Once light began to filter over Downton pre-dawn this morning
pink-tipped clouds were visible over Christchurch Road, until
eventually sun-up stirred the wood pigeons to emerge onto their customary perches
on our garden’s copper beech
and into canoodling on the telegraph wires facing the house. Usually the avian ladies play hard to get, but one gentleman struck lucky today.
This afternoon I set about culling once more. If I could find them I would keep only the deer from
similarly I will only keep Sam in the Den in Summer ’85 and those from Flo onwards in
I will only keep the book cover photograph from
Long term readers will be familiar with
referred to in the above post link. Those who do not know it may not be surprised to know that I have retained all the pictures.
Later, I read a little more of ‘The Brontës’, until Elizabeth visited for a cup of tea and a chat.
As my sister was leaving, the crescent moon was paying his respects to Venus.
This evening we dined on breaded Southern fried chicken, baked gammon, cauliflower cheese, carrots, and runner beans with which I finished the Fleurie.
What gives, Derrick? Stay up late, get up early, very productive. I’m impressed with the pictures and the lucky wood pigeon.
Thank you very much, Pat. Getting up early is my norm – that’s when I go through all my comments and other people’s posts – so good morning – ; yesterday it was dark before 6.
Productive way to start to day. I have always been an early bird too.
Please tell me you named the pair on the wire Christian and Christiana! It does look as though Christian made some progress!
I’m afraid I didn’t think of that, Linda. Thank you very much
I don’t remember much about Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, but clearly the names stuck! And who knows? Maybe pigeons do make pilgrimage from time to time!
I’ve never been able to face that. I thought the names must have been a quotation from something. Thank you for elucidating
Thanks for sharing the links to your past articles… and above all these wonderful photos!
Thank you so much, Luisa
My pleasure. Always!
What a beautifully observed morning scene, Derrick—your dawn pigeons certainly know how to welcome the day! I enjoyed the gentle humor of the lucky suitor and the seamless way you wove past and present into your reflections. A lovely read, as always.
Thank you so much, Donna
What a cute pair of wood pigeons canoodling on the telegraph wires!
Thank you very much, Rosliene
“Birds on Wires” always fascinate me, Derrick …
“Birds on wires sit motionless
Waiting for a thermal updraft
To lift them beyond this world of smallness
Where greed and senseless wars
Remain the leader’s primary craft”
So right, Ivor
Such lovely images, Derrick. You are on a mission!
Thank you very much, Dale
My husband tried to get a photo of the crescent moon and venus last night, but his cell phone just wasn’t up to the job.
Thank you so much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Well done for catching the moon and Venus. I was hoping to do the same, but it remained cloudy.
Bad luck, Tootlepedal. Thanks very much
Great photos, Derrick! The moon and Venus are frequently close in the desert at home too. Have a great week.
Thank you very much, John
Nice shot of the pigeons and the moon with Venus. I love The Forest Den and Jessica’s sweet smile.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
You’ve captured a lovely image of the crescent moon. The pink skies and wood pigeons gave occasion to your lovely prose.
Thank you so much, Alys
What a fine final photograph!
Thank you very much, Anne
Becky’s book is delightful, Derrick. That is a treasure.
Thank you so much, Alys
OH! Such beautiful photos! Some sweet photos, too! Especially love the canoodling birds and the moon paying respects to Venus! 🙂 The two of them were so bright and big in the sky last night here. Living at 5400+ foot elevation, the moon, stars, etc., seem so close. We enjoy night walks to commune with them. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
I am not a big fan of pigeons, I chase them off but they always return.
Thanks a lot, Andrew
Outstanding photos, especially the crescent moon and Venus. I took the same picture last night.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful dawn pictures. And Venus and the moon are a bewitching pair.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Awww – love those pigeons sitting together, very cute!
Thank you very much, M.B.
Wonderful photos.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful dawn, the courting pigeons, and the moon with Venus. A productive day!
Thank you very much, Merril
I always enjoy your photos of the sky. Those pink-tipped clouds visible over Christchurch Road were especially impressive.
Thank you very much, Jan
I like your perspective of the Moon is paying his respect to Venus, intead of the Venus is tagging along the moon.
Thank you so much, Byung. I’m pleased you noticed that
You are very welcome, Derrick
I love your final photo of the sky! And the pigeons conspiring. <3
Thank you very much, Crystal XX
I remember Beccy’s book! The illustrations were beautiful!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
Absolutely wonderful photographs Derrick
Thank you so much, Gary
LOVEly sunrise
Thank you very much, Sheree
So cute! Beautiful photos!
Thank you very much, Riba
Such lovely pictures
Thank you very much, Robbie