CLICK ON IMAGES TO ACCESS GALLERIES THAT CAN BE VIEWED FULL SIZE.
There are still plenty enough crab apples on our trees to attract blackbirds daily. This morning I watched them eating. They are quite territorial over their meal table, tending to deter unwelcome guests. They prefer to approach the fruit on the higher branches. If they do not drop them onto the plants below, they are capable of swallowing them in one go.
Later this afternoon, diverting to observe the beach huts burnished by sunset over Friars Cliff, we drove to Curry’s/PC World at Christchurch for some Christmas shopping.
This evening we dined at Lal Quilla in Lymington. My choice was Purple Tiger (tiger prawns and aubergine) and Jackie chose Harayali chicken (not sure if I’ve spelled it correctly, but it is spinach based). We shared mushroom rice, tarka dal, and a paratha; and both drank Kingfisher.
What a sunset.
Thanks, Alex
Love those birds! Such amazing captures!
Thanks very much, Lynn. It took a little while
Silly blackbirds! They eat it all as early as possible, and then go hungry in February!
Thanks a lot, John. The way it’s going here, it will be Spring in February. Over 10 degrees again now
The sunset is breathtaking – absolutely breathtaking! Derrick, I hope you and Jackie have a wonderful week. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Terry.
Love that last photo in the 1st series – you can see his tongue! Beautiful sunset photos, Derrick.
Many thanks, Jodie. I’m pleased you spotted the tongue
I’m a tongue spotter. : )
“her” tongue, strictly…
Wow – I’m impressed, Mr. Paul Clarke. That looks to be a bird with very few markings, as it is. How do you tell male from female?
Correct, Paul
Great photos of the sunset, Derrick!
Thanks a lot, Jill
Lovely photos–blackbirds and the sunset.
Many thanks, Merril
Beautiful photos. I could watch birds feeding for long stretches of time…
Thanks, Lisa. They are through the window to the left of my chair – at this very moment
Those birds. And those sunsets ….
Thanks very much, Osyth.
Gorgeous photos. I think it’s spelled Hariyali Chicken.
Thanks, Ann. That could be right
Reflections in the puddles. 🙂
🙂 Thanks for noticing, Johnna
Absolutely gorgeous photos and I enjoyed your words:
“If they do not drop them onto the plants below, they are capable of swallowing them in one go.” You are a poet, Sir Knight!
Glad you spotted that, Rose. Thanks a lot
Great photos, as always. Looks like a lovely day. Blackbird photos are particularly good – I’ve been trying to get some that good for two weeks now!
Thanks, Quercus. You will do it
Today’s challenge was dirty glass – acting as a soft focus filter.
Love that bird with the berry in his/her mouth image! Gorgeous sunset scenes! 🙂
Many thanks, Amy
That’s a big berry in its mouth!
Thanks, Laura. I’m amazed at their capacity 🙂
It’s nothing compared to yours, Mr. Big Breakfast. : )
🙂
lol
The skies are so beautiful and sunsets are a treat while over bodies of water! I loved the reflections on the beach huts in the longest shot or frame. (Left hand second from the bottom.) Thank you!
Thanks very much, Robin
Just finally getting back to checking blogs. . . You’re always welcome, Derrick.
What beautiful photography. I love the blackbird dining alfresco and the sunset photographs are gorgeous!
Many thanks, Geetha
Welcome Derrick 🙂
Amazing photos! Do you request the blackbirds to pose for you?
Normally they just fly off, but I hid behind a trellis 🙂 Thanks very much LL/PS
Gorgeous sunset! Nice to see the birds feasting on your fruit.
Beautiful images. ????
Cheers. Sounds like a good dinner
I love crab apple jelly – I no longer have a ready source of these delicious little apples though.