At midday Jackie drove Becky and me to Holmsley Old Station Tea Rooms where we enjoyed a lunch date with Helen and Bill, Shelly and Ron.
After this we continued into the forest.
I have mentioned before how difficult it is to back off from a pony when using a long lens. It isn’t really possible with any lens when sitting in the passenger seat of a car with the window open. Fortunately this animal near Gorley Common did not have halitosis.
A group of donkeys, including one quite young one, availed themselves of the bench and various posts outside
Hyde War Memorial Hall. It was with some trepidation that Becky felt the rhythmic rocking of the bench.
She enjoyed a number of pleasant conversations, but wasn’t sure about the sounds emanating from the creature on her left.
This jenny was in fact scratching on a weather-worn wooden post. We soon realised that she was heavily pregnant, her womb tilted to one side. Was she trying to ease the pressure of her unborn infant?
It was while the expectant mother moved off to tear herself a meal of holly branches that Becky watched the wriggling foetus in utero creating undulating waves on the lopsided hide of its dam.
On our return at dusk cattle were on a journey along Roger Penny Way and its bordering moorland. It was their inquisitive noses that approached my camera lens.
All in all this trip contained several moments that were a bit close for comfort.
Ian returned to Emsworth late this afternoon – just for one night. Becky, Jackie, and I dined on the Culinary Queen’s tasty pasta Bolognese. Jackie drank Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2017 while I drank Valdivieso Malbec – another Chilean of the same year. Becky did not imbibe.
She has a rather skeptical look on her face and I don’t blame here. They are cute, perhaps even cuter from a distance
Thanks very much, Bridget. They can be quite persistent when they think there might be a treat in the offing
They’re not alone on that score…so can I! 😉
The expressions on Becky’s face are priceless! Those little donkeys are so cute, but I bet that pregnant one must be uncomfortable. Great photos, Derrick!
Very many thanks, Merril
I definitely like my horses a bit further away.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
There now, had you stuck around a bit longer you might have got the first shots of a new little donkey! Becky is very brave <3 🙂
Many thanks, Pauline. Now there’s a thought. X
So adorable creatures. Great day.❤️
Thanks very much, Laleh
<3
Becky’s expression are priceless, Derrick! Great captures! Now I know what I won’t for Christmas next year…one of those adorable donkeys!
They are very tempting – and so gentle. Thanks very much, Jill
Now I fully understand the meaning of a scratching post. Although you may have been uncomfortable, that first pony photo is wonderful.
Thanks very much, Susanne. The pony was friendly enough. They are always so silent one can only guess that they are after treats
Very sociable animals those donkeys, Becky’s expression in the main picture seems to wish they weren’t
She was a little perturbed – and the bench was rocking. Many thanks, Brian
Some impressive nostrils on that pony! The pregnant jenny and her scratching post were an interesting catch as well. Sounds like she is close to term.
Thanks very much, Lavinia. Next time we’re up there we might see a little one. I hope the weather doesn’t change for the worse
Nice close-up shots.
Thanks very much, Arlene
I am sure Becky’s startled looks are enough laughing matter for the irresponsible foetus! Those are cutest ponies I’ve ever seen.
Many thanks, Uma
I hope for the white donkey that she will not worry about giving birth with her uterus leaning so hard
Yes, indeed. Many thanks, Yoshimi
Becky’s facial expression is priceless :)…lol
🙂 Thanks very much, msw
I hope all goes well for the lop sided pregnancy!
We may see the results next time we are up there
“We’re ready for your close-up, Mr DeMille”
Perhaps it would be more pertinent to check if you were ready for that close-up?? 😉
Such wonderful shots, Derrick – you’re a star! 🙂
Very many thanks, Bob. I had to refocus a bit smartish. 🙂
Glad there was no bad breath and no lickin’, kissin’, or bitin’ goin’ on! 😮 😀
Becky’s expressions are so perfect! Please tell her thank you for being brave and for bringing some laughter to us! 🙂
I hope the donkey and her baby will be healthy and safe and have a good delivery.
I think your close-up faces photos are so wonderful, Derrick!
HUGS!!! 🙂
Very many thanks, Carolyn. I will tell Becky. X
The expression on Becky’s face is magical. Please tell her the donkey was saying “I just want to be friends.”
🙂 Thanks very much, Paol. Will do
You know I loved the animals, but today, the look on Becky’s face was down-right precious!!
Indeed. Very many thanks, GP
These close-ups are wonderful. That poor momma donkey does look a bit off-kilter. I bet she’ll be glad to finally give birth. I know that feeling!
🙂 Many thanks, Cheryl
What lovely creatures!!!! Excellent photos Derrick!!! I will come there to stay lol!!!!!!
Thanks very much, Efi
Poor mama donkey, that looks very uncomfortable. Hopefully baby is on her way out as we speak.
Let’s hope so, Widders. Thanks very much
so fun as well as funny! reminds me of how when I visited Australia, folks thot our pigeons wonderful & hated their ibis’ – whereas I, as a first-time viewer of ibises, found them fascinating!
Many thanks, da-AL
Love those donkeys! You captured them quite well!
Thank you both very much
Love the looks on Becky’s face! She’s funny. What a terrible time of year to be having a baby outdoors! I do hope all goes well.
It’s still pretty mild here. Fingers crossed for the animals
If you ever see the mom with a baby you MUST take a picture!
🙂 Certainly will.
Great close-ups of the pony and fascinating stories of interactions with animals – enjoyed this post very much, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Dolly
My pleasure
Wild donkeys?
Owned by Commoners who have ancient pasturage rights for the animals to roam in the forest. Thanks very much, Donkey Whisperer
The ‘nosey’ photos are great!
Many thanks LL/PS