My Sunday Photo... Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Even though I haven't been able to spend a quality day with my Dad (as he passed away when I was only 16 years old) never does this special day go by without me stopping and giving thanks for the few short years that I knew him.

He was my hero!

So today, I thought I'd share something a little different for you, but is kind of Father related.

This photo shows where a lot of activity has been happening over the last few weeks.

Bare with me...

Right in the centre of the ivy on this photo is a hole, which is where one of my Blue Tit bird boxes is situated.

It's always been a favourite, but this year we've been lucky to actually witness the coming and goings.

Here's Dad (or it might be Mum) and let me tell you, they have been incredible parents.

I wouldn't like to estimate just how many visits to and fro, that they've actually clocked up feeding their hungry brood.

I've been up since 4am (yes I know) just keeping an eye on the activities in the garden... trying to keep Magpies, Jays, Woodpeckers and Crows away. 

So far we seem to have success, although my hubby had a shock this morning wandering down to the chicken coup... a baby blue tit just dropped right down in front of him onto the path!

Oh how vulnerable is this little chap?

It must be a very scary place... just taking a leap of faith out of the nest box.

But then Dad comes to give reassurance and food to help complete his mission to safety.

I'm hoping they've reached their safe new home.

I'm sure with the incredible parents watching over them... they'll be fine.

One quick photo of another visitor who just ambled up to our place yesterday.

Our resident handsome stag!

Hello!

 I'm aware that there quite a few photos here today, but I couldn't decide which to choose to link up with Photalife

It's not every day that you see a nest fledge or have a stunning stag come to call.

Have a wonderful Father's Day and please go and hug your Dad if you're able, or give him a call and tell him that you love him, because it's not until they leave us that we wished we had done more.

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

My Sunday Photo... Garden Visitors

It's a crazy time of year for some of our garden visitors right now.

The cacophony of birdsong that starts at an unearthly hour and continues to grow to a crescendo.

You are wide awake now... only to realise that it's 3.30AM!

Then as quickly as it began, everything starts to calm down and what seemed like a marching brass band marching around the premises dies to a soft melody.

Meanwhile, you are left wide away and wonder how you're going to get back to sleep, or whether you might as well start the day!

 You've a lot to do so an early start might be a bonus (yawn)

But I wouldn't change this time of year for anything.

Here's one visitor that arrived with his Misses this morning.

The Yellowhammer.

He's quite stunning, but unfortunately I was only able to capture his image through my kitchen window. As you can see he was well aware that I was there.

Here's another cute visitor... the female siskin.

I hope you like seeing some of my visitors.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

I'm linking up with Photalife with My Sunday Photo as usual.

My Sunday Photo... Visiting Birds

With the current cold snap that's covering the UK at the moment, we've personally had quite a dry bright time over the last few weeks. 

Definitely a Scandinavian feel to our weather. 

Blue skies, not a cloud in the sky and lots of bright sunlight... even though I wouldn't have minded a little flurry of snow, as long as it would disappear quickly. 

It seems to have missed our part of Scotland.

So it is a tough time for our little wild birds... in fact, it's been tough for all our wildlife over this winter.

My bird feeders are always very popular, but when a - 3 degrees Celsius arrives, even in daylight, then it can be a battle ground out there. Every little beak needs it's fill before nightfall.

This particular feeder is hanging right next to my kitchen window.

I stock it with suet logs and it's very popular...even when I'm working in the kitchen.

Obviously, hunger overtakes the nerves and they feed right before my eyes.

There's obviously been no time for a pedicure lately!

Sometimes it can be tricky getting the last bite.

How these little cuties manage on those tiny wee legs is beyond me.

Also to keep warm with no leg warmers! 

We also had another visitor yesterday, who hasn't actually be brave enough to step over into the garden before. 

Hunger has brought him to us.

 Mr Pheasant...isn't he majestic! 

He actually hung around for quite some time.

I think he approved of our menu.

And finally, as I've mentioned before that our Goldfinch population has had a birdie boom since we returned to this house and started feeding them.

I have counted over 40 in one flock all at once...honest!

And that was from just one feeder!

Here's a little proof of just some of the goldfinches visiting the bird feeder in the fir tree.

You can almost seed the seed decrease as you watch them.

So I think it's probably time for me to get outside and replenish the feeders by now.

It has to be done every day! 

I am a little late posting today, but I'm going to link up with My Sunday Photo

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great Sunday everyone

Friday Playtime...PPF

Well would you believe it...it's Friday once more!

Time to party with the Paint Party Friday gang or PPF for short.

I've been reading a few tutorials over the past week and have realised that I tend not to use as much water as I possibly should, with my watercolour artwork.

So thanks to a Skillshare tutorial by Yasmina Creates, I decided to have a little playtime.

I added a few circles of water first, then the watercolour paints and watched them flow and mix together.

I am quite attached to the first one little bird (top left) but for some reason each time I tried another wee tweetlet, I wasn't so impressed. 

I obviously need to perfect this.

After reading lots more creative articles and supply lists (which are as everyone knows crucial and a must), I now feel slightly daunted that I have so much to learn and buy.

We have had no sun once again today, so it's difficult to take photographs.

For those who saw the beginning of the Highland cow painting...here he is finished (I think?)

I've added a few gold highlights to his flowing locks since I took this photo and I think that 'he' might now be a 'her'! 

Only a quick post today, but if you'd like to see more artwork, then why not pop across to the PPF link by clicking here.

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting PPF once more.

Have a brilliant weekend everyone and thanks for stopping by my place. 

I'm always thrilled to see you.

The Birds and Bees

My Sunday Photo this week is all about the birds and bees, but don't worry there's nothing dodgy here, because it's not that kind of birds and bees. 

These are the feather and buzzy kind.

I've mentioned before on previous posts that we have white doves visit us every day... no matter what the weather. In fact, if they don't appear I begin to wonder and worry about them.

If I don't happen to notice them arrive...they now perch up on the decking in full view of the window and peer in.

This tactic works extremely well because I immediately put fresh bird seed out for them.

We have had varying numbers...the most being seven at any one time, but lately we have only had two.

I love to see them doing a fly by or hearing them cooing up on our chimney pots.
I do wonder sometimes what their owners must think...and if they wonder where they go to every day. I'd love to attach a little wee note on to them, to explain where they've been and that I only feed them the best quality sunflower hearts. 

The amount I spend on my bird food is quite extensive, so their owners are probably saving a small fortune!

(Dove)

We've had another new visitor this week on our kitchen bird feeder...a couple of siskins.
This is the first time that the siskins have used this particular feeder.
They normally use one on the other side of the house.
Obviously, our five star seed menu has gone out on 'Twitter' (sorry I couldn't resist) and the variety and amount of visitors grows daily.

Unfortunately, this photo was taken through the kitchen window, so it's not the best quality.

(Siskin)

This male chaffinch is wearing his Sunday best at this time of year.

He's quite stunning.

It's a pity that the sun isn't shining on him, because it really makes a difference to the colours.

(Male Common Chaffinch)

...and so onto the bees...

This stunning Rhododendon Augustinii bursts into bloom very early on in the spring and causes quite a stir with the bees. I just couldn't capture a clear photo of this busy bee....he was frantically trying to gather as much pollen as he could before the sun went down. 

(Rhododendron Augustinii)

I just love to hear the buzzing of the busy bees and have to say I've been encouraged by how many I've seen already in this early part of the season.

(Lavender)

...and finally...

I'm linking up with Photalife.com 
and Mersad's Photography Link

I hope you are enjoying a busy but brilliant weekend.

Thank you for your visit...you're always welcome.

Robby Red Breast... PPF

A very quick post today.

I'll maybe explain in a few days, but for now I'll just link up with the Paint Party Friday Link.

It's the sixth bird in my watercolour series.

It was obvious to me that I had to include a robin in my flock.

I thought I'd taken some wip pictures, but it appears I didn't. 

Apologies for the rush this week.

Thanks for your visit.

Have a wonderful weekend and make sure you hug the ones you love.

Through My Lens... Goldfinches feeding and fighting

As I've mentioned before I love to feed the wild birds and today I thought I'd show you a brief glimpse of the usual shenanigans that go on at just one of my feeders.

This feeder is a favourite of the Goldfinches.

There are so many visiting our place now... I've actually counted a flock of 32 at one stage. 

The birds obviously approve of the sunflower hearts.

I have to replenish the feeder daily because they are hungry little b*****'s!

The sunflower hearts are an excellent source of energy and because they have been striped of their    husks, they are cleaner and an excellent souce of energy.

It can all start off quite polite and genial, but then it can suddenly go pear-shaped. 

Someone might be taking too long on the perch or pushing in unannounced... then it all kicks off!

Feathers fly!

There really isn't any need for this nonsense, because I have three other feeding areas dotted around the house... all with numerous types of various food.

You may notice that the field behind is covered in frost.

That's because we woke up to -5C this morning. 

Yes, that's not a typo... its a minus!

It's barely risen above minus degrees all day and now it's actually dropping once again, so no wonder the little birds are panicking and eating for all their worth.

They actually have to eat 30% of their body weight in order to survive. 

Which reminds me I must put in another order for more seed soon. 

Here's another of my little visitors.
The robin.

We currently have four dotted around, but this one seems to be extremely camera shy. 

This happens to be the nearest that I've ever been able to photograph him.

Sometimes, I think he's just toying with me because he can come and sit right where I've been, as soon as I leave. I'm determined to get a good photo of him one day.
Wish me luck...

And finally some visitors who have decided to stay nearby for the time being.
I know realise that geese can be incredibly vociferous!

I'm thankful that they haven't found my seed yet.

I'm linking up with Mersad's Through My Lens.

There's lots of great photographers over there if you want to visit then click here

I hope your Monday has gone well and the week just gets better.

Have fun and I hope to see you again soon

Goldfinch... Paint Party Friday

Hello... I'm back.

Phewph... October was quite a month and I certainly wouldn't want to go through that one again.

As you can imagine I haven't had any time for art, but yesterday I decided I needed to start... somewhere.

I was finding it difficult to even contemplate what to draw and was feeling worse for procrastinating. 

So I decided to just start and see what happened. 

This little chap is what appeared. 

We have lots of birds visiting us each day and the Goldfinches are the most numerous.

I used my Derwent Inktense watercolour pencils and once again wasn't really too enamoured with them. But at least I made a start. 

Hopefully I can now get back to my other projects.

Here's a photo from a previous blog post showing some of the hungry little feathered visitors.

I do have some exciting good news to share with you.

My daughter has had one of her designs featured in the new Not On The High Street TV advertisement. 

I think it's a great advert and have attached it below, just in case you haven't seen it yet.

See if you can find a Grumpy Owl card in there.

As it's Friday I'm linking up with the Paint Party Friday link.

I'll try my utmost to get to visit everyone that has visited here in my absence.

Thank you so much... it means such a lot to me.

Toodleloo for now and I hope to see you soon

xoxo

Splish Splash... PPF and Sunday Sketches.

Splish splash is certainly an appropriate title for this weeks Paint Party Friday artwork, because it has been seriously wet and even foggy here these last few days. 

That in itself is bad enough, but the rest of the UK has been basking in temperatures of near the 30 degree mark!

That just seems so unjust in my book.

So yesterday, we decided to leave fog bound Aberdeen and head inland... which worked a treat.

It's a well known fact, that the fog can be thick here near the North Sea coast, but if you drive a few miles inland, there's a good chance that the sky will clear and out pops the sun!

Which in fact it did.

We visited another Scottish National Trust property that I will post about at a later date. 

I've still got Pitmedden Gardens (part 2) to edit.

I thought I would let you see what I was talking about on my PPF post last week, when I mentioned my visiting doves watching me through the window, whilst I work. 

(For anyone that missed my PPF post last week here is the link... click here)

It's time to join the Paint Party Link, where Kristin and Eva host lots of talented artists to come together to share their work and inspiration.
I'm also linking up with Alexandra's Sunday Sketches. 
Alexandra is staying in the UK for a few months and is hosting Sunday Sketches from this side of the pond. If you'd like to see her illustrations, plus lots more through the link then you can use the button in my sidebar. 

So I'll love and leave you for now.

Thanks for popping by and I hope to see you again soon.

I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Birds and Booze... PPF

It seems to be all happening this week... well all except painting that is, but at least I managed to start a sketch. I'm not sure if you've heard of the BBC programme 'Springwatch' especially if you are situated outside of the UK, but it's airing at the moment and there's been some brilliant footage.

They have live camera's and it gives you a chance to really see nature up close and personal 24/7. Some scenes a little too close for my liking, but they're brilliant all the same. 

Here's a link if you'd like to take a peek - click here

They featured Puffins one evening and I'd heard that they are near the endangered list and since then I just can't get them out of my mind... so I started to draw them.

(I'm hoping that you can see this as it's really quite light)

There's a bird sanctuary not far from here, with the cliff tops crammed with wild birds and their nests. I keep saying that we must visit whilst the puffins are nesting. 

By the way, did you know that a young puffin is called a 'puffling'. 

Now you've got to agree that's rather cute.

Anyway, I've got to be on my game today... moving swiftly on because my hubby has purchased a huge beast of a garden tool, that has the potential to strip a whole woodland in one sweep never mind a feed weeds from around the perimeter of our garden!

I can virtually hear my plants gasp in horror and lean away in terror.

Heaven knows what damage he could do wielding that baby!

Don't worry... I'm going to be standing well back and wearing full safety gear and I'm not even going to be anywhere near. 

I'm taking no chances!

I may even need a stiff drink by the time he's finished.

None during for obvious reasons!

Talking of needing a stiff drink reminded me of my painting of a Bombay Sapphire Gin bottle 

(other gin's are available) 

I painted it a little while back, so maybe some of you haven't seen it before. 

My son has it on his bedroom wall and objected to me taking it down... so I took the photo in situ which wasn't the best idea... but there you go!

Cheers!

I'm linking up as usual with Eva and Kristin as usual over at PPF
and to Alexandra's Sunday Sketches 

Thanks for hosting once again ladies.

I hope you all have a wonderful safe weekend and thanks for visiting my place.

My Sunday Photo

My Sunday Photo... swallow

(Experimenting with this photo... loading from my kindle. Hence no usual frame as I haven't worked out how to do that yet)

Look what flew right into our house.

 It's the first time it's been warm enough to leave the garden door open... and this is what happened.

We have many swallows swooping around the house and even have a couple beginning to nest in our woodshed. 

I don't know who was more in a flap... me or him... to get out of the house.

Thankfully, my hubby gentle got hold of him and we released him back outside.

I'm linking up as usual to

 http://onedad3girls.com/blog/mysundayphoto-furry

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Happy Bank Holiday