Paignton Zoo

I had a trip to Paignton Zoo today, about an hours drive but worth it I reckon.
LOTS of Pea Fowl... the climate on the English Riviera must suit them!

Feathered Rat

I had a friend in the army called Rat, his little brother was Mouse - this post isn't about either of them...

There has been some talk on the Taunton online forum organised by the local newspaper about the Pigeons that are such a nuisance in town. I saw this one perched on the wire near the canal - it seemed to be minding its own business pretty much.

I messed around with this shot in Photoshop, adding some noise and playing around with the levels until it looked similar to the photographs in my old natural history books I read when I was a kid, I must have learned about so much of the world in black and white!

It was hot today, very hot. I was teaching on a converted bus, with the sun glaring through the windows and the computers running it was very uncomfortable. I have made a concession for the police officers tomorrow - they don't need to wear uniform, I am such a considerate teacher! ;)

Grey Heron at Firepool Weir

Not the photo I was going to post today but having seen this magnificent bird sat sunning itself on its nest tonight I had to change the plan!

I don't know if it had just been for a swim but it certainly seemed to be drying itself in the last rays of the early evening. I had not noticed the nest before today, it is only 2 minutes walk from the house so I think it must be new. Normally the herons are to be seen a few minutes further along the river or at Hankridge Water Park about 2 1/2 miles away on the outskirts of town.

Waak Waaak!!!

Ducks in the UK say Quack, apparently...

I reckon they say Waaak!

It's the sort of noise I'd make if my feet and bum were permanently immersed in cold water.

Return of the Mac!

Well I finally got the mac back from repair!

It might take me a day or two to get some photos organised but until then...

I took this on New Years Day, we have had a fair amount of rain lately and the swan was working really hard to swim up current.

It is good to be back!