Jim

At 3:45 p.m. today, I made the toughest decision I have ever made.

I had to play god over my best buddy.

Jim has had a condition for a couple of years, called laryngeal paralysis. In a nutshell, it means he struggles to breathe, because only half his larynx works.

The vet told me some time ago, that it would only get worse.....just a matter of time before the inevitable.

That time was 3:50 p.m.

For just over thirteen years he has been my constant companion. Always there.

When I had my heart attack, he was there; he sat by my side all night, until the ambulance came.

And when I came home from the hospital, he was there; waiting for some love.

He never asked for anything; and in return, gave me everything.

Today I lost my best friend.

He suffers no more.

26th November 1998 --- 26th June 2012

Monday Macro

Black-tailed Skimmer, male

Taken at Wicken Fen, a few days ago, on a trip with a blogging buddy, Trevor.

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(Another blogging buddy, Adrian, has been absent for a while, and I know a few people have been concerned at his absence; me included. Well, I managed to get in touch with him, eventually, and he tells me he is fine. He's in Yorkshire, and hoping to be back on the road in September.)

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Single Sunday

Tawny Owl

Enjoy your day

Friday Flowers

Welsh Poppy

A few birds

Goldfinch

juvenile Dunnock

 Common Sandpiper

Sanderling

Wheatear

Stonechat

Nuthatch

Willow Warbler

 and last one for now

Pied Flycatcher

I'll finish with a short video clip. A male Chaffinch, that was trusting enough to eat from my hand. 

A magic moment.

Something for the weekend?

Great Crested Grebe

Nuthatch

Meadow Pipit

Wood Warbler

 Raven

Oystercatcher

Dunlin

Treecreeper

Grey Wagtail

Enjoy your weekend.

Kestrels

An old friend and ex work colleague, Mark, of EternityImages Photography, did a blog post a few days ago, about some young Kestrels he'd found, whilst out walking his two lovely Dobermans.

I left a comment saying how envious I was of him, finding these beautiful birds, and he later sent me a text, saying why not meet up, and we'll go and see them.

This morning, I'd arranged to meet Trevor, of Three CountiesHerald, at Caldecotte Lake, and after walking round the north lake, we both made our way to meet Mark, to see the Kestrels.

Three youngsters, and very attentive parents, bringing in a regular supply of food; mainly large rats, which the youngsters enjoyed very much.

One of the youngsters, the oldest, spent most of his time away from the nest site, and flying around; whilst the two youngest were content to sit, and be waited on.

Stunning birds, that posed beautifully for us, and we all took hundreds of pictures between us.

Here's my efforts.

The next few are of the youngest. Not looking too happy at first, then calling for some food, and finally tucking in to a large rat.

We spent over two hours in their company, and some rare sunshine.

A fantastic morning. Thanks Mark.

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and a short video

Random flowers

A few random flowers to brighten a dull, wet day.

Foxglove

Lesser Celandine

Spring Sandwort

Orpine

Wood Anemone

Herb Robert

Yellow Archangel

Ramsons

Squill

and I'll end with a couple that I can't get an ID on. If anyone knows, I'd be very grateful. 

We'll call this #1. My best guess is some sort of stonecrop? Growing on the Great Orme, north Wales.

and this one, #2. Masses of this, growing by the sand dunes at Talacre, Point of Ayr. I'm guessing some sort of 'spurge', but no idea which one.

Hope you enjoy your day.

Grey Wagtail

Here's one of the many birds seen on my recent visit to Wales.

A very short video first, of one I found at the delightfully named 'Loggerheads Country Park'.

He was sat in a tree, singing for all he was worth, even drowning out the sound of the rushing stream below. A shame he didn't stay longer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also encountered a pair at a place called 'Nant Mill', feeding three young, that they had, spread out along a stream. Fascinating to watch the busy parents, as they dashed around getting grubs and flies for the patiently waiting young. I visited a week later, and there was no sign of any young. I guess they were off fending for themselves by then.

Have a great weekend, wherever you are.

Back.........but really still here in my heart.

Five weeks in Wales, and 5 thousand pictures.


Here's a few.

Skylark, coming at ya!

Swallow

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Willow Warbler

Pied Flycatcher, male

Dunlin

Wood Warbler

and finally, for now,

Tawny Owl

I'll catch up with everyone soon.