News
My heartfelt thanks to all of you lovely people who have purchased pictures from me this year or taken the time to read my blog updates, I confess to not be so quick to update the galleries but the slideshow and the blog page are usually refreshed monthly.
I am now selling my greetings card range direct from my website with payment through Paypal.
A range of my cards are now being sold in the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Musuem gift shop and reflect the animals and wildlife found on the farm.
A further range is now on sale at the Norfolk Herb farm that is a little more tailored for garden and wildlife lovers. Ollie, Michelle and Rosie look forward to greeting new and existing customers to their recently extended shop that has a lovely seating area and a coffee machine!
I continue to thank all the loyal customers who visit Algy's Farm Shop to buy my cards. I take the majority of my hare pictures on the actual farm itself so it's wonderful that I get to share some of the magic happening in the fields. Algy's farm shop stocks a host of delicious, locally produced foods in addition to birdseed and his home produced popcorn! Located on the Fakenham Road at Bintree it's very clearly signposted as you approach it.
In the meantime stay safe, stay well and here's hoping that your own little patch of garden and local wildlife may do some healing for your soul.
I am now selling my greetings card range direct from my website with payment through Paypal.
A range of my cards are now being sold in the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Musuem gift shop and reflect the animals and wildlife found on the farm.
A further range is now on sale at the Norfolk Herb farm that is a little more tailored for garden and wildlife lovers. Ollie, Michelle and Rosie look forward to greeting new and existing customers to their recently extended shop that has a lovely seating area and a coffee machine!
I continue to thank all the loyal customers who visit Algy's Farm Shop to buy my cards. I take the majority of my hare pictures on the actual farm itself so it's wonderful that I get to share some of the magic happening in the fields. Algy's farm shop stocks a host of delicious, locally produced foods in addition to birdseed and his home produced popcorn! Located on the Fakenham Road at Bintree it's very clearly signposted as you approach it.
In the meantime stay safe, stay well and here's hoping that your own little patch of garden and local wildlife may do some healing for your soul.
Different hare styles
29th June 2023 - 0 comments
29th June 2023 - 0 comments
I am forever trying to find a different location to photograph the local hares which I do confess I am both passionate and slightly obsessed by.
At the moment I can't decide whether to stay amongst the cabbages and hope to get something more of them playing with the protective netting or wait for them to look pretty amongst the wild flowers and hedgerow.
If only I could be in two places as once!
At the moment I can't decide whether to stay amongst the cabbages and hope to get something more of them playing with the protective netting or wait for them to look pretty amongst the wild flowers and hedgerow.
If only I could be in two places as once!
New Cards
01st June 2023 - 0 comments
01st June 2023 - 0 comments
I have added a few new cards as its been a while since I refreshed the range. I am hoping there is a photo that inspires a caption for every occasion.
Maybe it's to say sorry and the hare with its foot in its mouth may be way of saying Oops, maybe you are shy or embarrassed so the Shy Hare card maybe more relevant.
The flowers cards, particularly the Bluebells and the Forget me Knots are for the more sensitive of messages and perhaps the busy bees a great message for appreciation of the hard work a colleague has been doing.
I hope you like them.
Maybe it's to say sorry and the hare with its foot in its mouth may be way of saying Oops, maybe you are shy or embarrassed so the Shy Hare card maybe more relevant.
The flowers cards, particularly the Bluebells and the Forget me Knots are for the more sensitive of messages and perhaps the busy bees a great message for appreciation of the hard work a colleague has been doing.
I hope you like them.
Hare raising business
17th May 2023 - 0 comments
17th May 2023 - 0 comments
I have been lucky enough this year to have two different hares raising leverets in the field opposite our house.
Many an early morning hour has been spent watching them from the landing window searching for their babies in the long, dewy grass.
As idilic as it sounds it has proven to be relatively stressful for them and for me. Predatory birds such as crows and buzzards circling above, ardent male hares in pursuit of a mate and low flying geese abruptly and nosily landing in the same field. The nerves of those two hares are surely tested everyday.
Demonstrating actions beyond the call of duty the other morning I even ran outside in my pyjamas to become a human scarecrow to frighten off those jet black, opportunist vultures. Crows are just too clever for their own good with incredible memory recall of where food maybe on offer.
Last year we had leverets in the garden so fingers crossed this years batch survive the first month of existence, wriggle through the hedge, cross the lane and come into the sanctuary of our garden.
Many an early morning hour has been spent watching them from the landing window searching for their babies in the long, dewy grass.
As idilic as it sounds it has proven to be relatively stressful for them and for me. Predatory birds such as crows and buzzards circling above, ardent male hares in pursuit of a mate and low flying geese abruptly and nosily landing in the same field. The nerves of those two hares are surely tested everyday.
Demonstrating actions beyond the call of duty the other morning I even ran outside in my pyjamas to become a human scarecrow to frighten off those jet black, opportunist vultures. Crows are just too clever for their own good with incredible memory recall of where food maybe on offer.
Last year we had leverets in the garden so fingers crossed this years batch survive the first month of existence, wriggle through the hedge, cross the lane and come into the sanctuary of our garden.
Good luck charm
12th March 2023 - 0 comments
12th March 2023 - 0 comments
Just to keep things fresh photographing my garden birds I love to swap perches around so that I have varied opportunities rather than just photographing the classic "bird on a stick" pose.
I am currently working with a couple of old Suffolk Punch horseshoes on loan to me. It's interesting how some birds will happily perch on metal but others
will look for ways to circumnavigate it.
So far I haven't been quick enough or lucky enough to snap the Great Spotted Woodpecker, who had landed a couple of times for a nano second. The bullfinches are also very frustrating and don't get me started about the wren.
So thank goodness for blue tits and robins who have landed on my good luck charm.
I am currently working with a couple of old Suffolk Punch horseshoes on loan to me. It's interesting how some birds will happily perch on metal but others
will look for ways to circumnavigate it.
So far I haven't been quick enough or lucky enough to snap the Great Spotted Woodpecker, who had landed a couple of times for a nano second. The bullfinches are also very frustrating and don't get me started about the wren.
So thank goodness for blue tits and robins who have landed on my good luck charm.
The difference a day makes
12th March 2023 - 0 comments
12th March 2023 - 0 comments
There is nothing like a change in the weather to lift feathers and spirits. Within 24 hours it's gone from snow, frost and ice, minus degrees in temperature to sudden balmy conditions.
The pheasants in the garden have gone a little bonkers as spring fever kicks in. The males constantly patrol their patch in search of the ever allusive females and are putting on a fine show..although I could do without that wake up call cry at 4.30am!!
The pheasants in the garden have gone a little bonkers as spring fever kicks in. The males constantly patrol their patch in search of the ever allusive females and are putting on a fine show..although I could do without that wake up call cry at 4.30am!!
Norfolk and Norwich Hospital
06th March 2023 - 0 comments
06th March 2023 - 0 comments
Well, in the blink of an eye I can't believe it's March and I haven't yet put up the news about one of the most rewarding exhibitions I have been involved with.
I was asked back just before Christmas to send a few photos to help decorate the corridors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
It has been so wonderful to get such positive feedback how some of my images have brought some light hearted cheer to both staff and patients. In a small way I hope my pictures represent a thank you to all the staff who have helped me and my family over the last few challenging times.
I have put up a gallery called N&N for each photographic bay just in case anyone is tempted to have a goofy hare or a cow nose print photo on their own wall at home.
I was asked back just before Christmas to send a few photos to help decorate the corridors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
It has been so wonderful to get such positive feedback how some of my images have brought some light hearted cheer to both staff and patients. In a small way I hope my pictures represent a thank you to all the staff who have helped me and my family over the last few challenging times.
I have put up a gallery called N&N for each photographic bay just in case anyone is tempted to have a goofy hare or a cow nose print photo on their own wall at home.
Reliant Robin
28th February 2023 - 0 comments
28th February 2023 - 0 comments
A pair of robins have now established a territory close to my bird feeders and after a few days training they seem to be getting used to the sound of my camera shutter clicking. As soon as I open the hide window one or both reliably appear hoping for a dried mealworm or two.
I have high hopes for a lot more robins photos to come, especially as it looks as though the winter weather isn't over just yet and more winter shots may be possible. Who doesn't love a reliable robin on a snowy perch!
I have high hopes for a lot more robins photos to come, especially as it looks as though the winter weather isn't over just yet and more winter shots may be possible. Who doesn't love a reliable robin on a snowy perch!
A sore head
28th February 2023 - 0 comments
28th February 2023 - 0 comments
We've all been there at some point, over indulged, banged our heads, had a migraine headache through no fault of our own but these poor boys go through a head ache every year that must be both surprising and painful at once.
Shedding the velvet on those brand new antlers looks sore and bloody. Gradually the pain eases and it apparently becomes itchy and annoying as the protective layer is shed. At least then the boys heads can proudly held aloft with broad new head gear that will really impress the ladies.
Shedding the velvet on those brand new antlers looks sore and bloody. Gradually the pain eases and it apparently becomes itchy and annoying as the protective layer is shed. At least then the boys heads can proudly held aloft with broad new head gear that will really impress the ladies.
Whenever, where ever, wren ever
02nd February 2023 - 0 comments
02nd February 2023 - 0 comments
One of my favourite little birds to photograph has to be the wren. What it lacks in size it surely makes up for in attitude. I love how they strike that pose, tail up and bright eye fixed but there is more to their plumage than I realised.
Behind that rather perky upright tail is a little pattern of small white dots, each one almost creating a heart shape spot.
So I have even more reason to love a wren now, whenever, where ever and will continue to make them an ongoing project.
Behind that rather perky upright tail is a little pattern of small white dots, each one almost creating a heart shape spot.
So I have even more reason to love a wren now, whenever, where ever and will continue to make them an ongoing project.
Just dogs
10th January 2023 - 0 comments
10th January 2023 - 0 comments
I have been lucky enough to photograph several dogs recently at owners requests for capturing that photographic keepsake in either print format or produced as personalised greetings cards.
So should anyone be interested in commissioning a photo session please contact me via my contact page.
I have added a few favourite dog portraits to a new group in my gallery called Just Dogs.
So should anyone be interested in commissioning a photo session please contact me via my contact page.
I have added a few favourite dog portraits to a new group in my gallery called Just Dogs.
Fun while it lasted
16th December 2022 - 0 comments
16th December 2022 - 0 comments
I must confess I rather enjoyed the few days of freezing temperatures, albeit I was able to sit in my hide, all cosy and warm.
The regulars didn't disappoint me and they were actually very co-operative by posing just long enough for me to get a few seasonal images.
The regulars didn't disappoint me and they were actually very co-operative by posing just long enough for me to get a few seasonal images.
Minding your business
02nd December 2022 - 0 comments
02nd December 2022 - 0 comments
Don't you just hate that? You get a few minutes of free expression, a chance to have some fun twirling on a branch and enjoying yourself, when a grumpy intruder comes to gate crash your party!
Peanut Rustler
28th October 2022 - 0 comments
28th October 2022 - 0 comments
I heard a rustle coming from my peanut store in my workshop and strongly suspected that I had acquired a lodger! In anticipation of an eventual appearance I dressed the basket opening with autumnal leaves to make it look appealing.
After a long wait, whilst endeavouring to maintain the will to linger longer, I was rewarded with a cheeky, little face of a peanut rustler finally emerging replete from having a peanut feast!
After a long wait, whilst endeavouring to maintain the will to linger longer, I was rewarded with a cheeky, little face of a peanut rustler finally emerging replete from having a peanut feast!
Heartland Reiki Horses
28th October 2022 - 0 comments
28th October 2022 - 0 comments
I have been so lucky to have connected with Hollie and her beautiful Andalusian horses. it was one of those chance meetings that fate played a hand in. I have attached a link on my website for more information about day courses to learn more equine reiki by spending a day with Hollie.
https://www.eponaequine-reiki-centre.co.uk/norfolk-equine-reiki-courses.html
Hollie works magic with her horses and in time they will dance and prance together by hand gesture and voice command.
For now though it's a wonderful experience getting to know them both and watch the astonishing progress I know Hollie will be making with them.
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https://www.eponaequine-reiki-centre.co.uk/norfolk-equine-reiki-courses.html
Hollie works magic with her horses and in time they will dance and prance together by hand gesture and voice command.
For now though it's a wonderful experience getting to know them both and watch the astonishing progress I know Hollie will be making with them.
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Getting ahead start
24th September 2022 - 0 comments
24th September 2022 - 0 comments
I have begun to try out ideal set ups for the autumn with the idea of really focusing on our garden bird visitors this year.
After a couple of years of garden turmoil I am really hoping to have things more or less settled so that all our visiting wildlife can rely on us as a winter restaurant.
Not surprisingly it's the Blue Tits that can spot a fat ball feast from metres away and are the first to land on any of my perches.
This time last year there were no acorns and the fruit trees had a similar low fruit yield so it's a complete contrast to this years abundnace.
Once the fruit and nut stocks run low my hope is that the wildlife will return in number and variety ready for a few choice photo opportunities.
After a couple of years of garden turmoil I am really hoping to have things more or less settled so that all our visiting wildlife can rely on us as a winter restaurant.
Not surprisingly it's the Blue Tits that can spot a fat ball feast from metres away and are the first to land on any of my perches.
This time last year there were no acorns and the fruit trees had a similar low fruit yield so it's a complete contrast to this years abundnace.
Once the fruit and nut stocks run low my hope is that the wildlife will return in number and variety ready for a few choice photo opportunities.
Feeling cuckoo
06th September 2022 - 0 comments
06th September 2022 - 0 comments
Our visiting cuckoos came late this spring but their distinctive call constantly echoed and reverberated across the fields. It was hard to tell just how many visited us but I can confirm there were at least two!
Unusually I had a lot of sightings of them in flight or at the top of one particular dead tree but I was never in a place where I could photograph them.
So it was a huge surprise on an early morning jaunt across the fields yesterday when I spied an exciting find.
A young cuckoo no less, perched on tree protective surrounds to look for caterpillars and insects moving on the ground below. Several times it dived to the ground and then returned to another perch to digest its grubs.
It seemed completely unfazed by my presence, very independent and a capable hunter. Its presence raises so many questions about how instinctively it knows how to be a cuckoo when it has never had that nurturing help from either parent.
Unusually I had a lot of sightings of them in flight or at the top of one particular dead tree but I was never in a place where I could photograph them.
So it was a huge surprise on an early morning jaunt across the fields yesterday when I spied an exciting find.
A young cuckoo no less, perched on tree protective surrounds to look for caterpillars and insects moving on the ground below. Several times it dived to the ground and then returned to another perch to digest its grubs.
It seemed completely unfazed by my presence, very independent and a capable hunter. Its presence raises so many questions about how instinctively it knows how to be a cuckoo when it has never had that nurturing help from either parent.
A gift beet at my feet
21st August 2022 - 0 comments
21st August 2022 - 0 comments
This is little hare got a surprise bonus this morning in the sugar beet field. Another kind soul had obviously dug up the sugar beet and left an easy snack for a young hare to nibble on.
The young hare did try to look suitably innocent but I'm not sure who the mystery digger- upper actually was..it wasn't me!!
The young hare did try to look suitably innocent but I'm not sure who the mystery digger- upper actually was..it wasn't me!!
One track record
04th August 2022 - 0 comments
04th August 2022 - 0 comments
When all my great plans have gone awry, it's always so reassuring to get back to something a little more reliable at the risk of being a one track record.
So having lucked out in most of my new and intended locations this year I went back to the tried and tested sugar beet tracks. Once again the hares delivered for me as did a very curious young roe buck that I am sure recognised me from my last sortie.
Thank goodness they saved the day by having something to look at on my camera card when I got home.
So having lucked out in most of my new and intended locations this year I went back to the tried and tested sugar beet tracks. Once again the hares delivered for me as did a very curious young roe buck that I am sure recognised me from my last sortie.
Thank goodness they saved the day by having something to look at on my camera card when I got home.
Amphibian Addiction
31st July 2022 - 0 comments
31st July 2022 - 0 comments
I am totally addicted to this year's bumper visitation to our garden, of common lizards, toads, frogs and newts.
The toads and frogs make ideal photographic models on the new patio, having been drawn to the insects gathering beneath the outdoor light, overnight. A little light rain shower also helps bring them out from under the patio planters.
Toads have given me a number of humorous moments with surprising expressions ranging from sulky to grumpy. There are occasions when I have been looking down the lens at an advancing toad, I can see how truly, intimating a hunter they can be.
Whereas frogs, just stare with a total look of distain or bewilderment! They can move surprisingly quickly so sadly I haven't as yet been able to capture their leaps and bounds which seem to be totally unscripted and random. Hopefully they will allow me a few more opportunities as the summer continues.
The toads and frogs make ideal photographic models on the new patio, having been drawn to the insects gathering beneath the outdoor light, overnight. A little light rain shower also helps bring them out from under the patio planters.
Toads have given me a number of humorous moments with surprising expressions ranging from sulky to grumpy. There are occasions when I have been looking down the lens at an advancing toad, I can see how truly, intimating a hunter they can be.
Whereas frogs, just stare with a total look of distain or bewilderment! They can move surprisingly quickly so sadly I haven't as yet been able to capture their leaps and bounds which seem to be totally unscripted and random. Hopefully they will allow me a few more opportunities as the summer continues.
A date amongst the daisies
12th July 2022 - 0 comments
12th July 2022 - 0 comments
I am always looking for a different backdrop to photograph the local hares in so having failed amongst the poppies, missed the first linseed bloom, I have found a new spot amongst the daisies.
It's showing some early promise, albeit early means between 5.00 am and 6.00am but it's certainly worth another try out or two, just for an opportunity of an epic shot.
It's showing some early promise, albeit early means between 5.00 am and 6.00am but it's certainly worth another try out or two, just for an opportunity of an epic shot.