On this third dull afternoon as winter attempts a resurgence tomorrow Jackie and I took a forest drive after collecting repeat prescriptions from Milford Pharmacy.
Alongside Angel Lane, where we spotted our first clump of bluebells, a pair of forest horses lunched on hay heaps.
Silent crows perched beside Milford Road.
Jackie photographed me photographing oyster catchers and gulls against the backdrop of the Isle of Wight from Tanners Lane where she also pictured
blackthorn in a hedge, and I focussed on a friendly guide leading a young rider.
A couple of donkeys crossed from one side of the lane to the other in order to squabble over a row of chopped carrots. The loser didn’t get much of a look in.
When I disembarked in Sowley Lane to photograph a ploughed field. one pheasant nipped into a hedge and anther enhanced to field landscape. The fourth of this set of pictures is Jackie’s.
A pair of thirsty ponies enjoyed a meal of cold soup in the pool at the corner of St Leonard’s and Norley Wood Roads.
On the roof of the shed of a house opposite we noticed a boat weather vane, and while waiting for a tractor further along I photographed more blackthorn.
As we swung round Lymington River a cormorant stretched its wings atop a red buoy.
For dinner this evening the Culinary Queen produced her wholesome beef and onion pie; boiled potatoes; crunchy carrots and cauliflower; and tender cabbage with which she and Ian drank Hoegaarden and I drank Azinhaga de Ouro Reserva 2019.
Outstanding photos today – thank you!
Much appreciated, GP
The ponies in the water are in quite deep. That must be some good cold soup!
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I meant to add that I love the compostion of the first crow photo.
Thanks again, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Marvelous photos. Donkeys are like that. ??
You would know, Pat. 🙂 Thanks very much
LOL. Goats are too. Have a great day, Derrick.
Which photograph to pick? I really enjoy the pheasants and I love the large picture of the pony enjoying its ‘cold soup’.
Thank you so much, Anne
So many beautiful photos today! I love pheasants, a very attractive bird. The pony is beautiful, but the cold soup can’t taste too good! ❤️??
Thanks very much, John
Wonderful photos–too many favorites to choose just one! I love the donkeys, the pony drinking cold soup, and the cormorant. I thought he was stuck at first. I’m glad he was simply resting there.
Thank you very much, Merril
Those donkeys have such appealing faces
Thanks very much, Sheree
Full of interest. Thank you Derrick.
Much appreciated, Roland
“Collecting repeat prescriptions”…..I can almost taste the excitement when we go to Boots for that!
Thanks a lot, John
What wonderful creatures posed for you today, Derrick and Jackie! Lovely photos each and every one! You know I love seeing the donkeys and the birds!
YAY for carrots!
Cold soup! Was it Vichyssoise, Borscht, or Gazpacho!? Ha! 😀
Love the crows decorating the trees!
And my oh my! That pheasant is outstanding in his field! 😉 😛
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you very much for your usually witty comments, Carolyn. I’ll remember Borscht for next time – I’ve done the other two 🙂 X
The donkeys do indeed have such appealing faces – and lovely shaggy coats, too.
The ponies look as though they are having a very good wash but I’m not sure I’d like to be knee deep in water in today’s temperature!
Such lovely pictures, despite the somewhat grey day 🙂
Very many thanks, Emma
The thirsty ponies carried away the prize for me today.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
You two make a great team! Fantastic photos today. Thanks for sharing!
Much appreciated by us both
The first photograph of the pheasant in a ploughed field would make a terrific poster size wall hanging picture. Those ponies don’t seem to mind the cold soup. 🙂
Thank you so much, Chrissy
Stunning photography Sir. The Horse drinking shots are exceptional.
Thank you so much, Gary
Loved the black and white photos of the crows, and of course the donkeys and the ponies. “Cold soup” made me laugh. Great catch of the cormorant on the buoy!
Thank you so much, Jodie
xo
We are having a dull misty day here too Derrick, and it’s a cool 15’C … but you have brightened up my day with your delightful Donkey photos …
Thank you very much, Ivor
I enjoyed this diverse collection of animals, especially the fuzzy donkeys and soup slurping ponies. It’s always fun to see Jackie’s photos of you doing what you love.
Thank you very much, JoAnna. I like ‘soup slurping’
Beautiful photos from both of you. Looks like a successful outing.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
You’re welcome.
As usual, the donkeys and horses are the ones who caught my eye.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Definite snowflakes falling at 7.00am and inside the house, with no central heating on, it was16°.
Thanks a lot, John
I enjoyed all of the photos, especially of the donkeys and horses. Such a treat.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Your posts are such balm for my weary soul, Derrick! I too slow down to take in freshly ploughed fields. I always marvel at how they can drive so straight in such a free, open expanse. Takes some discipline, I bet. Wonderful photos of the donkeys and the horses, too – thank you!
Thank you so much, Anna
Love the watering horse and cormorant.
Thanks very much, Sherry
A grey day, but still plenty of interesting animals to see in the forest. That beautiful sorrel pony eating seaweed soup is an outstanding picture.
Thank you so much, Lavinia – especially for identifying the pony
Sorrel is a beautiful color.
The donkeys and ponies are my favs. What sloppy drinkers! Is the speckled bird in the bushes also a pheasant? Winter is hanging on here, too.
Yes – a hen – I think, Steve. Thanks a lot
I love the cold soup images, those ponies are just so obliging for you.
Thank you very much, Sue. I think they have got to know me
Beautiful photos! Those donkeys are so cute ☺️
Thank you very much, Ribana
Donkeys squabbling over carrots are cute, but I was quite impressed with the cormorant photo.
Thanks very much, Dolly. I was lucky to get that
I am quite certain it takes more skill than luck, Derrick. You are very welcome.
🙂