Almost There...

 I have sat many hours trying to get a decent shot of a Kingfisher. They're small and very fast so I have often seen them dart past or even fishing in the distance but it is not often that I have had one sit close enough to get a clear shot and when I have there has been little time to get the best shot possible. Many attempts have resulted in under exposed or blurry images and my aim is to get a crystal clear detailed photo of one of our most spectacular birds.

I had been watching this male bird fishing a little way across the mere, darting back and forth low across the water and even hovering high up before diving in to catch a fish. I had stopped off on my way home from work and it was so relaxing. I was thrilled when he came to perch on the post nearest to the hide and managed to get a couple of shots before he moved slightly further away. These don't have quite the clarity I am after but  I think I am getting there and I know that with a little more time, a lot of patience and a bit more practice I will get the shot I crave.

Even without the perfect shot though just the experience of sitting quietly by the water after a busy day taking in the scenery and enjoying the sight of this beautiful bird was priceless. I also got to watch a gorgeous Little Grebe fishing close by and more surprisingly a bat (possibly a Horseshoe Bat) out hunting in daylight, unforgettable  moments.

Cuteness Up A Tree

Without a doubt today's choice matches yesterday's selection for cuteness. As I said then, the Robin is probably just about everybody's favourite garden and woodland bird but the Blue Tit is also probably high up on most people's list. I love it when I spot them visiting the feeders in my garden and I have friends who have them nesting in their garden year on year and it is always great to hear about the progress of each brood. 

This little chap was sat in a tree above my head at Mere Sands Wood and I almost missed him while I was looking in the lower branches and the bushes around me. I am glad that I did spot him though because he sat long enough for me to get some lovely shots

Hidden Beauty

Ok, so there is nothing hidden about the beauty in the first shot, it is quite simply a stunningly beautiful butterfly and he is putting it all out proudly on display.

In the second image however the butterfly is of a much different kind, preferring to hide its light so to speak. Yesterday's image of the Chameleon was all about body language and camouflage and so it seemed right to show two different, contrasting creatures today with the bold colours to attract attention for one and the full on camouflage for the other.

There is so much to love about the world we live in.

A Carpet of Blue

Yesterday I commented that I was a little disappointed at first by the lack of bluebells in Boilton Wood. A few minutes into my walk however I was treated to this beautiful display. The early morning sun cast some gentle shadows and lit up the lovely blue carpet of delicate flowers.

There are so many flowers and so much blue it really lifted my spirits on this wonderful woodland walk.

If you are feeling down, or at a loose end this weekend why not get out into some woodlands wherever you are and see what treats nature has in store for you. I promise that it will be worth the effort.