OUTDOOR THERAPY

Another beautiful, sunny and warm day. Does the "beautiful and sunny" statement imply that it is a warm day, therefore not needing the "warm day" statement, or can it be beautiful & sunny without being warm? I suppose it depends on the view from your window regardles of temperature, as long as the sun is shining to highlight the scenery. What?

I decided to take a walk into the countryside again. I had a boring shopping trip two days ago, and a busy day in yesterday so I was due a large dose of outdoor therapy.
Before setting off I spotted a Sparrow feeding on new fruit, from a tree next to my window, so I couldn't resist but take it's picture, there were three points that made my mind up to take the shots - it was a bird and was within a decent distance, it was feeding on new fruit (very symbolic), and there was natural sunlight picking up the markings and definition of its feathers. I had to be quick before he flew off and before neighbours thought it a little wierd I'm stood at my window taking photo's; if that weren't an issue, I would be able to get loads of quality footage just from my window alone.

I did evetually get-out.
There was no dog or it's owners this time forcing me to detour from my plotted course,so I was able to head towards the grassy verges, where I could sit and absorb my surroundings and also keep a look-out for wildlife, it was then, when I reached that point that I realized I hadn't brought my binnoculars with me. I was in the perfect position to to make use of them, the meadows where the Rabbits feed, the woods where there is a selection of interestring sights, and the hedgerows amongst other many places to peer at.
Prior to me taking root on the grassy verges, I was lucky enough to spot a Yellowhammer which is a type of Bunting, the Yellowhammer is flagged as red in conservation importance; Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action.
It was my first ever sighting of a Yellowhammer, a very special moment, which kind of made up for not getting a chance of a photo of the Great-Tit I had spotted earlier, I haven't, and I don't know why, seen a Great-Tit for at least two years, so seeing it was a bit of a shock, but not as much of a shock as spotting the Yellowhammer.
Sitting on the grassy verges soaking up the atmosphere led by the sun brought a great feeling of content, one I feel everyone should experience as often as possible.
Just as I was absorbing its awe, the sun hid behind a dark cloud, I was only aware of a few small fluffy clouds in an otherwise bright blue sky, but no dark ones, this one was just the tip of half the sky that had become significantly grey, I could make out rain far in the distance, there was a chance with the wind blowing in the direction it was, that it would blow past before reaching me, but I was about a mile away from home, I had come out without a coat/jacket or an umberella this time, anyone who knows me, is aware that I'm always prepared for such events, but today's good weather just seemed to strong to break. I did the sensible thing and made my way towards home, a couple of hours earlier than I had planned, it was a big dissapointment, but I can't control the weather.
I was right to head home, rain was on its way, it started just as I reached my close. so I didn't get too wet, luckily.
It didn't rain for very long though
On the way back home, I spotted the Great-Tit again, and got a distant photo of it.

If you want to leave me a comment on any of the subjects I discuss, feel free to leave a comment, weather you've spotted some wildlife, no matter what that is rare or common. or on any other topic - wildlife connected or not wildlife connected.
Yellowhammer photo's
Sparrow photo's
Today's other photo's
all photography by geoff