Forest Fauna

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This morning we transported two huge bags of garden refuse to the Efford Recycling Centre, then drove on to Peacock Computers at Lymington to collect my MacBook and the dongle which enables me to load pictures from my camera.

On this beautifully sunny day we then drove on through the forest.

Of the many groups of somnolent ponies foraging among the gorse and May blossom, the first to catch my eye were those moseying around the moors beside East Boldre. Some simply chomped; one appeared to be resting its neck by standing in a dry ditch; others rested their legs, rising awkwardly to their feet; waited for a bus at a request stop, or occasionally wandered across the road.

Further along towards the Norleywood crossroads a pair of similarly spindly-legged foals were learning to get to grips with the uneven terrain. When they considered I had come a little too close each darted to its own respective mother.

Some of the forest pools still contain enough water in which cattle can slake their thirst. Calves and their parents drank at this one before crossing the road to comparative shade. One protective parent persuaded me to step aside before leaving its offspring to follow.

This evening we dined on Jackie’s delicious beef stew, new potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and curly kale. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Apothic.

54 comments

  1. You know how to catch me, don’t you, Derrick? A whole bunch of pony pictures and cows thrown in for good measure – thanks!

  2. They probably behave as a postcard of many years ago depicted a comment by a cow on the Knysna road: ‘Gather round, chaps; there’s another car coming!’

  3. I’m glad you had a beautiful day today. Some of those horses really looked sleepy.
    I hope all goes smoothly tomorrow. Will you have your surgeon take photos? πŸ˜‰

  4. Wishing you all the very best for tomorrow Derrick. I’m sure it will all go swimmingly and you’ll be back on your feet before you know it. And if all else fails you’ll just have to get Jackie running about after you (ducks for cover…) x

  5. You got some great photos, Derrick. Thanks for sharing them with us. Will be sending up some prayers for you tomorrow. LOL! I’m laughing at Merril’s comment. πŸ™‚

  6. The tranquility that shines out of your pictures of the animals just going about life have the same effect on me as staring at a Constable painting. HB2 and I agree that the stand-out is the two moos drinking – absolutely wonderful photo and he went into raptures at your meal choice – particularly the new potatoes. Bon courage for tomorrow – I will be thinking of you (though probably rather after the event due to pesky time differences)

      1. As you know, I only ever say what I mean and that is absolutely what I felt (and often do) about your Forest pictures.

  7. Good luck for tomorrow/today, Derrick. I assume you’ll show the first line of today’s (17th’s) blog to the surgeon, to show how seriously you’re taking your preparation for the op. πŸ™‚

  8. Love the pony in the ditch. Energy conservation at its finest. πŸ™‚

    Perhaps Jackie night be persuaded to post a brief update later in the day? … if not, we’ll all see you on the other side of today.

  9. Hello
    I searched on the internet without finding, so that ponies can be raised freely and move on the streets.
    Do you have explanations or can you name the place or the name of the breeding?

  10. OH! I could look at these ponies and calves all day! πŸ™‚
    Beautiful photos of them, Derrick!
    We can learn so much by observing these amazing animals!
    Continued best of luck on your surgery! We go with you in spirit! You are not alone!
    HUGS,
    Carolyn πŸ™‚
    PS…your meal sounds lovely and yummy!

  11. Great Rural pics Derrick, you are privileged to be able to live in such a relaxing environment mate.
    Always wondered what that cord was called that you use to download pics from your Camera, now I know, A Dongle.

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