Sheffield Park... with spring colour

I had to wait in for someone to look at my broken fence today... he was late!!! grrrrr so I was delayed in getting out.

However, I went over to Sheffield Park Gardens.... and I needed a cuppa so decided it was Sconch time :D.

I have to say, the fruit scone was excellent!! a definite 5 out of 5.. so thank you to the cook at Sheffield Park.  So this gets the SIG award (Sad It's Gone)..

The cafe has been reorganised since I was last there and what an improvement.  The seating area is now in this rather splendid wood paneled room - well done on the new cafe layout and service was quick and efficient.

Mr Ponders kept me company and inspected the pond near the cafe...

The light was strange today... very glarey... and sun was in and out...

About 5 Canada Geese Goslings..

And some very cute ducklings... which some idiot had to go and pick one up and show it to his friend.... the mother duck was going frantic until he finally returned it to its Mum!!

A lovely stroll and quite warm too :)

Hatfield Forest & Rye Meads

Up in Essex for a concert with Pete - so as the sun was glorious and and sky was blue, I went for a wander and some lunch in Hatfield Forest.  Ah.. tis half term and the newly refurbished cafe had a rather long queue... so I settle for a walk only.

The Buttercups in the fields as you come into the Forest are glorious.. pictures don't really capture the moment properly..

On the lake... (couldn't get to the end of the jetty as Boat Hire has recommenced..) some young Mallards.. but shooting against the sun..

Two Common Terns out on the Tern Raft.. a new raft is in place for next season..

And then over to Rye Meads.. heard Cettis and Reed/Sedge Warblers but couldn't get glimpses even

The Konik ponies were out in the field.. lovely to see them.. all four present.

From the Draper hide - Parents of young Canada Geese needed to defend their young as this persistent Mute Swan wanted to be too close..  however, it got chased off quite efficiently

Elsewhere a Mum with five young Cygnets

A rather battle scarred Peacock Butterfly.

The Kingfishers, it is reported, have young but were also explore a 2nd nest in the Bank..  sounds promising..  too far away for my camera/lens.. so just  record shot!

One of the very many Black-headed Gulls on the reserve..  there are, allegedly about 7/8 breeding pairs of Common Tern in amongst all the BH Gulls breeding on the Tern raft

A female Mallard enjoying a branch and having a doze in the afternoon sun..

This Mute Swan family wouldn't come into full view.. but I think there were 4 cygnets.

A very pleasant day..... and the concert was very good too :)