To Be A Farmer's Boy - George Formby

My last day at Parley Court, at least for this trip, was spent doing similarly to the past couple of days, in addition to which Hugh gave me something of a Cook's Tour (without doubling loss on the last fiscal year) of the farm. Managed to catch up on a couple of photographs, while augmenting these with archive material, which are captioned 'RED' for Year Ticks.

BLACKCAP (male)

 

BLACKCAP (female) pairs in all areas of the property.

 

GARDEN WARBLER have been heard and seen just once at various locations.

 

A slight and most interesting distraction from the birds was to watch

 

 the FARRIER at work.

 

SEDGE WARBLER most numerous at riverside areas, but also noted elsewhere.

 

 

REED WARBLER at riversides.

An interesting Lichen covered STADDLE STONE, you'll need a mortgage if you want to own one!

Back at the Parley Lakes COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLIES seem to have moved in today,

along with a male and

female GADWALL.

At the HARBINS POND the resident pair of MUTE SWANS have already brought off c5 CYGNETS with at least 2 eggs remaining in the nest.

 

A LESSER WHITETHROAT singing and showing intermittently at the entrance road to the northern half of the farm, is the first and only recorded on the property. It is most unlikely (maybe impossible) to think that this was the first ever?

WILLOW WARBLER seemingly everywhere.

WHIMBREL, the record refers to a vocal bird overflying the northern fields.

 

Looking from the farmhouse kitchen window GOLDFINCH and

 

HOUSE SPARROW were most prominent on the 'feeders', but others included Blue and Great Tit, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon and Pheasant

 

There was also something of a sight for sore eyes as Daryl took his first (serious) horseback ride,

 

under the close supervision of his mum Janet and Jen aka The Lone Ranger and Tonto.

 

and finally, in company with Darrel's fiance Cath and Hugh's mum we enjoyed another al fresco dinner.