Let the sun shine.

Wow, hasnt it been a nice couple of days? I have been fortunate enough to spend most of the last 2 days out and about. I was in the FOD on Wednesday and spent some time with Chris Grady and Bob Bushell. The photography involved Mandarin and Mallard Duck, and Mute swan.

Mandarin Duck.

Mallard Duck.

Mute Swan.

Chris and I then spent a great deal of time searching for the Wild Boar. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful. However during our walk around the forest we were lucky enough to have close encounters with two amazing birds. Firstly we stood and watched a Goshawk circling around tree tops some 200-300 metres in front of us. Then as we walked in a different area a Woodcock lifted off in front of us and gave us a fleeting but lovely sighting of a bird I've never seen before other than on television.

The butterflies are out now aren't they? We saw Brimstone, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. I got this shot of the Peacock.

Closer to home over the last few days I have also been thrilled to see two birds almost on my doorstep. I was out walking with my dog and saw two Wheatear in a field nearby. I was gobsmacked to say the least. They were two males in perfect condition.

Today I saw a pair of Skylarks in an arable field less than a mile from my house. I absolutely love this time of year, I am regularly seeing Chiffchaff whilst out walking with the dog, and whilst out for a drive today I got this lovely shot of a rabbit through a gap in a hedge.

On a sore note though, I'm having problems with the new Gallery. I am confident its not me, but a glitch in the system. I have more pictures I wanted to post but seem to be unable to do so.