My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
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Sunday 1 March 2009

Just a short walk

Today my house guest had a visit elsewhere during the latter end of the morning so I nipped over to the Hampton Court area - mostly around the Palace Gardens. I was interested to see whether the crocuses and daffodils were in bloom.

Well the crocuses were but, as anticipated, it's still a little too early for the daffs!

As I went out to the car, a couple of buff-tailed bumble bees were enjoying the heather in the front garden.

Having parked the car, I was about to cross over Hampton Court Bridge. Last time I was here the River Thames was really full and swollen at this point. In fact it was covering the seating area of this hotel!

Now it has subsided considerably and you can see the seat and quayside!

I then crossed over the bridge and went into Hampton Court Palace. This area is know as "The Wilderness" and although obviously cultured and managed, still has a more "natural" look to it.

Crocuses in flower around the trees

As were these miniature Iris

Around in the Palace's "back garden" and the more formal area, carpets of Crocus were looking very attractive


and underneath the formal fountains, a Coot was enjoying a shower!
and a fly past by an Egyptian Goose

Then on the way back to the car, these two Mallards were having a rest on their boat - rather aptly named!

Later this afternoon, about 4.00 p.m. we had a quick walk around Bushey Park. Dreadful light and although my camera was with me, the light was too poor for any pics. BUT, a small flock of Long-tailed Tits entertained in the Woodland Gardens; and a small herd of both Red and Fallow deer were seen. A Green Woodpecker was heard waffling and then one flew into the tree; in the Woodland Garden the young red deer hind still managed to enjoy a tasty meal. On the way a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over our heads into a nearby tree whilst a Song Thrush trilled its merry song. Leaving at about 5.00 the sun was just beginning to set, and by the time I was home the sky had turned to a wonderful deep red glow.

(And about 6 frogs were enjoying the air in the garden pond - shush......)


And perhaps tomorrow there could be some sun?......... or better light?..... or both?...... or am I being greedy?.........

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photo of the crocus in Hampton Court grounds. I may pop over there one day this week, weather permitting, haven't been there for quite a while. We were down at Barton on Sea and we had some sun, although we couldn't see the Needles, like we usually can on a clear day.

Jackie

Cheryl said...

Hi Tricia....I just went back to my childhood, that was the last time I was at Hampton Court.
I love crocuses planted en masse. I can't plant them here the rabbits and the sparrows would have a field day.....

You most certainly are not being greedy....as you say light would be good, it is so gloomy. Good news, it should be sunny tomorrow but make the most of it, rain for Tuesday and Wednesday......

FAB said...

Loved the Crocus carpet & the house sitting Mallards.

Tomorrow - Whatever will be, will be. Cheers FAB.

oldcrow61 said...

I'm green with envy...all those flowers in bloom and a picture of a bee. It will be months yet before I see either..sigh!

Liz said...

Lovely photos Tricia, nice to see Spring is well on its way!

Warren Baker said...

A much needed colouful post tricia. It's been a very dull weekend!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tricia,
Those Crocus are absolutely beautiful.

Midmarsh John said...

Particularly love the photo of the Egyptian Goose in flight. Beautiful as many pictures are of birds sat on branches, etc. there is always that extra feeling of life in capturing a creature in motion.

Tricia Ryder said...

Jackie - just seen Monday's forecast which should be wall-to-wall sunshine!

Cheryl - you'll have to visit again!

Frank - there are two carpets - one either side of the path. Ca sera sara - as you so aptly say :D

OC - wish you could come over and enjoy them too.

Liz - thanks - do hope it's really on its way

Warren - couldn't agree more; thanks.

Roy - they really gladden the heart! (and it was Pinot Noir tonight)

Johnn- I do agree. I'm really trying hard to get pics of birds in flight and, as many a former teacher (of mine) has said "There's room for improvement"; but I enjoy the learning curve.

mick said...

Those crocus are absolutely beautiful! Definitely nothing like that to be seen out here in this sub-tropical area. You are very lucky!

Janine said...

Lovely crocuses T.

Anonymous said...

Sigh, all those wonderful crocuses! Mine have not managed yet, -and the forecast has it, that we get snow next weekend - again!

Another illiterate Mallard? LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

ShySongbird said...

Hi Tricia,

Lovely photos, I particularly liked the Crocus, the Coot and Goose 'shower' pic and the delicate little Iris. A very nice Sunday outing.

ShySongbird said...

Whoops!!! Sorry Tricia, I meant the Goose, the Coot 'shower' pic and the delicate Iris.

Tricia Ryder said...

Mick - you need the cold for crocuses!

J - thanks :D

Carin - Hope you don't get the promised snow - if you do, please keep it on your side :)

ShySongbird - thanks: and not to worry, I knew what you meant :D

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