DUNNOCK RETURNS

It's been a week since I ventured out into the countryside, athough a couple of days ago I did visit my local park , where I enjoyed a good stroll, a visit to the pond and a sit in the very hot sun on one of the benches dotted around the park, I think next time I'll do a bit of sunbathing, maybe at the weekend.

Before I set out, I spent a couple of hours working-out, I like to make sure that I keep fit for the active plans I have, and walking out into the countryside's rough terrain is a very active experience.

I was a little slow off the mark when the first thing I saw once I was in a safe photo-taking environment was a butterfly I hadn't spotted out here before now. It sat still in a perfect position to film, as soon as I got out my equipment it flew off. It stayed on the same track as me for some time, and I still failed to capture it's image on film. it was always just out of reach.

I spotted the Yellowhammer again guarding his nest, not far along from a Blue-Tit nest, where I could see the adult pair of Blue-Tits . I could here their chics squeeking away in the nest, but access to view was very difficult, and I didn't wish to disturb them too much or get caught by the thorny shrub where they nest.
I then saw what looked like a female pheasant. I did'nt get any footage of her though, I unintentionally spooked her and she flew off, I wasn't prepared, the heat was getting to me and I was just trying to get to the sign post to rest and let the breeze cool me down.
I didn't see any deer today or any other mammals. I did walk further and stay out longer than I thought I might - once I was out and couldn't get a break from the energy-sapping heat, It made my mind up to head back at an earlier stage than usual and come back another time when I feel more energetic and I can do a bit more, but I went on anyway.
I have spotted our Dunnock back in the courtyard over the last few days, I haven't seen him for a few months, he appears to be alone and trying to attract another mate. He was around for a couple of months last time, once he found a mate he went somewhere else to build a nest and father a brood.



DUNNOCK IMAGES: one two three

BLUE-TIT IMAGES: one two

TODAY'S OTHER IMAGES: one two three four five six seven
all photography by geoff