Hmmm - wet, wet, wet

Yesterday evening for about an hour, we were entertained by the two spotted-flycatchers. They have definite perches in two of the oak trees that are in the garden where we are staying. I use the term "garden" loosely as there is quite a bit of land around the two converted barns and the victorian farmhouse.

As one flycatcher was feeding the other so I've concluded that one is a youngster; the colouring would definitely support this. It was magical to watch. I did manage to get a (comparatively) better picture as the subject came a little nearer.


I was distracted by quarreling swallows and swung the camera around - pity I hadn't got it set up properly so this is just a record shot of one rather annoyed bird!


The forecast for today said "heavy rain" from about lunch-time - the forecast was right. What it didn't forecast was light rain in the morning. However, I was awake at about 4.30 a.m. and heard the most amazing dawn chorus. All the normal suspects but additionally about six swallows added to the chorus - wonderful!!

So later in the morning we headed out for a paper and some supplies to the local shops. All our local roads are single lane traffic with passing places but at one junction we had to take evasive action to allow a family of 7 Canada Geese to cross the road. The youngsters haven't developed their wing feathers yet so unable to fly to their destination.

We dumped the shopping back at the ranch and whilst watching the birds I spotted a magnificent male Bullfinch. This bringing the 'on the spot' list to 15 species.
Swallows (nesting)
Spotted Flycatchers (with fledgling)
Bullfinch
Wren (nesting)
House sparrows (nesting)
Blue Tits (with fledglings)
Great Tits
Jay
Chiff chaff (heard)
Song Thrush (heard)
Blackbird
Green and Gold finches
Blackbirds
Robins

Shopping done we headed out once more and had to pass the same spot. This time the goose family were walking towards us along the road - so we ground to a halt. A car approached from the opposite direction and we both sat and waited. The geese decided they wanted to return so turned around and headed towards the other car. The driver now had no alternative but to back down the lane to the junction as she now couldn't get to the passing place. We waited and finally the geese headed off into a field. Now this is a traffic hold-up that I don't mind :D

The rain was still gentle so we arrived at Coldharbour Wool Mill. A fascinating place and quite friendly for wheel-chair users. The lady in the shop was extremely helpful and located their wheelchair for our use.

There was an exhibition with World War themes and this setting provoked much comment from Mum - she had lived in rooms such as this and the food rationing was interesting - 1 egg per adult per week and, on some occasions, 1 per every 2 weeks!


The mill equipment was fascinating and we had a demo...





and, despite the grey of the day, the mill gardens still managed to look very attractive.













and finally back home. The sound of the rain pattering on the roof could be considered soothing - don't think I'm finding it so... hey ho, tomorrow is another day but at least we found something interesting to do despite the wet :D