Monday 2 August 2010

Sunday Mini Safari.

We gladly accepted an invitation to visit our friends Tony and Jean on Sunday for mid morning coffee and a walk expecting just to stroll around the fields behind their house  but they decided we should head somewhere else for a change.  
Tony drove us over to Papercourt and we commenced our mini safari which led us down to the River Wey Navigation where many weekenders where walking, cycling or just pottering about on their barges. We headed upstream with views of the waterway often obliterated by the high waterside growth. In one garden we spotted that the remains of a tree trunk had been converted into a carving of a Owl...very appropriate as this is apparently a good location to see Barn Owls quartering the meadows but not at midday!   
Mallards were the main occupants on the water.
The pathside vegetation held lots of butterflies including Comma, Gatekeepers and Speckled Wood.
A very tatty Red Admiral soaking up the sun.
Bird sightings included Linnets, Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler (heard only), Chaffinch, Woodpigeons, Swallows, House Martins plus Blue and Great Tits.
We saw quite a few Brown Hawkers and Common Blue Damsels and eventually caught this male Beautiful Damselfy taking a rest on a nettle. Returning via Papercourt Sailing Pit we added Mute Swans, Coots, Egyptian Geese, Robin, Green Woodpecker and a pair of Bullfinches to our sighting list.
The rest of the day was spent in our friends garden still showing lots of colour (above is a pot of Coleus) despite the lack of much needed rain enjoying their company and a very tasty B-b-Q...............FAB.

13 comments:

  1. Sound like you had a nice weekend in nice company!!
    Iam always amazed at the talent people have to carve something out of nothing..great owl!!
    The Male Blue Damsel is beautiful..and a great shot !!

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  2. A lovely walk with many nice photos!

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  3. Splendid! It is a good day for proper punctuation. I posted a Question Mark today! I really enjoyed this post.

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  4. That's how I like to spend my week ends too. Stunning photos!

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  5. Hi Frank.....the owl is beautiful, someone has an artistic side.

    It is lovely to see so many butterflies about.....I must say, I have been more than pleased this year, with the amount in the garden.

    Looks like a lovely place to live..........and to spend a Sunday afternoon.

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  6. From this set of images, it does look as though you had a very fine day~

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  7. Hi Frank,
    I guess you enjoyed pretty well this visit and your pictures are really great! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. I felt like I alongside you on your mini safari Frank. I have yet to see a Brown Hawker ever, so must get out and about soon or I'll have to wait for next year! (-:

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  9. grammie g. Some talent I'd say and a head for heights...the top of the carving was over 10 feet off the ground!

    Mona. Thanks. I enjoyed it.

    Steve B. How about hunting down an 'exclamation'...lol.

    Amila. Good for you. Cheers.

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  10. Cheryl. Far better than I could do with a hammer and chisel! I agree, a good year for the flutters wherever you are.

    Mary. Sure did. A lot of chatting and not too many photos.

    Chris. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the rest of your trip eastwards.

    Jenny. I keep seeing the BH but always on the wing so no pics yet!

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  11. Wow, what an array of some mighty fine photos! What a nice walk you had! ~karen

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  12. Grenville and I have been away for a couple of days on our own adventures, but not as scenic as these photos. Often the places close to home provide the most interesting (and beautiful) things to see.

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  13. KaHolly. Thanks Karen.

    Beatrice. Any and every location has something to offer if you look close enough.

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I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

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