Sunday, 10 March 2013

A few of my favourite photos taken over the past few weeks.

I was at a loss as to what to blog about this week - is that "blogger's block?".  Due to the miserable weather around here, we have not been anywhere very exciting to write about, but I have been taking numerous photos which I  put on my daily photodiary blog.  As many of you do not follow that diary, I thought I would pick some of my favourite photos from there and publish them here.
Goldfinch in the garden

Tree reflection in a raindrop.


Now if only we had sound on our blogs you would hear this in full force!

Dunnock, usually very shy, in our garden.

A February sunset; very rare, as it hardly stopped raining last month!

 For the car lovers out there, this well-restored 2CV, taken last weekend at the first wine fair of the year in this area.

 Celandine growing in the lawn; note the tiny beetle.

 A talkative blue tit

Crocuses in our 'mushroom' garden.

A greedy blue tit.

 Seconds after taking this photo, he charged straight into the fence behind which I was standing!

An early March sunset

My favourite shot of Le Tardoire river in the "back streets" of La Rochefoucauld, showing a most satisfying reflection in the water, despite the fact it was flowing quite fast.

Last night's sunset.







See also - My Life Before Charente Updated 10/03/2013

and my daily photo diary  HERE
http://photodiarydps.blogspot.com 




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98 comments:

  1. Hilary Melton-Butcher10 March 2013 at 13:52

    Hi Diane .. what lovely photos - and you've managed to enthral us with such varied shots - despite grey February ..

    Gorgeous part of the world and your river scene is stunning, while the mushroom plot sets off the crocuses so well - I do love them ... I just checked re the RSPB bird survey - it's not out yet ..

    Cheers and I do hope the snow you're sending us doesn't get over the Channel!! Here's to warmer days .. .Hilary

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 15:41

      Hilary thanks for your kind comment. We do live in a beautiful spot and as I am on of only a couple who feed the birds here we are luck enough to get a good selection. The Blue Tit though is the only one that does not worry if I am close by. Storms predicted here with a drop in temperature. Have a good week Diane

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  2. Torviewtoronto10 March 2013 at 14:02

    cool beautiful pictures

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 15:42

      Torviewtoronto many thanks, have a great week Diane

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  3. Schnitzel and the Trout10 March 2013 at 14:03

    Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos. Spring is definitely on its way!!

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 15:44

      Susan I am happy to share my favourites. Yes thank goodness spring is definitely on its way, but we are going to get some more cold yet I am sure. Keep well and take care Diane

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  4. Béatrice EnCharentes10 March 2013 at 14:56

    Lovely photographes ! A Bientôt
    Béatrice

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 15:46

      Merci beaucoup Béatrice, bonne semaine. J'espère à bientôt. Diane

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  5. Mary Bergfeld10 March 2013 at 16:46

    What gorgeous photos, Diane! You are as handy with a camera as you are with a hammer. In your hands they both produce marvelous results. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 16:50

      Mary I wish I knew as much about my camera as I do about the hammer LOL. I have so much to learn about settings! Thanks for the very kind comment. Have a great week Diane

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  6. LindyLouMac10 March 2013 at 17:10

    Calling by your blog and reading this post, cheered me and made me smile today. Sorry I have not been participating here much recently but know you understand why.

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 19:16

      Linda I appreciate you taking the time out to read and pass a comment. I know you have far more important things on your mind at present. Glad I made you smile :-) Take care and I hope all goes well Diane

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  7. Cuisine de Provence10 March 2013 at 17:23

    These are lovely photos Diane, I am full of admiration!

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 19:17

      Cuisine de Provence thank you so much for the very kind comment, I do appreciate it. Keep well Diane

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  8. Amanda10 March 2013 at 18:11

    It has been a long winter; it is so nice to see flowers and birds. The 2 CV looks in really great shape, almost new. (I called my parents in Aveyron; they said the next predictions for the temperatures are around -10C in their area. That is cold).

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:21

      Nadege that sort of temperature is not even funny! We have had -10 with the wind factor but thankfully for only a short period. I am surprised that they are that cold as they are not that far South of us but maybe it is higher. Have a great week, Diane

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  9. Rosaria Williams10 March 2013 at 18:46

    Lovely! I was surprised to see a donkey; are they still used for work in your parts?

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:22

      rosaria there are donkeys and mules all over the place here. Not sure how much they are used though. Take care Diane

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  10. Gaelyn10 March 2013 at 18:54

    These images are all Fantastic! Especially like the raindrop reflection and I could hear that donkey braa. Love you header.

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:25

      Hi Gaelyn I am so enjoying travelling around S.A. with you. Glad you like the photos. I am still trying to come to grips with the new camera and I am struggling with the settings. So used to just using auto!! Thanks for taking the time out to pass a comment. Diane

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  11. Gloria Baker10 March 2013 at 19:03

    What amazing and lovely píctures you taked Diane!
    Im agree, are the best, love the birds and sunsets just lovely!!!xo

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:27

      Gloria thanks so much for the lovely comment, I am getting so close to the Blue Tits now they have got used to me. Have a good week, Diane

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  12. GaynorB10 March 2013 at 19:22

    Absolutely stunning photographs, Diane. You've certainly been busy and have the 'eye for an amazing shot. I love them all but I especially like the reflection in the raindrop and the reflection at La Rochefoucauld.

    Bravo!

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:33

      Gaynor thanks so much for the especially kind comment. I just love reflections of any kind but I seldom see ones that I really like, these two were quite special for me. Hope that your week is a good one. Take care diane

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  13. Betsy Brock10 March 2013 at 19:30

    What a lovely blog! Gloria sent me over and I'm so glad she did! xo

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:46

      Betsy so nice to 'meet' you. Thanks for the comment and for following. Take care with those 5 men of yours, Diane

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  14. Unknown10 March 2013 at 19:44

    Awesome shots! Great post, Diane.

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:47

      Thanks JM, glad you liked this selection. Have a good week, Diane

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  15. Craig10 March 2013 at 20:16

    Your photos are very impressive Diane - the close ups of the birds and flowers are wonderfully clear. But I'd have to pick the donkey as my favourite as I have a soft spot for them!

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    1. Diane10 March 2013 at 20:49

      Thank you Craig, still lots to learn with the new camera but I hope I hope I will get there eventually. That donkey was just so funny and the noise was unbelievable. Hope your week is a good one, Diane

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  16. Anonymous10 March 2013 at 23:08

    Diane, I so enjoyed your beautiful photos...I can see why they are your favorites as they are all excellent. You mentioned that you are struggling with the settings on your new camera but the end result looks like they were taken by a professional.

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 11:46

      backroadjournal how I wish I was a professional, it seems a good relatively good camera covers many of my mistakes! Thanks for the very kind comment. Have a good week, Diane

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  17. Horst in Edmonton10 March 2013 at 23:11

    Wonderful photos Diane, your a very good photographer.

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 11:47

      Horst I am still learning and there is a very long way to go but I try my best. Take care, hope the hips are improving. Diane

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  18. This is Belgium10 March 2013 at 23:18

    your shots are stunning
    I like the fact that the deux chevaux are reappearing here and there
    wishing you a great week !
    anni

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 11:49

      anni, thanks for the visit and the comment, I hope your week is a good one as well. Diane

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  19. Unknown11 March 2013 at 09:06

    Beautiful photos Diane, (didn't know you had another blog, shall have to have a peek :) ) love the one of La Rochefoucauld, stunning reflections. xx

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 11:51

      Karen yes I think the reflections on the water there are one of the best I have ever taken. The other blog varies a lot depending on where I am. Some days it is rubbish as I cannot find anything to take photos of! Take care Diane

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  20. R's Rue11 March 2013 at 11:31

    Beautiful Diane!
    You are talented!
    God Bless!
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 11:53

      Thanks Regine, I am not sure about talented I just manage to do a little bit of everything and none of it to the high standard I would like. Take care and have a good week. Diane

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  21. The Broad11 March 2013 at 16:34

    Impossible to choose a favourite! But I must say I'm rather partial to your talkative blue-tit!

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 20:29

      The Broad The reflection at La Rochefoucauld is my favourite but all the others a re a very close tie second. Have a good day Diane

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  22. Richard Pegler11 March 2013 at 18:04

    Wonderful images Diane. I particularly like the raindrop, and the sunset images, but that of Le Rochefoucauld makes me want to be there!!

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 20:31

      Thanks Richard, it is not that far away if you want to visit :-) I love reflections of any kind. I only wish I could creep up on our little owl that I have no idea where it is nesting! Have a good day Diane

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  23. Fripouille11 March 2013 at 19:24

    Another feast for the eyes from Diane. Thanks muchly, and I love that photo of a "tree reflection in a raindrop". The crocuses too. Those flowers were good to see because up here in Lyon we don't have many flowers of that sort yet. Still, patience is a virtue as they say, and it was even warm enough yesterday to go for a leisurely bike ride.....

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    1. Diane11 March 2013 at 20:33

      Fripouille, good I am glad that you enjoyed this post. We have had quite a warm 4 days but if the forecast is right it is about to change!! Keep well Diane

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  24. Fernando Santos (Chana)11 March 2013 at 21:51

    Excelentes fotografias....
    Cumprimentos

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    1. Diane12 March 2013 at 10:26

      Fernando Santos (Chana), Muito obrigado. Boa semana. Diane

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  25. Ellie11 March 2013 at 22:33

    You have got some wonderful shots there Diane, I just love those wee birds and the reflection shots are really great. Have a good week :)

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    1. Diane12 March 2013 at 10:27

      Thanks Ellie for the kind comment. You have a good week as well Diane

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  26. Velva12 March 2013 at 01:30

    See there was no writers block...This was a perfect idea for a post (smile). These are some very nice photos.

    If you should be interested, I would love to host one of your photos (your choice) for my Wordless Wednesday post. Of course, credit would go to you, and a link to your blog.

    Hang tight, spring is almost here.

    Velva

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    1. Diane12 March 2013 at 10:29

      Velva I really need spring to be here in full force, I have just had quite enough of winter and rain now. Problem is come summer we will then be complaining how dry it is!! You are welcome to use a photo see email. Diane

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  27. lejardindelucie12 March 2013 at 07:53

    Une belle diversité! On ne sait laquelle choisir.Les oiseaux, la chèvre ( quel regard), le superbe paysage de La Rochefoucauld et les magnifiques couchers de soleil! Bravo!
    Bonne semaine à vous Diane!

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    1. Diane12 March 2013 at 10:32

      Merci Lucie pour le commentaire très gentil. Mon nouvel appareil photo m'apprend beaucoup! Bonne semaine. Diane

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  28. Pam12 March 2013 at 16:00

    Awesome shots Diane! I especially love the water drop on the branch. So cool!

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    1. Diane12 March 2013 at 20:01

      Pam that was one of those lucky shots that just happened to work! Thanks for the comment, keep well Diane

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  29. Marjie12 March 2013 at 21:50

    They're all wonderful shots, but I especially love the birds; they're so colorful!

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    1. Rhodesia13 March 2013 at 15:57

      Marjie I love my birds and I do enjoy taking photos of them. Just a bit cold at the moment to stay out there though! Keep well Diane

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  30. Pame Recetas13 March 2013 at 02:33

    DEAR DIANE, WELL, THERE SURE MUST BE SOMETHING LIKE BLOGGER'S BLOCK. ALL THE PICTURES ARE GREAT, IT'S HARD TO CHOOSE, I WENT CRAZY ABOUT THAT WATER DROP TOO, BUT THE BIRDS ARE JUST ADORABLE. TAKE CARE

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    1. Rhodesia13 March 2013 at 16:05

      Pamela I think the water drop has been the most popular but I have to admit to liking most of these photos anyway. Take care Diane

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  31. parenting articles13 March 2013 at 11:19

    i really love the image with the droplet but the donkey took my attention. hahaha

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    1. Rhodesia13 March 2013 at 16:06

      parenting articles I just wish you could have heard him, the sound was hilarious. Thanks for the visit and the comment, Diane

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  32. diane b13 March 2013 at 13:32

    These photos are stunning. The birds are so well focused.The sunsets are stunning.

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    1. Rhodesia13 March 2013 at 16:08

      Thanks diane, a lot of luck is attached to these photos as I really still do not know what I am doing. I have printed off your notes and plan to sit down read and play with the camera as soon as I can find a couple of hours to do so. Being retired is so busy!!! Keep well Diane

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  33. Catherine13 March 2013 at 23:54

    Dear Diane, Thank you for sharing these photo's. I do enjoy looking at pictures. The scenery is just beautiful. What a nice place. It really looks like a movie, set back in time. I will visit your photo blog to see more.
    Thank you for your visits. I am trying to keep up but still working on getting back together. I know that soon this will all be a memory.
    Blessings dear. Catherine xoxox

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    1. Diane14 March 2013 at 09:57

      Catherine I feel like we are set back in time here in many respects besides the very old buildings around. Take care and I hope that very soon you will be back to normal. Diane xo

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  34. Dianne14 March 2013 at 05:58

    Beautiful captures Diane .... Love that Citroen DC so very French and your little bird in the top pic is just gorgeous.
    Hope your week is going well and that soon you will see a bit more sunshine in your corner of the world.

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    1. Diane14 March 2013 at 09:59

      Dianne there are so many 2CV's around and some of them in immaculate condition. The sun is out this morning but it looks like it is temporary! Heavy frost as well today. Diane

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  35. Nadji14 March 2013 at 13:07

    Ces photos sont magnifiques. BRAVO!!!!!
    See soon

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    1. Diane15 March 2013 at 22:04

      Merci pour la visite. J'apprécie le commentaire. Bonne journée. Diane

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  36. Pam14 March 2013 at 22:48

    Great pics as usual, Diane! You are quite a photographer with a great eye for the camera. Hope your weather is better soon and the same for here. Still lots of snow on the ground.

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    1. Diane15 March 2013 at 22:05

      Pam thanks so much for the kind comment. I also hope our weather improves very soon :-) Take care Diane

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  37. Alessandra15 March 2013 at 10:27

    What fun photos, I especially like the birds and the crocuses :-).

    Have a great weekend!

    Ciao
    Alessandra

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    1. Diane15 March 2013 at 22:06

      Thanks Alessandra, you also have a great weekend. Diane

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  38. Deana Sidney15 March 2013 at 13:45

    Don't get me started with goats! I leaned in to look at one years ago with long hair. The evil beast grabbed a hank of my hair and pulled it out and ate it! It was a lot of hair and hurt like all get out... bled too. He just kept looking at me with those devil eyes as he chewed and swallowed my hair!!! I have disliked goats ever since.

    Lovely pictures ... amazing shot of the reflection in the water drop.... thanks for sharing your album.

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    1. Diane15 March 2013 at 22:07

      lostpastremembered thank you. I have decided that I am not crazy about goats either!! Have a great weekend. Diane

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  39. Anonymous15 March 2013 at 16:22

    Thanks for the early morning peaceful images. A great way to begin the day!

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    1. Diane15 March 2013 at 22:08

      Thanks Stephen, have a wonderful weekend. Diane

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  40. Betsy Brock16 March 2013 at 01:24

    Well, I'm just loving that car! How fun is that...I'd take that for sure!

    Your goldfinches look completely different from ours! Ours are all yellow and the males have little black caps! Yours is adorable there...love that photo!

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    1. Diane16 March 2013 at 17:07

      Betsy interesting that the Goldfinches differ, yes that car is fun and there are a lot of them around here. Take care Diane

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  41. Sarah16 March 2013 at 02:44

    Some beautiful pictures. I can't believe that goat though! What was he thinking?

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    1. Diane16 March 2013 at 17:09

      Sarah he was really full of nonsense putting it politely! Have a good weekend Diane

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  42. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen16 March 2013 at 12:07

    Beautiful photos Diane. I'm so glad to see a goldfinch up close. My FIL lived on Goldfinch Lane for years and I was never certain exactly what a goldfinch looked like until now. Merci.
    Sam

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    1. Diane16 March 2013 at 17:10

      Sam so pleased that you now know what the Gold finches here in Europe look like, I am told the American one looks quite different!! Take care Diane

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  43. Noushka17 March 2013 at 16:11

    Hello Diane!
    You did well to to publish those very nice and cute - for some - pictures!!
    A weather to sit in a hide, indeed although the light is not at its best!
    I hope it gest better soon!
    Cheers and enjoy your evening!

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    1. Diane17 March 2013 at 21:52

      Noushka I do not know how you sit in a hide over winter, my African blood is too thin I think and I cannot stand the cold! Thanks though for the kind comments. Take care Diane xx

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  44. lena17 March 2013 at 17:22

    beautiful photos. I think your photography skills are getting better and better, love that sunset photos and also the river one.

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    1. Diane17 March 2013 at 21:53

      Lena I am not sure my skills ae improving but a new and better camera has a lot to answer for :-) Thanks for the kind comment. Have a good week Diane

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  45. Anonymous17 March 2013 at 17:44

    What lovely pictures. I had an owl in my garden the other evening but I didn't get a very good picture of it. I look forward each year to the first Hoopoe that signals the warmer weather.

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    1. Diane17 March 2013 at 21:55

      kerrydwyer.net thanks for your visit and comment. We have a regular visitor in a Little Owl but I have never yet managed a photo of it!! We thought we saw a hoopoe the other day flash across the road in front of us, as you say a sure sign of warmer days. Have a great week Diane

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  46. Caramella17 March 2013 at 19:30

    The pictures are so interesting, I had so much fun looking at them. You live in very impressive location. Have a nice Sunday! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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    1. Diane17 March 2013 at 21:57

      Thanks Caramella for the kind comment. We celebrated St Paddy's with a trip the the cinema and a pizza, not even a green one :-) Have a good week diane

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  47. Kerry18 March 2013 at 21:50

    Beautiful photos as always Diane x

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    1. Diane18 March 2013 at 22:38

      Thanks Kerry, See you soon :-) Have a good week Diane

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  48. Chubskulit Rose21 March 2013 at 04:06

    These are stunning shots Dianne, I specially love the water droplet from the twig!

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    1. Diane21 March 2013 at 08:58

      Rose the water droplet has been very popular :-) Keep well Diane

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  49. Cobalt Violet21 March 2013 at 16:40

    What a wonderful collection of photos!
    Love that little bird up top! So sweet.

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    1. Diane21 March 2013 at 20:32

      Cobalt Violet thanks so much for your visit and the kind comment, much appreciated. Take care Diane

      Delete

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