I suspect this photo of a Peacock butterfly taken about a week ago will be the last flutter I will capture this year now night temperatures are regularly down to single figures.
On our mid morning walkabout I had an Alice in Wonderland experience. I had decided that, despite the low temperature, as the Sun was out and the sky blue we would take the extra detour through the back of the village churchyard. Just as we arrived near the back of the church I spotted something brilliant white bounding through the unkempt older section of the graveyard. By its general shape and the way it moved I could swear it was a white rabbit. As is usual with many sightings like this it was in view such a short while. Penny hadn't noticed it at all.
As we ambled past the church building there was something we both saw and watched. A female Muntjac deer was slowly walking across the far side of the newer graveyard section. I suspect that was the first one Penny had ever seen. She just stood still, her gaze following its every move. Unfortunately as soon as I decided to get the little Nikon out from under two warm layers of clothing it had vanished from view.
With the colder mornings and freshly filled bird feeders more varieties are visiting the garden. A couple of Starlings have discovered the fat balls. How long before they invite the rest I wonder. A Great Tit is once again a regular along with dozens of House Sparrows. I noticed a Coal Tit making frequent visits to grab Sunflower hearts to take and hide in various parts of the garden.
Finally a couple of hurried shots of a Wren:
Time to put up a couple more feeders and see what we can attract.
I see white rabbits here. Some must survive as I see them every spring but suspect the foxes and buzzards eat them first as I haven't seen any since the summer.
ReplyDeleteAdrian: That was the first white one I've ever seen. I can imagine they are easy prey.
DeleteWhat a great morning walk for wildlife viewing. We don't have any sort of real rabbits or hares around here, but we do have agoutis which are known locally as "rabbits". They are about the same size and reportedly taste quite good.
ReplyDeleteWilma: It was great all round as I always feel so much more alert and active when the Sun shines. There was no wind to speak of so the warmth from the Sun felt good in spite of the low air temperature. I had to look up 'agoutis' to see what they are.
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