughly enjoting the warming sun on my face, normally I'd be annoyed with it dazzling me, but at this time of year it really lifted my mood :)

Miranda Bell said...

These are a lovely record of your afternoon - looks as if you had reasonable weather for once! Hope you have a great week - I love that picture of the blue tit on your header by the way... take care Miranda x

Lisa at Greenbow said...

What a wonderful walk about. So much going on in your neighborhood. I bet Nella was sad she didn't get to go. Tell Nella its ok. Luna doesn't get to go every time either.

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

Hi Cheryl, Aw, poor Nella ended up staying home for no reason! I love the foliage and flower macros. Such vibrant colors. All blooms are past bloom here, unless they are in very sheltered areas.

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

Poor Nella, left at home, and didn't get to see her old friend, the spaniel. You will have to take her out for an extra walk tomorrow. I enjoyed going on your excursion, and seeing your world. Aren't bird nests amazing? Seemingly delicate, but surprisingly tough. Naughty Caterpillar eating that beautiful Calendula. Soon it will be Winter, and then Spring will be right around the corner.

Wendy said...

You've taken a remarkable pic of Nella - the contrasts of dark and light.

Too bad about the birds you hoped to shoot today. But you are patient and I know you will get another chance.

It's nice to see healthy plants in your garden. Even the little caterpillar munching away tells me that all is well...

Nice to come along with you on your walk, even if our eyes were watering. I rarely wear eye make-up any more - it would just run down my face.

Gail said...

I love Sunday Safari...I learn more about your garden and you! Both delightful treats. I hope your week is filled with long walks and lots of
Redwing and Fieldfare. gail

marmee said...

i love your sunday safari's...i always enjoy the beauty that is yours for the viewing.
isn't it always interesting how things do change in a quick moment. i am glad you have had plenty of rain.
we have had such beautiful weather with sunshine and cool but not cold days.
happy november.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for this restful time walking with you.
I have been walking hospital hallways and sitting with my sister. I have been hunting for the beauty I know is all around me.
I so enjoyed seeing Nella and the Great Tits. They are so pretty.
Seeing the caterpillar is seeing hope in action.
Thank you for keeping Sunday Safari. Thank you for your friendship.
Stay strong,
Sherry

A wildlife gardener said...

Here I am, once again, Dear Cheryl, on my once-a-month blogging trip, catching up on all the posts you've written since my last visit :)

There is always a feast of delights, both to read and to see in your wonderful photos :)

I enjoyed the wren singing his heart out; your darling Grandchildren helping sweep up those precious Autumn leaves; reading about the joy of the rain replenishing the earth after the drought; your journey of the garden (I am also an intuitive gardener and had no BIG plan, from the ouset, for our garden); the beautiful fungi (especially the one with the untramarine trim) and the returning Canada Geese...all full of joy; every post quite lyrical :)

All I can say is a BIG thank you for sharing the magic, Kindred Spirit :)

Rose said...

I enjoyed taking this walk with you, Cheryl; such a beautiful, peaceful area you live in. Poor Nella looks so disappointed she couldn't go with you, though. Your weather sounds absolutely frightful; I'm amazed you still have anything blooming. I hope the sun comes out again and the storm clouds leave this week.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Great photo of Nella. Your walks are like mine. You don't always see what you expected but often see something wonderful you didn't expect.
Marnie

NCmountainwoman said...

Another opportunity spoiled by other people enjoying the outdoors. Better luck next time. You did get some lovely photographs for us.

Cheryl said...

Hi Liz....we are expecting a hard frost tonight....I am sure your temperatures will be lower than ours. I think I will be saying goodbye to my blooms...we will see.....
We all need some sunshine Liz....it makes most of us smile at some point.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Morning Glories....yes you are right...once we have entered the doorway to winter, spring will be ahead.....Got butterflies in your tummy, me too......

Cheryl said...

Wendy....do you remember those days when you were just so glamorous (or thought you were!!) I rarely wear eye make-up now...I find it irritates my eyes more than the weather does...lol How life changes.....

Cheryl said...

Dear Sherry....I have been thinking of you lots and sending positive thoughts your way.
I hold you very much in my heart at this time....

The caterpillar gave me such hope....I smiled for a long time after taking that photograph.....

Nella is a good and sweet girl....I took her out later that day. I will be fit with all this walking, at least I hope so!

Cheryl said...

Dear Wildlife Gardener....thank you so much for your delightful comment.

You are so kind to come and visit and leave such a detailed writing of what you have read.....

Ruth said...

Lovely light in your pictures. I like the picture of the dog in the sunshine. And I recognize your pulmonaria plant.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Cheryl,
What bright, beautiful photos. I love the lovely flowers and plants. Despite the cold wind, what a nice walk. Thanks for sharing your splendid walk with us.

Deb said...

Hi Cheryl
What a beautiful blog you have! Your photos are amazing & Nella is precious!

CIELO said...

I've so enjoyed our country walk... I was there right by you; did you not see me? It was lovely. I lived through your eyes and words for a few minutes.... thank you for peacefulness...

Hugs

cielo

Dan said...

I've been looking at the Canon EOS range, because I have a normal SLR (I currently have a pocket Sony digital camera), and the lenses fit the digitals too.
By the way - I looked at your profile, and yes we share very similar tastes and interests. I have explored the use of herbs (though mine was mainly for use in dogs because Bobby has epilespy) and you even like calligraphy! If you have any recommendations for sinus problems I would love to know!

Tina said...

Great pictures as always! I love the calendula, too, and want some in my little garden next year! There still is a place somewhere. I miss so much to be out back there more and longer but it gets dark so soon…

Cheryl said...

Hi Dan.....are you thinking of buying the EOS?

My daughter suffers with sinus problems. There is a homeopathic nasal spray called Euphorbium spray which is said to be extremely effective. It helps to relieve runny nose, congestion and headaches.

My daughter finds the thing that helps her most is hot water in a large bowl, add TWO drops of pure eucalpytus oil, and breath in the steam by putting a towel over your head, over the bowl. Done on a regular basis she has found it most effective.
Do please remember I am not qualified. I have used herbs for my family and myself for many many years but It most certainly does not make me an expert.
Dairy also causes the condition to worsen...particularly cheese. My daughter loves cheese.
Hope that is of some help.....

Dan said...

Hi Cheryl
Yes, I was thinking of getting one of the EOS range, but not sure which. They have some good deals on Amazon from time to time, though I might have a look at the secondhand ones in the camera shop too. I don't need anything too fancy, as I only take shots for fun, but it would be good to have a little more scope than my compact camera gives.
Thanks for the tip on the Euphorbiam, I'll have a look for that and give it a go. I've tried eucalyptus and also olbas oil, both of which are quite effective too. Best wishes, Dan

A Larrapin Garden said...

Loved the safari! Like a wonderful vacation to your woods and countryside. Thank you!
Leigh from A Larrapin Garden (Ozarks, US)