As we set out on a forest drive this afternoon grizzling rain added gentle tear-drops to the similar elements we have experienced over the last few days.
Along St Leonards Road many old trees with hollows in boles were decorated with tree fungus;
they stand atop mossy or stony banks;
and carry branches adorned with various lichen.
We have passed this decaying trunk many times since it was first broken by fierce winds some ten years ago.
All along the road more than four and twenty blackbirds flitted across
our path. This one sat posing on a fence post.
It was a solitary egret that flew off into the distance to settle fishing among reeds,
before we paused to watch a face-off feigning a jousting match between two cock pheasants.
A weak sun sent us on our way having briefly brightened branches against the otherwise slate-grey sky.
After more time spent with ‘The Brontës’, I dined with Jackie on her wholesome shepherd’s pie; boiled potatoes, cauliflower with its chopped leaves; Brussels sprouts, carrots and broccoli. The Culinary Queen drank Diet Coke and I drank more of the Merlot.
Such a lovely post (as always)!
The photos are beautiful and the pheasants are simply gorgeous!
Gorgeous pheasants and other pictures. The reflected tree is wonderful, as is dinner. Chile for us tonight.
Did you get to see who won the face-off?
Those are beautiful birds. Perhaps they were discussing which was the most beautiful!
Ooooh I love pheasants! Such beautiful birds, did they fight or just try to impress each other? There is something very calming and beautiful about a forest with it’s many broken branches and old stumps covered in lichen and moss. I remember this from many years of living in Michigan. Childhood memories. Lovely photos! 😊❤️
The pheasant face-off gallery is stunning, as well as alliterative. ;). I liked the tree fungus photos, too.
Time spent with the Brontës sounds like time well spent.
I can feel the dampness. The tree trunk with the large hole looks like a growling monster, ready to snap at any unsuspecting blackbird.
I love the colors of those pheasants. I’m not sure we have the same variety near us. Great pictures, Derrick.
All lovely but I especially like the branches against the gray sky. It belongs with a Bronte story
You’ve beautifully captured some of natures most artistic and unique creations!
Wonderful photos of the pheasants who are apparently not being pleasant!
I’m probably wrong…but I hope they were just having a rousing rowdy discussion of the weather. (wink, wink 🙂 )
(((HUGS))) and ❤️❤️
Beautiful pheasants.
A suitably moody selection oof photos for a grey day. Pheasants are very happy to get into a fight.
Thank you very much, Tootlepedsl
I think the pheasants were pleasantly discussing Christmas presents …
Thank you very much, Ivor
I love both bird series, but the last photo is my favorite.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
The photos are all lovely but the pheasant face-off are just gorgeous! The colours, the clarity. Beautiful.
Thank you very much, Dale
Love your photos Derrick. Always bringing us back to the moment … and the beauty of fungi and pheasants at this time of year 💞
Wonderful details! Your photos take us deeply into the reality of other beings we might otherwise overlook.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The pheasant photographs were quite exciting! 🙂
Thanks very much, Quercus
I loved the pheasants – just like 12 yo boys in the school yard.
Yes – all tentative show. Thanks very much, John
How exciting to see those pheasants in action!
It was. Thank you so much, Anne
Enjoyed the joust
Oh, what beautiful captures of the pheasants, Derrick. The photo of the tree against the gray sky is stunning.
Love the birds today. Thanks Derrick.
Much appreciated, Sherry
Beautiful pheasants and the B&W image of the tree is so striking
Fabulous photos, especially the blackbird on the post and the tree branches against the sky, but the pheasant face-off is hilarious. Such beautiful colors, too!
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
The pheasants are just gorgeous. Love your photos: I can almost see them facing off myself because you captured some great poses. That last photo of tree branches is just wonderful.
Thank you very much, Crystal
Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I love those pheasant photos, Derrick!
Thank you very much, Jan
I love to see the pheasants facing off. I’ve only seen more than one blackbird when a female is around. Then again, that was in my garden, not in woodland. Lovely photos today, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Sue
Beautiful photos! Those pheasants don’t joke around 🙂
Thank you so much, Riba
Thank you for posting the forest drive photos, Derrick and Jackie. Even grey days have so much to see. It is fine weather for lichens and mosses in the Forests of Lilliput.
I see the occasional pheasant wander through here, though not in recent years.
Thank you very much from each of us, Lavinia
The two cock pheasants are very interesting. Great shots
Thank you very much, Robbie