Looking Back - part 4

We will finish this troll through the year, with a few pictures from the last three months and October started with an all-too-brief visit from Malcolm's Swiss cousin Christine and Hansüli. We had only a short time to enjoy their company, but we introduced them to fish and chips - with mushy peas of course...

showed them round some of our usual walks...

and the sights of Derby too, including - by chance - the Knife Angel...

and The Moon!

Autumn had taken hold of the countryside by this time and in a rare moment of sunshine, we got to take in the glorious colours of the season.

There were some rather scary encounters on the way, such as when we came across this 4-spot Orb Weaver...

but most of our wildlife encounters, were of a more picturesque nature.

It was fungi time of course and the Fly Agarics were rather good this year...

Even the wildlife in our back garden, was adorable.

November's weather remained wet and pretty miserable and the old canal was filled once more, to overflowing...

and it was well worth spending a few moments watching and listening to the rushing waters of the brook too as it tumbled and gushed through the trees.

At Straw's Bridge, the swans were always hungry (no change there)...

and we had a rather more exotic visitor, in the shape of this beautiful Egyptian Goose.

They don't refer to it as 'Swan Lake' for nothing!

Sunshine was rare, but much appreciated when it came.

Finally, into December and our return from a few days in The Algarve.

We had some fine weather - although not quite as good as the forecast had promised...!

Some beautiful scenery...

 and a couple of new 'ticks' for my life-list, including this fabulous little Bluethroat.

Lots of other birds to see too, including Spoonbills...

and the diminutive Fan-tailed Warblers, or Zitting Cisticola (love that name.!)

Malcolm was every bit as photogenic, but not nearly as wild, despite turning 57 while we were there.

Back home and things were looking a bit more like Christmas...

So, that's about it for another year, which just leaves me to wish a very happy New Year to all who deserve it - and see you on the other side.

↞HAPPY NEW YEAR↠

Looking Back - part 3

Into July and the weather was still being kind to us. The fields were alive to the sound of buzzing bees on the Comfrey plants...

 and the orchids.

There were new arrivals on the farm...

and on the water.

A trip to Dovedale proved to be well worth while and were were treated to the sight of this gorgeous little Dipper, living up to his name as he searched for food in the fast-flowing river.

It all looked quite idyllic.

Rather like troglodytes, we had lunch in the mouth of this cave before returning home.

In August, we had the excitement of a visit from this spectacular old Lancaster Bomber as it flew low over our home.

It was during August, that the weather seemed to turn much wetter and as the flowers still bloomed bravely...

 The brook was raging with all the rain...

and the Nutbrook Canal was filled to overflowing.

All that rain, rather curtailed our walks and by September, there were the first signs that summer was coming to an end.

The hedgerows were decorated in their finest red berries...

and we found this delightful Southern Hawker Dragonfly enjoying some rare sunshine.

September also saw us on our travels again. This time, to Caernarfon, where we enjoyed some nice walks around the famous castle...

 the old walled town...

and along the coastal paths, where we saw lots of migrant Painted Lady butterflies.

Out on the mud and sandy shoreline, waders were doing what waders do best, including this lovely Oystercatcher.

Back home and we had the good fortune to find this little stunner at Straw's Bridge...

but this green-eyed charmer, was keeping a close look out for birds in our front garden.

Autumn was definitely on its way...

That's all for today but don't go away, part 4 will be along tomorrow!

Looking Back - part 2

April saw Malcolm and I returning from a few days in the Lake District, where we'd had some nice walks along the Lancaster Canal...

and paid our respects to Malcolm's late father, on Orrest Head.

We enjoyed the views as we walked along lake Windermere...

and the all the spectacle of Aira Force.

Crossing the border, we also took in some of the delights of the coast around Dumfries and Galloway.

Our return journey, was made even more scenic, by a late fall of snow the night before (a sustaining Cortado was needed to keep out the chill.)

Things soon turned more Spring-like and the insects were buzzing...

and the Bluebells were ringing!

By May, we were enjoying some lovely weather and some long walks in the sunshine.

Everything was bursting into flower...

and the Azaleas on Shipley Hill were looking fabulous.

Not forgetting our neighbourly, bunny-sitting duties, selecting some choice leaves for their lunch.

June, saw the lakes around Straw's Bridge, Mapperley and Osborne's Pond, alive with ducklings and proud mothers.

The Common Terns at Straw's Bridge, were busy looking after their chicks...

and the Peacock at Mapperley, was master of all he surveyed.

Whilst this cheeky little Tufted Duck, kept a close eye on us!

Our back garden was filled with the scent of Palm flowers and the buzzing of bees enjoying their nectar.

Of course, June is always Bee Orchid time.

June, also found us exploring the delights of the South Coast. Particularly, the charming little town of Rye

Being great fans of the original C4 series of E. F. Benson's Mapp and Lucia, we had fun spotting all the filming locations.

 and the weather was perfect!

We were not so lucky with the weather when we visited Durdle Dor...

 

 and Lulworth Cove

 But even allowing for the downpours, we had a lovely few days there too.

Stick around, for part three tomorrow.