This afternoon Jackie and I drove to Hatchet Pond where
a small family were enjoying feeding the birds. Turns were taken to carry the youngest child, while another delighted in tossing the bread.
As always, the gulls, on the bank and in the air, squabbled over the crumbs.
A pair of persistent donkeys silently clamoured for their share. There is nothing more insistent than an animal fixing you with a still and patiently pleading expression.
A couple of cormorants on the far side of the lake were more interested in fish.
Ian returned later in the afternoon and we all dined on Jackie’s splendid pasta Bolognese sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese. Jackie and Ian finished the Chardonnay, while Becky and I consumed the last of the Malbec.
We were given stern lectures about feeding the ducks in Romsey. That bread is bad for their little insides and not nutritious to them. Yet we watched swans being fed at Palace House and a number of other places.
You are right about that, Leslie. I’ve given up pointing this out to visitors. Thanks very much
Your photos are wonderful, as always, Derrick, but the most heartwarming ones are of the little ones feeding the birds.
Thanks very much, Dolly.
Very welcome, Derrick
Great photos! I hope the patient donkeys got their treat!
They didn’t, in fact, Jill. Thanks very much
I have also read that birds should not be fed bread–it’s like empty calories for them. Lovely photos though. The one of the birds soaring over the water and the reflections is really wonderful.
It would be hard to resist those little donkey faces.
The title of your post made me think of the song from the original Mary Poppins movie, which as a child, always made me want to cry. OK. Just played it–so, not just as a child. 😉
You are right about the bread, Merril. In some areas here there are notices asking people not to do it. My great aunt Mabel was Julie Andrews’s governess. She had been given the records but had no player.
That is so interesting about your great aunt! I hope at some time she got to hear the records.
I guess we won’t know – unless we ask Julie, who gave them to her
Donkeys and feeding the Birds a good start to my day, Thanks Derrick.
I’m pleased, Ivor. Many thanks
This: ‘There is nothing more insistent than an animal fixing you with a still and patiently pleading expression.’ perfectly expresses my relationship with my dog – or rather my dog’s relationship with me as his food server 🙂
🙂 I’ve seen it so often with family dogs. Thanks a lot, Pauline
I love the donkey pictures. They have such sweet faces.
They do, don’t they, Susan. Thanks very much
Oh, I love the donkeys and the birds, Derrick! Splendid photos! And the photos with the birds and donkey in the same shot are sweet! 🙂
I love that families with young children still go on bird feeding walks at lakes and ponds! We did that as children and we did that with our children! 🙂 Good memories!
Your birds in flight photos are a joy to behold!
Yes, animals have a way of giving people THAT look when they think you have food! 😉 😀
HUGS!!! 🙂
Very many thanks, Carolyn X
It is always handy when someone is feeding the birds when you arrive. It leaves you free to take pictures and saves money at the same time.
So it does. 🙂 Many thanks, Tootlepedal
You really do live in a wonderland of animals and birds, Derrick. Great photos as usual. 👏🏻
Thanks very much, Sylvia
I love the donkeys coming in for their share. 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Lavinia
Now that’s an overload of cuteness! Such endearing pictures that tell so many stories of the small family, the youngest in the small family, the gulls, the persistent foals and the cormorants in the distance.
Very many thanks, Uma
Lovely images.
Thanks very much, Rupali
It must be wonderful to go to a place like this to admire the peace and beauty.
Happy 2019 Derrick. I wish showers of happiness, good health, and love to you and yours.
Very many thanks, Drew. Your good wishes are reciprocated
The donkeys probably figured that the small human could sit on them if refreshments were provided. 😀
Actually the small human got a bit scared. Thanks very much, Widders
How could anyone resist those donkeys? What sweet innocent faces, you can keep your seagulls I’ll take the donkeys every time’
🙂 Many thanks, Brian
Fun and playful photos Derrick. Thanks
Thank you very much, Gary
The still and patiently expression can get annoying if it happens all the time at home! But the donkeys are very sweet.
🙂 Many thanks, LL/PS