Autumn in Toft

There are abundant berries and seeds around this year - said to portend a harsh winter! Can anyone identify the crop growing on a corner of a field in Toft, presumably for game bird feed.

 

Thames Barge and Smack Racing

We had the full range of weather conditions for the Barge and Smack Racing Event on Saturday from the beautiful sunrise to dramatic skies and then rain as the skipper and mate returned the barge to Brightlingsea in the afternoon.

 

Sunrise at Brightlingsea Essex

This was my fourth attempt at a good-weather trip on a Thames Barge and the forecast looked as the other three trips - wet and windy but we were in luck yesterday as it was a beautiful dawn and the rain stayed away most of the day. Here are some images from sunrise at Brightlingsea as we boarded as vessel (the Hydrogen, Topsail charters).  I have rarely seen a better surise with interest all over the sky including a part of a rainbow to the west where the clouds were gathering.

Hobbies, Dragonflies and Wasp spider at RSPB Rainham Marshes

On way back from lecuring at Invicta club in Kent, called at one of favourite reserves, rainham Marshes. Rewarded with views of Hobbies, Migrant hawkers and the elusive Wasp Spider at last, one with an egg case.

Meet Bubbles the New Family Member

Bubbles has come to live with our family and has settled in well. Meredith spends much of her time playing with him - he was used to a 2-year old so a 4-year old does not phase him . Not the sharpest images but gives an idea of his interesting grey/brown fur and yellow eyes. 

September Dragonflies in Cambridgeshire

A visit to Paxton Pits and Barton Dragonfly Pits yielded a large number of Common Darters, Migrant Hawker, Common Blue Damselflies and Brown Hawker. Also very smart Comma Butterfly.

Powis Castle, Wales

This is the penultimate property on our tour of National Trust estates in Shropshire and adjoining Welsh counties and certainly the most impressive outside with imposing building and wonderful tiered gardens.  Powis Castle has been the subject of more than 400 years of modification and re-development by the Herbert family, who still own a private apartment on the second floor. I found the inside a bit dark and claustrophobic but certainly plenty to see.