Category: Nature & Wildlife
Only a brief look back
I don’t like to spend too much time mulling over the past (despite being a Nostalgic Gardener!), and what I really like about New Year is the sense of possibility it offers for what’s to come. Rather like this fox (a lino print made in one of my lovely art classes), I like the feeling that there’s something round the corner that could really be … Continue reading Only a brief look back
The horse, the goats and an outraged heron
“Something very odd is going on in that field. Will you take a look at that? Really, it’s hardly decent!”, thinks the young heron, watching the goings-on across the lake. “Looks fairly normal to me, just a tranquil horse munching some grass…”, thinks the photographer. “Hang on a second, are those goats? Goats and horses, do they mix? Well it seems they do, and as … Continue reading The horse, the goats and an outraged heron
The Debonaire Great Blue Heron
It was a glorious afternoon at the forest lakes by Rouge Cloitre (the Augustinian Priory of Red Cloister, on the outskirts of Brussels). My friend the heron is often there, standing contemplative by the edge of the lake. On this day, he was sporting a nice spikey quiff, giving him a rather debonaire look. He had positioned himself on a fallen branch, and had been … Continue reading The Debonaire Great Blue Heron
Wordless Wednesday: Winter Sky
Silent Sunday: Cosy
I wonder how many others are sitting in front of their fires on this chilly evening in Northern Europe (or further afield, the blogging community is wonderfully global). Finding the fire mesmerising after another session of leaf clearance in the garden with help from my son, who is eager for more pocket money. There’s nothing like getting cold outdoors, watching the night draw in and … Continue reading Silent Sunday: Cosy
Picasso’s Tree
So named because if you can spot the face on this tree, you will find only one eye, a misshapen nose and a turned down mouth. Can you see him? It’s hard to believe that some kids haven’t been carving shapes out with a knife, but I think it’s natural. The light is a bit gloomy, as this was taken just as the sun was … Continue reading Picasso’s Tree
The heron at Red Cloister
Red Cloister (Rouge Cloitre, Rood-Klooster), an Augustinian Priory founded in the Middle Ages, lies on the edge of the Sonian forest and the south-easterly neighbourhoods of Brussels. Founded in 1367, it was apparently one of the most prestigious in the Spanish Netherlands, and among other notables the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V stayed here. More importantly for my purposes, the lakes all around are full … Continue reading The heron at Red Cloister
Swan Lake
Well, more accurately Swan Pond, but they wouldn’t name a ballet like that, would they? This is the same pond as the Heron’s Domain, but the heron was out fishing elsewhere, so instead I spent some time watching this juvenile swan feeding in the water. He (she?) is usually asleep by the edge, head tucked in nice and snug, or just sitting quietly watching. Continue reading Swan Lake
Last leaves left standing
Could not resist a quick detour to the forest whilst running a couple of errands today. It is a fine, bright, autumn day, and there won’t be many more before all the leaves have fallen. Continue reading Last leaves left standing