Bottisham Lock and Polo Ponies

The Polo Ponies are out in the fields once more and are being exercised along the bank of The Cam, near Bottisham Lock.   I hadn't seen them on this land before - so some reflections.   The other reflection is of willow twigs touching the surface of the water and making pleasing patterns.

It was also good to see a Long-tailed Tit carrying nesting material.    And yet again one of my favourite corners of The Cam.

Visitors from Germany

Yesterday was sunny and Spring-like - for a few days anyway.   It was such a joy to spend a few hours with these friends from Germany who haven't been in England for several years now.    Some of the catching-up was done over lunch in the Anglesey Abbey cafe before a walk through the Winter Garden.    I hadn't met the youngster before who is a delight and full of energy.   Her comprehension of English was very impressive (not yet 5 years old) and she was quite at ease finding 'new best friends' with other families (English) also enjoying the garden.

If some of you recognise the father, then you probably have got the right person!   Everyone is well, gainfully employed and enjoying working in Basle and living in Germany.

Jay in the Garden

It was a delight yesterday morning to see a Jay is continuing to visit the garden and making use of fat balls from a feeder (which needs replacing).   At the time of the RSPB garden bird count earlier in the year there were two Jays in the garden, so the delight would be magnified if a pair is to nest here this year.   While I wouldn't choose to photograph birds on a feeder, getting images of a Jay at close quarters, even through a window, is very exciting.

Ightham Mote, near Sevenoaks, Kent

On the way home I stopped off for a first, and only brief, visit to this National Trust Property.   It is an impressive 14 century moated manor house and in very good condition.   Worthy of another visit....   The Dog House is reported to be the only Grade I listed dog house!   Some of the oak panelling is quite exceptional, and some of the internal doors made of kilted oak panels.

Reading Retreat, Sittingbourne, Kent

Between 6-9 March I was on a Reading Retreat in Kent and had a wonderful time.   Our accommodation was a refurbished Oast House, so several of us had a roundel bedroom!   We didn't lift a finger which left us with as many hours as we wanted to read!   I chose to have a reading prescription from Cressi Downing,(whose inspiration the Retreat is) and after lunch each day we went for a walk locally - but it was very muddy from the melted snow!   The last image is of the Reading Room (in which we didn't speak), and which I found very conducive to tucking myself away, by the window, for several hours at a time - TO READ!

"What a brilliant formula!   I have really enjoyed my stay with all its lovely and loving touches to make one feel spoiled and special".

Hellebores in the Snow

Yet another dusting of Snow last Saturday (17 March) and this time I went out to photograph the Hellebores - which I have to say are a favourite plant and I have several around the garden of differing hues.   These are from the same plant.   And a Viburnum Tinus flower head to finish with.

Mallard Drakes on The Cam

There was some pretty aggressive action on The Cam when three male Mallard were sorting things out over one female, but no harm was done.

It took a Mute Swan quite a distance to get airborne, and plenty of splashing!   From a distance it was possible to capture the reflection but a harsh crop shows better the effort required to launch that size of bird.

After plenty of rain it's easy to see how the back of shirts and shorts gets muddy.

Eastern Counties Golden Retriever Dog Show, Milton

I had taken some photographs at this event last year and enjoyed going again this year.   How judges make decisions when there are so many lovely dogs, I don't know!   I'm told there is a set of requirements against which a given breed is judged but it is clear that at the end of the day, subjectivity raises its head and rules the day.   Bit like club photography competitions really!

It is a busy scene with dogs in the ring and dogs waiting;  dogs content and dogs keen.   It must be said though the dogs did seem to be enjoying themselves.   The first image is included to show just how much colour is about and how congested it can seem when earnest conversation is taking place between the owners.   I've cropped quite heavily and converted to monochrome too - which in many ways I think I prefer, although I did find the dog in the first two images particularly attractive (and I'm told very shy).   I would have happily brought any of these home!

Worts Meadow

It was fun getting to do a longer walk than either Boo or I have done for a while.    We went to Worts Meadow, Landbeach and met Beth, a young dog enjoying being a dog and saw catkins for the first time this year.  They look well established too.

Welney III - 13 February

It looks to me as though pairing has started with the Whooper Swans with plenty of vocalising to go with it!

Welney II - 13 February

The first waring waterfowl were Male Mallard, making sure there was only one male for each female.   Then comes aggression between Whooper Swans - presumably with the same agenda.   My favourite image is the last one.....