a flight of swallows

 This afternoon, I set off on a walk, and spotted a lone swallow swooping over the brook.
I walked along the Nene, the sky threatening rain. After a short shower, the sun came out and I saw a red kite, a pied wagtail, and a pair of reed warblers darting into their nest on the river bank. As I walked back down the High Street, just rounding the slight curve before our house, the sky filled with swallows, swooping and screeching.

spring continues

The birds have been very active. In the last few days we have seen a woodpecker, an egret, a goldfinch, and all of our usual visitors.

Genghis has been very protective of his mate, although they both fled when the goosander (above) landed near them.

Keith has continued to plant the garden, and has helped to hang our first living room curtain (which has to come down again for hemming). Pictures next time.

Thanks to you all for your good wishes, we would love to see you at any time.

bird watching

The birds have been celebrating spring. I have not been quick enough enough my camera to capture the swans' courting rituals, or the battles of Genghis, who has been living up to his name. When he saw his lady love surrounded by other drakes, he fought them all off, despite ferocious attacks from them. She was obviously impressed by his valour, and as you can see here, has sensibly chosen Genghis - although you can see another troublesome drake on the left.

The geese use the Nene Valley as a migrating route, and periodically stop to feed and meet up. This picture was taken about a fortnight ago, when the meeting place was just opposite our garden.





Keith has been making furniture for the study, and digging the back garden. At the back, he has put in some plants to climb up the fence, and the gap in the leylandii; at the front he has been filling in some of the gaps (and thanks again to Christine Jones, Jackie Morton, & Gwenda Burley for lovely plants)

I have been concentrating on my physio, and going out for walks. It is so much better underfoot now. On Saturday I walked along the Nene as far as Woodford lock & back (about a mile & a half) and rounded it off with a drink at the Cock (now taken over by Christine & Tim who are looking after us very well)