Good Fences

This post was a challenge that I hadn't exspected to be so difficult. As I hadn't previously taken any photos for Friday's Good Fences, or anything of that nature, I set out on Monday by car to where I remembered seeing some rather attractive gates, as we  have no fences where I live, only walls and gates. It wasn' t long before I saw large numbers of people, walking towards the main road, having parked their cars on either side of what is normally a quiet country lane.When I reached the main road there was a vast number of people gathered together, and lining the road side, and cars in front of me and behind. It was clear that taking photos was now out of the question, so I continued on my planned route to try to make my way back home


   

Suddenly I realized why there were so many people, they were waiting for the cyclists of  the Tour de Portugal. Further down the road, the police had parked their vehicles and were directing the traffic to detours  so I ventured into the unknown and  eventually got lost! Sorry guys not one photo of the cyclists, and to be honest I was glad to get away, but it was a long time  before I got my bearings and found a way back home as all these mountain roads look pretty much the same and I hadn't got my GPS. There are not many houses by the roadside, so you can imagine how pleased I was to see  the stone house with the low wall in front, and a cat.
   

It wasn't long before another photo opportunity presented itself, a white dog looking over a gate was just asking for me to take his picture. I think he has a lovely gentle look about him.

He was a lovely friendly dog, looks like he lost a claw at one time, but his eyes captivated me.

Around  yet another bend and I saw this white cat  surveying the road, sitting on a high wall.

  

Well thats it for this week, my first Good Fences post, but I have to admit that it looks more like Pets Corner!:) Please forgive me for rambling on a bit about how I eventually made it. I promise to be more brief next week.:) I also lost my glasses this week, and thats why I have a mother of all headaches and haven't visited your blogs as I would have liked.
See you all soon, as soon as I get my new specs!


   

This post is included in the GOOD FENCES initiative.

Silent Swimmer

The Mute Swan   Cygnus olor.

  

As proud father looked on and kept guard on land, the female Mute Swan glided along with her young in tow. Photos taken earlier this year in the park. 

This post is included in the WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY initiative.

Lilies from my garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been ages since I posted any flowers, so before my lilies fade here are a few to share. It's been far too hot for weeding,so you will see quite a few of those as well.:)

Blue, Crested, and Coal Tits.

 

  

 

This post is included in the WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY initiative by Stewart M and the blog Paying Ready Attention - Photo Gallery

His Eminence and Her Majesty.

The Cardinal  Argynnis  pandora (Nymphalidae)  

 

The hindwing is pale green with silver stripes.

 

The ground colour of upperwings is buffish orange with an extensive greenish suffusion..

 

Similar to the Silver-washed Fritillary, but with more pronounced wing markings.

 

It's wing span is 7-8cm, and flight period from May -July.

 

The Queen Of Spain Fritillary    Issoria lathonia (Nymphalidae)


 

Orange ground colour with bold black spots. The large silvery spots on the hindwing underside are unique to this species.

 

 

The wing span is 4,2cm, and flight period from Febuary to October.

 

On his Look-out

The Buzzard   Buteo buteo

Two young buzzards hovered over the fields for a few weeks hunting for prey. They moved away when the corn became too tall for them to see the ground. They always perched on the telegraph poles and wires,which don't make pretty pictures,but it was the only way I could take a few photos.

This post is included in the WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY initiative by Stewart M and the blog Paying Ready Attention - Photo Gallery