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.

Camera... Action - PPF

Hello everyone... can you believe that it's Friday! 

Woohoo and a long Bank Holiday weekend for some too.

Normally you'd expect good weather for the May Bank Holiday, but once again we had snow and hail storms today. 

Seriously will it ever warm up?

Can I just say please don't judge me... once you see the video below you'll know what I mean.

I thought I'd distract myself from the weather and have a little play by trying to make a video whilst drawing.

To say I got a little worked up about it, possibly was an understatement.

I really don't like any part of me to be in front of the camera. 

I'd much rather be behind the lens. 

The drawing will be used as a draft because basically it just isn't good enough. 

I think I was too conscious of the camera instead of enjoying the journey of creating. 

Usually my mind wanders to I know not where and I feel thoroughly de-stressed after finishing a drawing... but not today. 

Anyway here it is....

Because this video doesn't really show the sketch here's a photo of it.

But as I mentioned it isn't finished yet... there's still more work to be done. 

I've had two weeks of appointments, but finally I'm free now, so hopefully I'll be able to spend some time doing some serious painting soon. 

Especially if this weather continues, because quite frankly there's no way that I'll be spending any time in the garden until the temperature starts to rise.
I'll be linking up with the Paint Party Friday group if you'd like to see some stunning artwork then click here.

I'm also linking into Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

Thank you for visiting today.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you again soon.

Misty Monday Morning

This week has started with a very misty and atmospheric Monday morning.

In fact, it's remained wet and murky all day.

The sound echoes and carries amazingly far on a morning like this, so I was surprised to see our local deer chomping away having their breakfast out in the open.

I'd been busy drawing at my kitchen table when I became aware of their presence. 

If I say I now have about 63 photographs of them, I don't think I'd be overestimating. 

After standing and waiting for them to come closer to the house, whilst having my finger poised on the camera... ready to click... my legs and back aching... I couldn't help but think and admire all of the wildlife photographers out there. After all I was in the warm house.

I wonder if they find they sneeze just at the crucial moment too.

I apologise for the quality of my photographs, but I had to take them all through my window.

If I'd have tried to open the door, then they would definitely have ran off to hide in the gorse.

I know this because it's happened so many times before. 

They are roe deer which are small and elegant with a pale greyish brown coat that will turn to reddy brown for the summer months. The males antlers have a rough or ridged surface.

The one on the left of this photo is a stag, and the doe is on the right.

Note she has a very white patch on her rump with a short tush.

If you'd like to know more about the Roe Deer then click here which will take you to the British Deer Society. They also have fantastic photographs (unlike mine).

I couldn't believe it when this chap came so close and actually stood on the plinth, turning to look at me. You can see his wee antlers on this shot.

Today, I'm linking with Mersad over at Through my lens.

If you'd like to see more photographers work, then click on the link above.

So that's Monday nearly over and I hope your week has got off to a good start. 

Thanks for visiting.

Have a great week and I hope to see you again soon