Belton House... a first visit..

Up and off at 5.30 a.m. and headed north to Lincolnshire.  A part of the country that's a first visit fro me.

A wander over to look at the outside of the house,

there were Fallow deer out in the park

We headed off for the cafe for a drink and a fruity scone... nice flavour but perhaps a little more time in the oven needed?...

Around the lake.. Common Darter

Black-tailed skimmer

Greylag Goose

oh and Ponders looking at his cousins..

Ponders decided to meet some of the house residents...

Extracts from a most amazing painting... the birds are so very lifelike - I believe it was painted in the 1800s..