On a dismally dull albeit dry day we spent much of the morning tidying up the Rose Garden. This involved pruning, dead-heading, planting bulbs, and sweeping up lashings of leaves shed by the overhead copper beach. There is much more to be done, but we gave ourselves the afternoon off and went for a drive.
On Thatcher’s Lane we had settled in for a long, slow journey behind three equestriennes, when they cantered on ahead and down a slope to pull over on a verge to let us pass. We exchanged greetings as we did so.
Further along the road Jackie disembarked to purchase a plump pumpkin from the display outside a small house.
Crossing into Fish Street I enjoyed watching a group of what I think are rheas feeding in a field.
Readers may care to read https://derrickjknight.com/2015/04/07/no-contest/
in order to understand the title and header picture.
Pannage pigs at Ibsley had attracted the usual attentive visitors. Despite the nose rings intended to deter deep excavation these snuffling porkers churned up quite a lot of soil. (It has just occurred to me to wonder whether the human fashion for nose rings has a similar reason). The last picture in this gallery displays the classic curly pigtail.
On an unnamed lane on the approach to Godshill we met a stag which paused, weighed up its options, then leapt uphill through a thick hedge to allow us safely to pass.
This evening we dined on Mr Chan’s excellent Hordle Chinese Take Away fare with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Corbieres.
So many wonderful animals, Derrick, the stag is beautiful! 😊🇬🇧
Thank you very much, John. Quite a surprise for us both 🙂
Wonderful photos of the local wildlife
Thanks very much, Sheree.
Wonderful images of wild and domestic creatures.
Thank you very much, Maj
Looking at that rhea head-on makes you understand why they can’t fly!!
That stag is magnificent, isn’t he?! Wow!
Thanks very much, GP. About the nearest we’ve ever got.
A delightful variety of animals – the stag is particularly magnificent – as well as an attractive display of bright pumpkins!
Thank you very much, Anne.
The rheas were unexpected! Their plummage is quite beautiful in a monochromatic kind of way. Your stag is magnificent. As many deer as we have in my neighborhood, we only see does and fawns, no stags. I think you may be right about the purpose of human nose rings. 😉
Thanks very much, Liz 🙂
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Fantastic pictures. The stag definitely steals the show, even though I did like the rheas quite a bit…something hypnotic about that stare!
Thank you very much, Paul
An intriguing day with lots of animals.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
At first glance I thought they were emus, until I read your description, Derrick. They let you take amusing close-ups.
The first time I saw them I think I termed them emus, then an Australian follower put me right. Thanks very much, Dolly.
Trust an Australian to know the difference. You are very welcome, Derrick.
It may have been a dreary day, but it seems that it was brightened by a bevy of beautiful wild creatures. That stag is magnificent!
Thank you very much, Merril. It is amazing what appears on an unpromising day.
It is. Maybe it makes it a bit more special, as well.
Indeed
What a wonderful surprise to see such a gorgeous stag amongst all the free range domestic creatures.
Thank you very much, Sue. It was a lovely surprise. 🙂
I am glad that the stag decided on flight rather than fight. I was charged by one in the rutting season in the Highlands which left a considerable dent in my car.
Tremendous wildlife photography
Thank you very much, Gary.
I love the expression on the stag’s face – shall I or shan’t I.
Exactly, Sue. Thank you very much.
Yes Derrick, I think you are right, that big bird is a Rhea, but they are very similar to an Emu.. the emu’s beaks are broader, and their eyes are a distinctive orange colour…
Thanks very much, Ivor, especially for the confirmation.
It’s so beautiful.🌺
Thank you very much, Laleh
My pleasure.
Thank you for sharing the link! I enjoyed Flo’s photos! 🙂
Your photos are all wonderful, too! When you photograph animals, I love those face-to-face with the camera shots. 🙂
HA! on what you said about nose rings. Okay, that made me snort-laugh. 😀
And I do, I do, I do love that curly piggy tail! I bet those pigs have tales to tell when they settle down for the night…like, “Oh, Mom, guess what?! I had to stop eating for a minute so all the Human-Beans could pet me today. Gosh!” 😛
HUGS!!! 🙂
Lovely comments, as ever, Carolyn. Thank you very much, especially for following the link. X
The pumpkin display would make a nice jigsaw puzzle. Lots of nice captures today, Derrick. You and Jackie deserved Mr. Chan’s excellent Hordle Chinese Take Away.
Thank you very much, Jill. It is good to provide a potential puzzle picture 🙂
I liked seeing the rheas and the stag was such a beauty! I followed the link to your other post – Flo definitely has a talent for photography!
She really is an artistic genius, Clare. Thanks very much.
🙂
Hahaha…the nose rings…🐷🐽
That stag is gorgeous!
Thanks very much, Ribana.
Rheas are a new name to me–what fun they look–they sure didn’t mind their photos taken!
Many thanks, Cynthia. They are South American relations of Ostriches and Emus.
It’s nice to see the children enjoying the pigs. And I’m glad you got to see that stag!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
I’m with John! So many wonderful animals. That stag is magnificent. And what a cute little pig tail.
Thank you so much, Laurie
Is the pumpkin for cooking some delicacy? Looking at the stag near the hedge I wonder if it could have easily camouflaged in the overgrowth rather than sprinting away?
Pumpkin pie – this is particularly popular in the States. We certainly couldn’t see the stag as we drove past the spot. Thanks very much, Uma
Pumpkins are one of the visual delights of the season, their pleasantly round shape and bright orange color.
Thank you very much, Nicki
Yes, that is a cracking stag, and the rheas a bit of a surprise, I would think.
It always seems so bizarre to me that after years of Women’s Lib and vast clouds of hot air from bra burning, as soon as the battle is won, it becomes a fashion for women to put a ring through their nose.
🙂 Thanks a lot, John
You earned your afternoon off Derrick!
Thanks a lot, Andrew
Wonderful captures, Derrick. I like the stag most of all – mainly for it’s wildness and not being domesticated like the others. It’s always a special treat to catch shots of wildlife. Hope you and Jackie are well, wishing you a lovely week ahead!
Thank you very much, Julie. We are both well, as I trust you are
Beautiful photos! The rheas seem to be posing for you. And your granddaughter Flo takes some very beautiful photos, too. 🙂
The pannage porkers are entertaining as always. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia – and for following the link
Wow. That stag is something. And the pigs look pretty happy.
Thanks a lot. Lisa. A fascinating encounter
the stag is beautiful! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lola
Such a fabulous antlered stag. So regal.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie X