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.
Still working on the background
16th November 2021 - 0 comments
16th November 2021 - 0 comments
I have been watching the colours change daily as the trees begin to shed their leaves. Is it me but the autumn seems so much later this year?
As the tree canopy gets the thinner, in contrast it's not just the thickness of the fur coat or the fluffiness of the squirrels' tails that also appear to be increasing in volume. I've never known so many squirrels to be raiding the garden at any one time.
It could be the failure of the acorn crop this year or the easy peanut pickings from the bird feeders but they are a great source of entertainment however you may feel about their presence.
As the tree canopy gets the thinner, in contrast it's not just the thickness of the fur coat or the fluffiness of the squirrels' tails that also appear to be increasing in volume. I've never known so many squirrels to be raiding the garden at any one time.
It could be the failure of the acorn crop this year or the easy peanut pickings from the bird feeders but they are a great source of entertainment however you may feel about their presence.
Background colour
22nd October 2021 - 0 comments
22nd October 2021 - 0 comments
I have begun to make the most of the last gorgeous autumnal glow as the sun goes down and lights up a spindle tree in the garden. When the sun hits at the right time the background colours are astonishing. The jays began to plunder the peanuts first and the squirrels were only a day behind gaining the knowledge so fingers crossed with a sunny end of days to come the colours with just get better and better.
The squirrels and jays are in constant competition over the fallen peanuts and bird seed beneath the feeders. The entertainment is great fun to watch. It's not just the energy they use chasing each other off the top spot but the conversation both species make with appropriate squeaks, squarks and screams as the excitement or frustrations mount.
Sometimes the woodpeckers and the nuthatches join in but it's a game of dare and distraction in order to win the chance of a nutty snack.
The squirrels and jays are in constant competition over the fallen peanuts and bird seed beneath the feeders. The entertainment is great fun to watch. It's not just the energy they use chasing each other off the top spot but the conversation both species make with appropriate squeaks, squarks and screams as the excitement or frustrations mount.
Sometimes the woodpeckers and the nuthatches join in but it's a game of dare and distraction in order to win the chance of a nutty snack.
Goat herding
19th September 2021 - 0 comments
19th September 2021 - 0 comments
I wish I could say that I jumped like a mountain goat at the chance of photographing Zoe Mitchell's charming goat herd. Jump I did but not perhaps as effortlessly or elegantly as said mountain species!
Zoe makes wonderful soaps and moisturisers from the goats milk that she sells at local craft fairs and farmers markets. Look out for her Moorend Moisturising branded product range and support a local farmer.
Zoe makes wonderful soaps and moisturisers from the goats milk that she sells at local craft fairs and farmers markets. Look out for her Moorend Moisturising branded product range and support a local farmer.
Ram Raiders
19th September 2021 - 0 comments
19th September 2021 - 0 comments
Using their sharp little claws and no doubt sharper teeth our local wood mice have been creating havoc in a mossy old tree stump in the garden. Looking for insects, larva and possibly fallen bird seed they have created a series of mouse sized holes to squeeze through.
A small bale of wheat has also proven as a luxury residence.
No where is off limits as they follow their noses, so life can be a little surprising in the garden at the moment and my these little furry fiends may pop up anywhere!
A small bale of wheat has also proven as a luxury residence.
No where is off limits as they follow their noses, so life can be a little surprising in the garden at the moment and my these little furry fiends may pop up anywhere!
Just chill
20th July 2021 - 0 comments
20th July 2021 - 0 comments
There are lessons to be learnt from my local hares as even though I spend time with them in the cooler hours of first light, it still gets hot dashing about through the crops.
Hares can stay still for AGES!
Unlike me!
As still as I try to be I am a natural fidget, a constant wriggler always trying to carefully manoeuvre myself into a more comfortable position.
So while they may look relaxed, their radar ears, sensitive nose and half opened but watchful eyes mean they are still on the alert for intruders invading their space.
Hares can stay still for AGES!
Unlike me!
As still as I try to be I am a natural fidget, a constant wriggler always trying to carefully manoeuvre myself into a more comfortable position.
So while they may look relaxed, their radar ears, sensitive nose and half opened but watchful eyes mean they are still on the alert for intruders invading their space.
Bunny Buddies
18th July 2021 - 0 comments
18th July 2021 - 0 comments
There has been a sudden population explosion of bouncing baby bunnies in the fields. With the crops now so high and ripening quickly its easy to see where the rabbits have been hiding as the stalks have been nibbled to the ground.
Usually rabbits chew down the stalks in a telltale semi circle shape close to their burrows meaning that once the youngsters have learnt to stretch their legs they have to run further afield to find fresher shoots to eat.
My arrival often scares them a way but by just lying still for a while the adults usually come back out to investigate and assess the situation for threats. A few warning thumps of feet send smaller rabbits running for cover but before long they pop back out again and are as curious of me as I am of them.
Usually rabbits chew down the stalks in a telltale semi circle shape close to their burrows meaning that once the youngsters have learnt to stretch their legs they have to run further afield to find fresher shoots to eat.
My arrival often scares them a way but by just lying still for a while the adults usually come back out to investigate and assess the situation for threats. A few warning thumps of feet send smaller rabbits running for cover but before long they pop back out again and are as curious of me as I am of them.
Damp Spirits
11th July 2021 - 0 comments
11th July 2021 - 0 comments
I haven't been out much lately with the camera and when I have the weather hasn't really been so kind.
Fog scuppered my hopes this morning but I did get a reflective and thoughtful shot of a small rabbit rubbing its nose on a lapwings' discarded feather and a secret little english partridge hiding amongst the stalks cheered me up a little.
It will take more than a damp fog to dampen my spirits!
Fog scuppered my hopes this morning but I did get a reflective and thoughtful shot of a small rabbit rubbing its nose on a lapwings' discarded feather and a secret little english partridge hiding amongst the stalks cheered me up a little.
It will take more than a damp fog to dampen my spirits!
Less love more war
04th June 2021 - 0 comments
04th June 2021 - 0 comments
Time spent with the hares this week has revealed why hares I sometimes photograph have interesting holes and chunks in their ears.
I was privy to be able to watch up to 15 hares at one time chasing, boxing and fighting between themselves either fending off unwanted attention or battling in competition.
Whilst I knew that hares don't hold back on the punching and fist fighting I was astonished at how viciously they use their teeth on each other.
I was privy to be able to watch up to 15 hares at one time chasing, boxing and fighting between themselves either fending off unwanted attention or battling in competition.
Whilst I knew that hares don't hold back on the punching and fist fighting I was astonished at how viciously they use their teeth on each other.
Under Starters Orders
31st May 2021 - 0 comments
31st May 2021 - 0 comments
As every sprinter and athlete knows, a few stretches and limbering up exercises are essential before any race.
They are under starters orders..and they are off!
They are under starters orders..and they are off!
Four legs or more?
28th May 2021 - 0 comments
28th May 2021 - 0 comments
When hares decide to run at you there is no time to think so unless you are camera ready the shot could be game over very quickly.
So when you have got up at 4am, been laying down in a cold, damp rut for a couple of hours waiting for one friendly hare to come rolling along, its tough when the shot that you thought you had planned for doesn't quite work out.
In this instance I had a lovely female hare gentling nibbling her way along the tramlines towards me when another hare leapt out from the crop and chased up behind her. As I quickly had to change a camera setting the second hare came in and out of focus behind her, often making it seem as though it was one hare with double the leg count.
Ah well, better luck tomorrow maybe!
So when you have got up at 4am, been laying down in a cold, damp rut for a couple of hours waiting for one friendly hare to come rolling along, its tough when the shot that you thought you had planned for doesn't quite work out.
In this instance I had a lovely female hare gentling nibbling her way along the tramlines towards me when another hare leapt out from the crop and chased up behind her. As I quickly had to change a camera setting the second hare came in and out of focus behind her, often making it seem as though it was one hare with double the leg count.
Ah well, better luck tomorrow maybe!
Debut
11th May 2021 - 0 comments
11th May 2021 - 0 comments
Hurrah, the young hares have started to make their debut in the fields.
Having not been able to out for several weeks because of the "come what may weather" I wasn't sure where to look this morning but one little fella found me instead.
Nibbling dewy and new sweet shoots, catnapping in the sun and even throwing a few hare yoga stretches I did manage a few images. Bleary little eyes helped me creep closer and ears not yet attuned to heavy human footsteps I got within 20 metres of this little one this morning before he bounced back into the crop.
Having not been able to out for several weeks because of the "come what may weather" I wasn't sure where to look this morning but one little fella found me instead.
Nibbling dewy and new sweet shoots, catnapping in the sun and even throwing a few hare yoga stretches I did manage a few images. Bleary little eyes helped me creep closer and ears not yet attuned to heavy human footsteps I got within 20 metres of this little one this morning before he bounced back into the crop.
Blooming Lovely
07th April 2021 - 0 comments
07th April 2021 - 0 comments
Vernon, the vole and my little favourite Odin, the one eyed vole, have all been putting in regular appearances in the garden recently.
Looking rather fetching beneath the beech tree blossom and willow bloom they have happily posed whilst feasting on a well placed sunflower heart or two.
Looking rather fetching beneath the beech tree blossom and willow bloom they have happily posed whilst feasting on a well placed sunflower heart or two.
Puppy Love
07th April 2021 - 0 comments
07th April 2021 - 0 comments
Walking through the garden gate a very proud Irish Cocker Spaniel Mum called Luna could barely contain her excitement to show off her 4 week old family of puppies.
It was definitely a case of love at first sight on my part as the adorable little bundles of bouncing joy trundled across the grass towards me.
It was difficult to know what to do first, just to watch them, pet them or do what I was there for to do, photograph them. In the end I think I got the balance right but how I didn't manage to smuggle a couple home in my camera bag even surprises me still!
It was definitely a case of love at first sight on my part as the adorable little bundles of bouncing joy trundled across the grass towards me.
It was difficult to know what to do first, just to watch them, pet them or do what I was there for to do, photograph them. In the end I think I got the balance right but how I didn't manage to smuggle a couple home in my camera bag even surprises me still!
Happy Hare time again
27th February 2021 - 0 comments
27th February 2021 - 0 comments
I have just kicked off my hare campaign for 2021. It is a little presumptuous of me to think that I may get lots of new photographs this year as hares are always a rule to themselves.
So with fingers well and truly crossed, please look out for my Simply Norfolk Hare 2021 portfolio I will be hopefully creating soon.
So with fingers well and truly crossed, please look out for my Simply Norfolk Hare 2021 portfolio I will be hopefully creating soon.
It's game On
23rd February 2021 - 0 comments
23rd February 2021 - 0 comments
A quick visit to the fields reveals that the game birds are on their game!
Pheasant cock birds are making themselves known with their constant loud calls, chasing off all other challengers in the eager pursuit of females.
One red legged partridge was so determined to stand his ground and seperate another male from his female companion that he even scared off a pair of hares.
Meanwhile, the hares are chasing and racing with an occasional sparring of boxing.
Pheasant cock birds are making themselves known with their constant loud calls, chasing off all other challengers in the eager pursuit of females.
One red legged partridge was so determined to stand his ground and seperate another male from his female companion that he even scared off a pair of hares.
Meanwhile, the hares are chasing and racing with an occasional sparring of boxing.
Beastie Best
14th February 2021 - 0 comments
14th February 2021 - 0 comments
I am probably in the minority for loving the recent snowy weather and cold temperatures. The Beast from the East MK 2 brought no end of visitors into the garden, including first timers such as the mistlethrush and reed buntings, as well as increased numbers of the regulars.
Word must have spread that there was an all day buffet being laid on as I had to fill the feeders a couple of times in one day as there was a constant queue of customers.
Although there were several fieldfares in the trees, one claimed our garden as its' own kingdom;chasing away any other rival before gaining access to the apples and plums I had put out. The mistlethrush literally had to wait until the fieldfare was distracted by blackbirds before it come to feed but the redwings sadly never got a look in.
Not so surprising then that I didn't get a picture of them either!
Word must have spread that there was an all day buffet being laid on as I had to fill the feeders a couple of times in one day as there was a constant queue of customers.
Although there were several fieldfares in the trees, one claimed our garden as its' own kingdom;chasing away any other rival before gaining access to the apples and plums I had put out. The mistlethrush literally had to wait until the fieldfare was distracted by blackbirds before it come to feed but the redwings sadly never got a look in.
Not so surprising then that I didn't get a picture of them either!
Valiant Vernon
28th January 2021 - 0 comments
28th January 2021 - 0 comments
I love my voles, they give me endless enjoyment and entertainment. It is hard keeping up with their comings and goings but having to spend so much time in my garden this winter I am very grateful that they come calling. They visit through various gaps in the fence from the field behind. I have both field and bank voles so whilst great for attracting all sorts of predators I am staunchily protective of them.
The faint whiff of peanut butter seems to attract not just them but also the shrews. The latter mostly being too fast for me to photograph plus they don't stay still like voles do to strike a pose.
So thank goodness for Vernon, my ubiquitous name for all my voles who brave the elements and making my day with their visitations.
The faint whiff of peanut butter seems to attract not just them but also the shrews. The latter mostly being too fast for me to photograph plus they don't stay still like voles do to strike a pose.
So thank goodness for Vernon, my ubiquitous name for all my voles who brave the elements and making my day with their visitations.
The perfect perch
19th January 2021 - 0 comments
19th January 2021 - 0 comments
During this stay at home time, I am trying to keep myself busy with the camera and setting myself tasks of creating a perfect perch.
It started with a thoughtfully positioned lump of flint for the robins and wrens, then an old tap stand and now I have moved onto seasonal pussy willow.
Anyone could think I am getting bored with my garden birds but as new visitors come in there are several more species to pose on the pussy willow for as long it survives all this inclement weather. If not I already have a couple of new perch ideas in mind!
It started with a thoughtfully positioned lump of flint for the robins and wrens, then an old tap stand and now I have moved onto seasonal pussy willow.
Anyone could think I am getting bored with my garden birds but as new visitors come in there are several more species to pose on the pussy willow for as long it survives all this inclement weather. If not I already have a couple of new perch ideas in mind!
Cold and Gold
18th January 2021 - 0 comments
18th January 2021 - 0 comments
Over the last couple of weeks we have been serenaded by a huge charm of Goldfinches, perhaps 50 or more at a time. Fortunately they don't all descend on the feeders at the same time but drift down in smaller numbers as if in turn.
Despite grouping together in collective harmony they do have a very grumpy nature and appear far less tolerant when food is available. I often get very meaningful looks down the lens sensing their displeasure!
I like how they brave the elements though, come rain, snow or shine they aren't so vain about their golden plumage getting wet or cold.
Despite grouping together in collective harmony they do have a very grumpy nature and appear far less tolerant when food is available. I often get very meaningful looks down the lens sensing their displeasure!
I like how they brave the elements though, come rain, snow or shine they aren't so vain about their golden plumage getting wet or cold.
Cold Feet
18th January 2021 - 0 comments
18th January 2021 - 0 comments
At last we had a winter wonderland in Norfolk, albeit for about three hours. The light was appalling and the snow soon turned into sleet and hail but the garden birds and I made the best of it while we could.
The Blackbirds were the first main focus, not so many as last year as the European Blackbirds don't seem to have arrived in such numbers as in previous years. Maybe it's due to paperwork issues at the borders or they have self isolated?
The resident Blackbirds have begun in earnest to claim the dominance on the best perches and feeders making for a few photographic oppotunities in the inclement weather.
Black on white isn't always easy and I had forgotten the problem of snowflakes in front of the focual point, usually the birds' eye therefore spoiling the shot.
So what I really need is a few days of snow to do get both myself and the blackbirds better accustomed to the conditions but alas I think we may not get another opportunity quite yet.
The Blackbirds were the first main focus, not so many as last year as the European Blackbirds don't seem to have arrived in such numbers as in previous years. Maybe it's due to paperwork issues at the borders or they have self isolated?
The resident Blackbirds have begun in earnest to claim the dominance on the best perches and feeders making for a few photographic oppotunities in the inclement weather.
Black on white isn't always easy and I had forgotten the problem of snowflakes in front of the focual point, usually the birds' eye therefore spoiling the shot.
So what I really need is a few days of snow to do get both myself and the blackbirds better accustomed to the conditions but alas I think we may not get another opportunity quite yet.