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.
Rockin Robin
10th January 2021 - 0 comments
10th January 2021 - 0 comments
I think its fair to say that a photograph of a robin isn't just for appearing on Christmas cards. This intelligent little bird is a friend to most of us with a garden or a bird table.
Quick to spot an opportunity for a meal worm or two and not shy about singing for supper my little robins are rocking a conveniently placed lump of flint. I love how sometimes they look grumpy, sometimes curious but always alert and responsive to whatever is happening around them.
Quick to spot an opportunity for a meal worm or two and not shy about singing for supper my little robins are rocking a conveniently placed lump of flint. I love how sometimes they look grumpy, sometimes curious but always alert and responsive to whatever is happening around them.
On Tap
03rd January 2021 - 0 comments
03rd January 2021 - 0 comments
It's always handy to have a project to full back or something that can be turned off or on whenever the need maybe. Especially at the moment with travel limitations, the unpredictable weather or domestic matters preventing more adventurous pursuits.
So over the last couple of months I have been collecting a record of different birds landing on an old water tap that I found in a local antique store earlier in the year.
It has taken a while to get the birds to used to it but it now seems to have become both popular and fully accepted. Originally it was just for my rather lovely, little plump robin who still obliges with a pose from time to time.Some of the visitors have been too quick for me to catch so the wren, the marsh tits and the coal tits have yet to be photographed.
The Blue Tits love it and one even gave me a tap dance to enjoy the moment with it!
So over the last couple of months I have been collecting a record of different birds landing on an old water tap that I found in a local antique store earlier in the year.
It has taken a while to get the birds to used to it but it now seems to have become both popular and fully accepted. Originally it was just for my rather lovely, little plump robin who still obliges with a pose from time to time.Some of the visitors have been too quick for me to catch so the wren, the marsh tits and the coal tits have yet to be photographed.
The Blue Tits love it and one even gave me a tap dance to enjoy the moment with it!
007 secret agent
30th December 2020 - 0 comments
30th December 2020 - 0 comments
I am rather prone to naming my subjects after investing many hours watching and getting to know them. I try to pick a name that somehow resonates with their personality, behaviour and nature.
Consequently, I have named my garden wrens 007. Not that they come armed to kill or even dressed to thrill but more that they secret agents of surprise and carry a certain amount of panache. Well, at least I think so.
Not easy to predict when or where they will appear from as they tend to jump and twitch as if they are dodging an assassins shot. Dressed in underwhelming brown plumage blending in with the crowd, Wrens will scurry into the undergrowth for cover whilst no doubt on a mission of the upmost importance, before reappearing calm, sophisticated and a picture of nonchalance a distance away.
I can't help being won over by 007 and rather coincidently the file number for my home page image is actually 3007, so that seems rather apt!
Consequently, I have named my garden wrens 007. Not that they come armed to kill or even dressed to thrill but more that they secret agents of surprise and carry a certain amount of panache. Well, at least I think so.
Not easy to predict when or where they will appear from as they tend to jump and twitch as if they are dodging an assassins shot. Dressed in underwhelming brown plumage blending in with the crowd, Wrens will scurry into the undergrowth for cover whilst no doubt on a mission of the upmost importance, before reappearing calm, sophisticated and a picture of nonchalance a distance away.
I can't help being won over by 007 and rather coincidently the file number for my home page image is actually 3007, so that seems rather apt!
Love Mouse
06th December 2020 - 0 comments
06th December 2020 - 0 comments
Over the last few weeks I have been working on a project I have called Love Mouse. Make no mistake I do love a mouse, a vole or even a shrew so I am always happy when I hear the scampering of tiny feet about to come through the gaps in the fence.
I have learnt that the lingering scent of freshly laid peanut butter is an aroma that can't be ignored so by changing the look to their usual entry point through the fence I have managed to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right mouse.
Not every visitor wants to stop and say hi, most are on a mission but I had had a few successes on getting a picture or two.
Love Mouse is available on a card from my card gallery, or as a print. Ideal for a gift to a special loved on this Christmas, for Valentine's Day or anytime when the moment is right to share the love!
I have learnt that the lingering scent of freshly laid peanut butter is an aroma that can't be ignored so by changing the look to their usual entry point through the fence I have managed to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right mouse.
Not every visitor wants to stop and say hi, most are on a mission but I had had a few successes on getting a picture or two.
Love Mouse is available on a card from my card gallery, or as a print. Ideal for a gift to a special loved on this Christmas, for Valentine's Day or anytime when the moment is right to share the love!
J is for jumping, with cold feet
06th December 2020 - 0 comments
06th December 2020 - 0 comments
Last year the Jays would not perform for me on the few frosty mornings we had.I really wanted them to perch on the provided post and then catch them in mid jump.
Up to today they have been too busy collecting and feeding off the thousands of acorns that have littered the floor of the local woods, is been a good year for acorns for sure.
So with the first, hard frost of the year I got really lucky as two birds came in whilst the frost was still sharp and crisp. Ss only Jays can, they devoured all the peanuts in two attempts and promptly flew off. If they suffering in the cold like me I can only assume they then had to warm up their feet as they didn't return again!
Up to today they have been too busy collecting and feeding off the thousands of acorns that have littered the floor of the local woods, is been a good year for acorns for sure.
So with the first, hard frost of the year I got really lucky as two birds came in whilst the frost was still sharp and crisp. Ss only Jays can, they devoured all the peanuts in two attempts and promptly flew off. If they suffering in the cold like me I can only assume they then had to warm up their feet as they didn't return again!
Bootiful, in their own way
26th November 2020 - 0 comments
26th November 2020 - 0 comments
As a rural county, Norfolk is well known for many wondrous things, not least it's a county that is synonymous with all things turkey!
I live within turkey flying distance of several, rather well known Turkey empires with vast indoor turkey sheds. Therefore it is always a delight to see free range birds, running carefree through corn cover crops and across grassy compounds. Happy, curious and dare I say it optimistic, that the good life they have been enjoying, lasts!
Spending 30 minutes watching them through the wire fence, each one had an individual look, personality and behavioural traits. Some were followers, some were leaders whilst some were pacifists, others were certainly more akin to bar brawling ruffians. Their bubble gum like necks changed in colour from light grey to deep crimson depending on how much testosterone was being pumped through their body.
I couldn't stay long but it was a fascinating experience watching the definite pecking order plus their obvious flock reaction to sounds, disturbances and stimulus. Who knew watching turkeys could be so such fun and so "bootiful" in their own way!
I live within turkey flying distance of several, rather well known Turkey empires with vast indoor turkey sheds. Therefore it is always a delight to see free range birds, running carefree through corn cover crops and across grassy compounds. Happy, curious and dare I say it optimistic, that the good life they have been enjoying, lasts!
Spending 30 minutes watching them through the wire fence, each one had an individual look, personality and behavioural traits. Some were followers, some were leaders whilst some were pacifists, others were certainly more akin to bar brawling ruffians. Their bubble gum like necks changed in colour from light grey to deep crimson depending on how much testosterone was being pumped through their body.
I couldn't stay long but it was a fascinating experience watching the definite pecking order plus their obvious flock reaction to sounds, disturbances and stimulus. Who knew watching turkeys could be so such fun and so "bootiful" in their own way!
Upmanship
08th October 2020 - 0 comments
08th October 2020 - 0 comments
Safe to say that nature sorts its own hierarchy out in terms of who is the dominant bird at the feeders.
A very healthy and brightly plumaged Great Spotted Woodpecker was happily hanging on the peanut feeder when a usurper muscled in. After a few seconds of name calling and some unsocial behaviour the former woodpecker was seen off by the second bird. How very rude!
However, within a few minutes the status changed when a female Sparrowhawk landed on the nearby tree and the usurper was forced to hide behind the feeder, frozen in fright.
After several long tense minutes the sparrowhawk flew off and the woodpecker at last got a hurried feed, which I am pretty certain gave it indigestion!
A very healthy and brightly plumaged Great Spotted Woodpecker was happily hanging on the peanut feeder when a usurper muscled in. After a few seconds of name calling and some unsocial behaviour the former woodpecker was seen off by the second bird. How very rude!
However, within a few minutes the status changed when a female Sparrowhawk landed on the nearby tree and the usurper was forced to hide behind the feeder, frozen in fright.
After several long tense minutes the sparrowhawk flew off and the woodpecker at last got a hurried feed, which I am pretty certain gave it indigestion!
Any port in a storm
02nd October 2020 - 0 comments
02nd October 2020 - 0 comments
The weather has been wild here in Norfolk over the last week or so. Strong winds, so much rain! So it must have felt pretty scary and tough on a young kestrel who was either separated by accident or design from parents or the very least another sibling.
Fortunately, it discovered sanctuary in a friend's garden and where it was able to feed on the worms in the rather lush and decidedly, well, watered lawns.
I was able to follow the kestrel around the garden, watching it sheltering in the apple trees, under the sweet chestnut and hopping from one fence post to the next.
Sometimes it made it to the woodpile, a favourite hunting place for mice by my friends cat. But the most entertaining perch was on the rotary drier. A great place to look down on the lawn for prey, but it was rather prone to being blown by the wind. Often the kestrel would have a thrilling, fairground, roundabout ride, ending up facing in a totally different direction.
A close up shot shows that kestrels, if hungry enough, will eat crane flies and this little chap has a daddy long leg's leg, still in its beak.
Once the weather calmed down and blue skies returned, the kestrel was gone. Hopefully reunited somewhere over the fields with a member of its family.
Fortunately, it discovered sanctuary in a friend's garden and where it was able to feed on the worms in the rather lush and decidedly, well, watered lawns.
I was able to follow the kestrel around the garden, watching it sheltering in the apple trees, under the sweet chestnut and hopping from one fence post to the next.
Sometimes it made it to the woodpile, a favourite hunting place for mice by my friends cat. But the most entertaining perch was on the rotary drier. A great place to look down on the lawn for prey, but it was rather prone to being blown by the wind. Often the kestrel would have a thrilling, fairground, roundabout ride, ending up facing in a totally different direction.
A close up shot shows that kestrels, if hungry enough, will eat crane flies and this little chap has a daddy long leg's leg, still in its beak.
Once the weather calmed down and blue skies returned, the kestrel was gone. Hopefully reunited somewhere over the fields with a member of its family.
Pondering
23rd September 2020 - 0 comments
23rd September 2020 - 0 comments
I often wonder what my subjects are thinking as they helpfully pose in front of the lens.
What does a frog ponder about?
When the next tasty meal may be? Reflecting on a summer well spent or making it through the tumultuous upheaval of having builders working on the house and the garden for the last few months?
Either way as my niece dwelled on my title, it was decided that pondering does sort of work for these images. Pondering as in wandering between ponds perhaps?
What does a frog ponder about?
When the next tasty meal may be? Reflecting on a summer well spent or making it through the tumultuous upheaval of having builders working on the house and the garden for the last few months?
Either way as my niece dwelled on my title, it was decided that pondering does sort of work for these images. Pondering as in wandering between ponds perhaps?
Past times
17th September 2020 - 0 comments
17th September 2020 - 0 comments
I was able to pop down to the Gressenhall Musuem farm with my camera the other day having registered as a guest using their pre booking system on line.
The farm is understandbly quieter at the moment, less visitors, less staff and less animals but still very atmospheric and a total throw back in time.
The Suffolks are looking at their chesnut best and Reggie & Remus were busy harrowing in the fields, getting it ready for drilling and sowing of rye.
The Large Black Piglets were as nosy and noisy as ever sticking their little snouts through the fence hoping for treats.
The chickens were loving the sunshine and pecking at the fallen apples in their run.
All in all a very happy couple of hours
The farm is understandbly quieter at the moment, less visitors, less staff and less animals but still very atmospheric and a total throw back in time.
The Suffolks are looking at their chesnut best and Reggie & Remus were busy harrowing in the fields, getting it ready for drilling and sowing of rye.
The Large Black Piglets were as nosy and noisy as ever sticking their little snouts through the fence hoping for treats.
The chickens were loving the sunshine and pecking at the fallen apples in their run.
All in all a very happy couple of hours
Little Owl Lookout
26th August 2020 - 0 comments
26th August 2020 - 0 comments
I have been on the look out for a long time wondering where the resident Little Owls roost on the farm.
I think I have found their secret place!
I think I have found their secret place!
So Shrewd
16th August 2020 - 0 comments
16th August 2020 - 0 comments
I have long been infatuated with the Bank Voles in my garden. All of them are officially called Vernon except for one individual. This little chap is so distinctive as he only has one eye and I have affectionately named him Odin. For he is surely wise after the event.
What he lacks in size, statue and obviously eyesight he makes up in personality, daring and ambition. Despite being hassled by larger Field Voles and often harried by the plethora of all Vernons he continues to eat like there is no tomorrow nipping back and forth from feeding station to feeding station.
Not even the shadow of lightening fast Common Shrews deter Odin from filling his little cheeks full of seed therefore demonstrating that in fact you don't have to be a shrew to be so shrewd.
What he lacks in size, statue and obviously eyesight he makes up in personality, daring and ambition. Despite being hassled by larger Field Voles and often harried by the plethora of all Vernons he continues to eat like there is no tomorrow nipping back and forth from feeding station to feeding station.
Not even the shadow of lightening fast Common Shrews deter Odin from filling his little cheeks full of seed therefore demonstrating that in fact you don't have to be a shrew to be so shrewd.
Hoppy Poppy
25th July 2020 - 0 comments
25th July 2020 - 0 comments
I have been working on my poppy collection over the last few months. Taking lots of photographs of the incredible, delicate and complicated flower seed centres.
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Hoverflies and bees have especially enjoyed the flower heads. Now that the petals have fallen and the seed heads are developing I have discovered they make perfect, pedestals for photographic opportunities.
Rescuing tiny froglets from being accidently trodden on along the garden pathway, I have popped them onto a poppy seedhead, where they can easily leap into the long grass for freedom.
I also have been able to share a hoppy, poppy moment with a cricket. They don't dally long so I have had to been quick!
[ Hoverflies and bees have especially enjoyed the flower heads. Now that the petals have fallen and the seed heads are developing I have discovered they make perfect, pedestals for photographic opportunities.
Rescuing tiny froglets from being accidently trodden on along the garden pathway, I have popped them onto a poppy seedhead, where they can easily leap into the long grass for freedom.
I also have been able to share a hoppy, poppy moment with a cricket. They don't dally long so I have had to been quick!
Toads in the pot holes
25th July 2020 - 0 comments
25th July 2020 - 0 comments
Recently a very kind neighbour generously gifted me number of old terracotta pots. Some were in excellent condition but the ones that really took my eye were the chipped and broken ones. I suddenly became a property manager overnight by instantly seeing an opportunity to create a whole new housing development at the bottom of the garden.
I had recorded the ideal time and weather conditions from last year that would encourage froglets and toad-lets to suddenly emerge. Moving from the ponds and heading to the shelter of long grass or more leafy habitat. For two days the garden became a bouncing springboard of tiny amphibians looking for shelter.
By stacking up my pots I got lucky as froglets and toadlets, big and small delightfully posed for me.
I even had a common lizard scuttle through one day!
I had recorded the ideal time and weather conditions from last year that would encourage froglets and toad-lets to suddenly emerge. Moving from the ponds and heading to the shelter of long grass or more leafy habitat. For two days the garden became a bouncing springboard of tiny amphibians looking for shelter.
By stacking up my pots I got lucky as froglets and toadlets, big and small delightfully posed for me.
I even had a common lizard scuttle through one day!
Not another one
23rd June 2020 - 0 comments
23rd June 2020 - 0 comments
I am rather guilty of staying safe to what I love best. So apologies if I am sharing way too many hare pictures. Whilst my luck stays good and the hares keep finding me it's a definately a case of photographing a hare, another one and repeat.
Good Morning Foxy
23rd June 2020 - 0 comments
23rd June 2020 - 0 comments
It has been a while since I have been able to photograph a fox.
So having settled down to wait for the early morning, hare rush hour and distracted by looking at my phone, I almost missed the sight of a very determined vixen heading my way.
As I looked up from my reading, two hares were galloping down the tram lines towards me. Kicking myself that I hadn't been prepared for them I spotted another darker shape still travelling towards me.
With the bright sun in her eyes the vixen was clearly disadvantaged by the light. Squinting with one eye trying to work out what I was she ran closer and closer. I actually held my breath thinking she wasn't going to stop but without seemingly halting her speed she abruptly about turned and I was able to exhale again.
So having settled down to wait for the early morning, hare rush hour and distracted by looking at my phone, I almost missed the sight of a very determined vixen heading my way.
As I looked up from my reading, two hares were galloping down the tram lines towards me. Kicking myself that I hadn't been prepared for them I spotted another darker shape still travelling towards me.
With the bright sun in her eyes the vixen was clearly disadvantaged by the light. Squinting with one eye trying to work out what I was she ran closer and closer. I actually held my breath thinking she wasn't going to stop but without seemingly halting her speed she abruptly about turned and I was able to exhale again.
Hosta La Vista
10th June 2020 - 0 comments
10th June 2020 - 0 comments
I know it's a corny play on an iconic line from a movie but on a wet Wednesday afternoon I can't come up with anything better than Arnie's throw away line of "see you"
A collective name for ladybirds is a loveliness and they do seem to be loving life in my hosta plants at the moment. Whilst I am loving they way the ladybirds curl up in the furled leaves and climb the architectural flower spheres.
As soon as the current showers pass I may well venture out to the garden to see what they are up to, so until the next time lovelies!
A collective name for ladybirds is a loveliness and they do seem to be loving life in my hosta plants at the moment. Whilst I am loving they way the ladybirds curl up in the furled leaves and climb the architectural flower spheres.
As soon as the current showers pass I may well venture out to the garden to see what they are up to, so until the next time lovelies!
Wren will I be famous Part 2
09th June 2020 - 0 comments
09th June 2020 - 0 comments
I am still trying to capture images of the farmyard wrens on as many different perches as I can. Now that they are obviously feeding youngsters I am keeping my distance photographing them unless they come to seek me out.
Getting a sharp eye detail is now a little harder when there are multiple insect legs in the way.
I have learnt that one male could have more than one female and family on the go at the same time..that might account for why he sits and sings on the barn roof whilst the females are frantically hunting for food to keep mouths filled!
Getting a sharp eye detail is now a little harder when there are multiple insect legs in the way.
I have learnt that one male could have more than one female and family on the go at the same time..that might account for why he sits and sings on the barn roof whilst the females are frantically hunting for food to keep mouths filled!
First Class Post
09th June 2020 - 0 comments
09th June 2020 - 0 comments
I am sure that I am not alone in trying to fulfil some challenges to get through lockdown. Of course when it's wildlife involved in that challenge things don't always go to plan!
However, I decided to try and photograph as many bird species as I could that would sit on one specific old fence post I had planted in the field. The post soon became a great favourite for the several robins that reside in the hedgerow and garden but other species soon became to use it much to the robins annoyance!
I was confident I would get the wren perched and singing on it but to date it has not even looked at the post, let alone sat on it for a photo opportunity!
I am gradually building up a library of images that are in the gallery section under the same heading of this blog, should you care to take a look.
However, I decided to try and photograph as many bird species as I could that would sit on one specific old fence post I had planted in the field. The post soon became a great favourite for the several robins that reside in the hedgerow and garden but other species soon became to use it much to the robins annoyance!
I was confident I would get the wren perched and singing on it but to date it has not even looked at the post, let alone sat on it for a photo opportunity!
I am gradually building up a library of images that are in the gallery section under the same heading of this blog, should you care to take a look.
That early morning bounce
02nd June 2020 - 0 comments
02nd June 2020 - 0 comments
So where are all the rabbits this year?
It's taken me a while to find them and then to manage to build their confidence up to bounce around me but I've now found a favourite spot where I hope for some bunny magic to happen.
It's taken me a while to find them and then to manage to build their confidence up to bounce around me but I've now found a favourite spot where I hope for some bunny magic to happen.