This morning we drove to Ferndene Farm Shop for three bags of all Purpose compost.
Jackie explored the rows of plants on sale as she also bought some trailing lobelias, and
found time to encourage one of the resident pigs, which was labouring somewhat, to step up to the trough for a drink.
On our way home we took a short diversion through the forest. Like the New Forest itself it has been some time since the title ‘new’ was applicable to the first of these lanes; the second avoids the problem of nomenclature by not having any.
Ponies dotted around the moors en route to Burley.
As in the lanes above the foliage of Holmsley Passage bore an almost luminescent glow.
Late this afternoon Giles picked me up at home and drove me to the bird hide at Milford on Sea where we spent a pleasant hour in a very crowded cabin watching the birds.
One black headed gull was fascinated by his reflection in the shallow water;
others shared Hurst Pond with shelducks and swans.
For serious birders the highlight was 31 black tailed godwits, their long legs beneath the surface.
We think this might be a snipe, but it had its back to us so we could not discern the length of its beak.
A pied wagtail trotted along much nearer the hide.
Giles stayed on for dinner which consisted of roast lamb; mashed potato and swede; Yorkshire pudding; crunchy carrots; firm cauliflower; and tender runner beans, with rich gravy. Jackie drank Hoegaarden and our friend and I chose Mora Vista Merlot Bonarda 2018.
Great bird photos. I love a wagtail but we don’t get that many here.
For some reason our wagtails nip around the car parks. Thanks very much, Gary
Lovely, especially the birdies!
I thought you would like them, Cindy. Thanks very much
Such pretty ducks–all those lovely birds were well worth your foray. I also enjoyed the garden center visit. Sigh, I need more flowers but have lacked the time to do more–yet!
Thanks a lot, Cynthia. I’m sure you have been busy with the house
And the tiny, lovable twins…!
This post is like watching a nature documentary. Splendid photos of flowers and birds, and your dry wit. 🙂
Thanks very much, Merril. Given the subject, I suppose a bit of wit was in order 🙂
Oh my God.
Ditto!!
That deserves a full ‘Groan’.
🙂
🙂
If you have a large flock of 31 godwits, they might well be the Icelandic race, still on their migration. I think the pied wagtail is a white wagtail which is the European race. You can tell because the black of the back of the head and the breast do not touch but have a grey bit in between. And is it just me, Derrick but the rock with the snipe looks so like a cow sitting down that I thought it was one! Nostrils, eye sockets, the back, beginning of a tail. I formally christen it “Cow Rock” if it doesn’t already have a name!
I’ll try to remember Cow Rock, John, for next time I use that rock. Thanks very much
Given the location, i was thinking Hippo myself. 🙂
I thought you were referring to the rock as the possible bird and spent far too long trying to figure out what – then remembered to biggify and – voila! Sigh!!
🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
I loved the diversion, Derrick. You all have had a nice stretch of good weather. Beautiful shots!
Thanks very much, Jill. Rain forecast for the weekend, I think. We need it now
What wonderful outings, Derrick! I always love your animal and bird photos!
A galore of godwits! I love that! 🙂 Was the galore of godwits giggling?! (Sorry. I’m being silly…like the Laughing Kookaburra! 😉 😀 )
My brothers took me on a “snipe hunt” when I was a little girl. Long story.
I love visiting farm shops and nurseries! Your photos of the farm shop are lovely!
HUGS for you and Jackie!!! 🙂
PS…I prefer most veggies crunchy and firm, not mushy…so I love hearing about your carrots and cauliflower!
Golly gosh, Garolyn, I do believe they were. I’m with you on veggies. It looks as if we were right about the snipe.
Your close-up horse photo is fantastic.
Thanks very much, Wombat
I thought for a moment that you were going to go home with a pig.
🙂 Not surprising, Tootlepedal. Many thanks
It’s always such a treat to see the flora and fauna in your lovely part of the world. That white pony seemed to be posing for you.
Thanks very much, JoAnna. Ready for her close up, perhaps
Now, what is mashed potato and swede? I’m half Swedish, and had an uncle nicknamed Swede, but I don’t think he ever was mashed up with potatoes!
You may call it rutabaga, Linda 🙂 Thanks. very much
Uplifting and enjoyable post Derrick, great pics and story line.
Cheers.
Thanks very much, Ian
An interesting, enjoyable and absorbing one. Thanks sharing. Derreck sir, yesterday I along with my wife came to England and are staying with my son in Eastleigh. Enjoying every bit of time with my grand son, son and daughter-in-law.
I do hope you fully enjoy your stay, Harbans
I think so. Thanks.
visiting garden centers is always tempting, as we often come back with our arms loaded with new plants to be transplanted and to see grow.
Nice walk (and lunch menu) one more time
Many thanks, Yoshimi. Garden centres are the same for us
Your photo and these words
“One black headed gull was fascinated by his reflection in the shallow water;”—
brought to my mind….. these words of a poem .. Shadows in the Water’ by Thomas Traherne Shadows in the Water’ by Thomas Traherne …
Our second selves these shadows be!!!
Have a nice day Derrick ! Kisses to Jackie!!
That’s a lovely looking garden centre – i’m sure Jackie was in her element. 🙂
Their prices are comparable to ours here, current rate of exchange considered.
I love the white pony’s close-up. I think Sir Billy Connolly would have described him as ‘Windswept and interestin’.
I think you are being a tad mischievous ascribing such narcissistic tendencies to the hunting Black-headed gull, sir?
Your wagtail images are my favourites. 🙂
Thanks very much, Bob. 🙂
Beautiful. I love plant nurseries, even though I’m a terrible gardener. They just make me feel hopeful.
🙂 Thanks very much, Leslie
Ponies, plants, birds! So much to see.
The Ferndene Farm Shop must be a tempting stopover for gardeners. Your lenses have shined through the photographs of people, ponies and birds.
Thanks very much, Uma
What a lovely day out, lovely pictures, such a beatiful time of year.
Thanks very much, Sue
Please excuse typos and repeated words! Wake up Mrs W!
🙂
A post full of lovely things, including birdies. Thanks Derrick
Thanks very much, Sherry
Head Gardener Heaven! 😀
🙂 Thanks very much, Widders
I love seeing all those Godwits! The luminescent lane is beautiful!
Thanks very much, Clare
Delicious photos, Derrick, as always—especially the pictures taken at the nursery!
Many thanks, Diane