As was the case this morning, the seed feeder in the front garden is usually overcrowded by sparrows,
with the inevitable pecking consequence.
Great and blue tits share more harmonious meals.
This afternoon we drove into the forest and got no further than Holmsley Passage before we witnessed
a string of ponies crossing the moorland in our direction.
They were headed for pastures new,
and a visit to their swollen waterhole,
now freely flowing.
The Assistant Photographer produced an image she has entitled “two white manes”
while I leant on the bridge to photograph a grey drinking.
Others leaving the stream cast long shadows in the glow of the lowering sun.
Our blogging friend GP Cox really likes the ponies. So, here you are GP – a post for you.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s chic cottage pie; crunchy carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli; tender cabbage, and tasty gravy with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank Barbera d’Asti 2016.
You’ve loaded some gorgeous pictures today Derrick – I would be very hard pressed to pick a favourite from all those bucolic and moody and just plain pretty pony photos. A good day’s work my friend!
Thank you very much indeed, Pauline.
I do wish I could attract the small birds to my feeder. The bigger birds just keep them away. A splendid photo montage again, Derrick.
Hi! Try a feeder that sticks to the window with suckers, or maybe one that dangles from a branch. Surfaces should be ceramic or smooth plastic. This type of feeder may be adjustable so that you can make the gap between the top and the bottom accessible only to small birds
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clear-Hanging-Bird-Feeder-mealworms/dp/B00ZG9PSG6/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2W8G6SWYSAAM5&keywords=bird+feeders+for+small+birds&qid=1575964634&s=outdoors&sprefix=bird+feeder%2Caps%2C171&sr=1-9
Incidentally I am not endorsing this product, because I don’t have one. It’s just the first of the adjustable feeders that I came across. Good luck !
Good to see this conversation.
Thanks very much, Roland. I see John has provided suggestions.
Love your pictures.
Thank you very much, Mrs W.
Your welcome
As always, lovely photos of the ponies, horses and birds.
Thanks very much, Sheree. We don’t often see ponies on the move 🙂
GP is not the only one who loves ponies, Derrick; I love them too. Your photos are exceptional, especially the black and white ones with shadows.
Thanks very much, Dolly.
My pleasure, Derrick.
What a great photo of you taking a photo, Derrick. I love the white flowers (maybe not flowers) in the background. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks very much, Jill. They are ornamental grasses.
The ponies look splendid today.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie X
I would imagine that all your readers like the ponies. 🙂 This was a great treat.
I’m pleased, Tootlepedal. Thanks very much.
How lovely to see the ponies.
Thanks very much, Susan.
I filled up my nut feeders today but dropped and smashed the pottery top of the remaining squirrel feeder. Tomorrow I will go in search of another.
The ponies are looking well but I do hope so, one is supplementing the lack of grass this winter. Perhaps, just like hens they may return home at dusk at receive a tasty feed of hay and horse feed before retiring for the night.
These forest ponies have to fend for themselves. In bad winters they can get quite bony – but they are tough survivors and have been here for thousands of years, Sue. Thanks very much.
How wonderful that you can get up so close to the elegant beasts–delightful!
As much as I like all of the horse photos, the sixth one from the bottom is pure magic.
Thanks very much, Liz. I’m pleased you picked out that one.
🙂
These are really beautiful pictures. In several, you have nice grass seedheads gleaming in the light–in the one Jackie took as well!
Yes, Lisa. Those grasses pick up the light well. Thank you very much.
A wonderful show of ponies, Derrick and Jackie!
Thank you very much from us both, Lavinia
How wonderful to step outside, walk a while, and be part of such beauty; lucky you!
Indeed, Ronnie. Many thanks.
Such a beautiful countryside.
Thanks very much, More.
You’re welcome
And here I thought “GP” stood for “graceful ponies”! It really was quite thoughtful of you to assemble such a fine gallery for our GP — I appreciated the series myself.
Graceful Ponies, I like. Thanks very much, Linda. I’m pleased you liked them too.
Your pony photos are always a treat. These are particularly lovely images with the lighting and feathery fauna.
I mean feathery flora.
🙂
Thanks very much, JoAnna
My daughter and I loved the horse and pony photos. Gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Lisa. I’m pleased
Beautiful ponies post for GP! 🙂
Such artistic and beautiful birdies and ponies photos! 🙂
The photo Jackie took of you, Derrick, and entitled “Two White Manes” got me teary-eyed! That is a beautiful photo that should be framed and hung up to enjoy every day! 🙂
Jackie: your photos of The Great Photographer are so often so touching and unique! Thank you for sharing them! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. X.
Thank you Carolyn, I like to capture our ‘G.P. (Great Photographer) as he works to produce his masterpieces, often in difficult circumstances!
You’re welcome, Jackie! 🙂
This is wonderful! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
An enjoyable series of photographs.
Thanks very much, Anne,
“two white manes” ?? That’s better than “one white mane” and a “big pink snooker ball” !
🙂 Nice one, John. Thanks very much.
That blue tits are adorable! And the ponies? Beautiful pictures as always Derrick! Have a wonderful day!
Thank you very much, Ribana. You, too.
WOW! I wish I had been online 16 hours ago to respond here sooner, Derrick! And don’t forget to thank Jackie as well. She not only took more pictures – she made my favorite British dish of Cottage Pie (that I keep mistakenly calling my version of Shepard’s Pie. 🙂
I think the ponies knew exactly what you were doing – they were headed straight for you two and came to say hello. Ponies are smarter than people think!!
Have a Great day!!
Very pleased, GP 🙂 Thanks a lot.
Derrick, I really love and appreciate how closely you live with nature every day. Have you always been such a keen observer of the natural world?
To White Manes—the assistant is brilliant! All great photos.
Thanks very much, Cheryl. I always have been, but it is only in retirement that I have really been able to focus so closely. When I was a child I would always draw and paint country and animal scenes from imagination.
Ponies, ponies everywhere! GP isn’t the only one who likes them. As for Two White Manes…Perfect!
Thanks very much, Laurie.
So many beautiful pictures of the ponies in that low sunshine! I love Jackie’s photo and the title she gave it!
Many thanks, Clare 🙂
That is amazing equine photography.
Thank you very much, Uma