Jackie drove me to Birchfield Dental Practice for a mid-day hygienist appointment which went smoothly.
We then lunched at Camellia’s Restaurant at Everton Nursery and continued on a forest drive.
The North Easterly wind ensured that despite the complete grey cloud cover the temperature was considerably colder than normal so close to the Spring equinox.
Maybe that is why there were less pheasants than usual trotting along the side tracks and verges of Sowley Lane.
A bay pony shared a pool along St. Leonard’s Road with a skittish
wagtail, while another mare chose to investigate me;
others preferred to disrupt the traffic, while
woodsmoke drifted into our nostrils.
A donkey and foal rested above Hatchet Pond,
above which black headed gulls emulated Exocet missiles.
Jackie photographed perched cormorants
and preening swans,
one hiding on her nest – can you spot the mallard?
This evening we dined on smoked haddock cheddar and leek centred fish cakes, cauliflower cheese, boiled new potatoes, carrots, and spinach with which I finished the Vega Spanish red wine.
Lovely birds! Yummy dinner. ❤️
Thanks very much, John
That the problem with seasonal change flips backwards…we are just into Autumn, but where is some rain, the land is parched
A few drops aren’t helping even with grey cloudy skies.
Noted some leaves turning but many trees have succumbed to just dead … water is needed.
I hope you get some water soon, Catherine. Thank you very much
Beautiful photos.
Thank you very much, Chrissy
What a day of ponies and birds! I did find the mallard, but only after I expanded the picture.
Thanks very much, Laurie
The pheasant looks so British 🙂 Love the color! I might want to grow a few just because they are beautiful 🙂
Thank you very much, Ilze
The forest shirt drives are my favorite. Great pictures and a delicious meal. 👍👍👍
I love the last photo of the splendid pheasant. I also really like the smoky scene.
Thanks very much, Liz
A glorious picture of the donkey foal
Thank you very much, Tootlepedal
I too had a midday dental cleaning appointment… definitely the same. I do love your captures of natures insights along with your equine supporters. Thank you Derrick. x
Much appreciated, Val XX
Your photos captured the cold and dampness. The photo with the woodsmoke is pretty eerie.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Beautiful moving gulls
Thank you very much, Sylvie
Another great day with great photographs!
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The gull photos have a vibrant feeling of energy and movement. I like the shaggy pony and donkey and the smokey photo, too.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
This looks like a worthwhile drive with much to see along the way.
I do see the mallard!
Beautiful photos…seems your subjects of many varieties were very active for you and Jackie to photograph. So nice of them. 🙂 I enjoy all the birds and all the other animals…but those donkeys always capture my heart. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️