Friday, 23 October 2026

VARID NATURE SHOTS

It has suddenly gone cold necessitating extra bedding and clothing. It warms up to 14 degrees in the afternoons but is only 4 early morning. It takes a bit of getting used to after the horific heat of summer but it's very welcome. I much prefer a cooler atmosphere but it still hasn't rained. It did rain 16 weeks ago, but not enough to penetrate the dry soil.Even so nature has a way of renewing what was thought to be dead.Last year some chestnut trees were heavily pruned, in fact the tops were sawn off leaving only the dry dead wood.



This old dry tree sprouted a new heathy branch and subsequently leaves which seem to be flourishing. Eva took these photos for me with her phone on her way home.


It's not so easy to see because of other trees nearby but the heathy and vigarous branch growing from the top part of the sawn off tree trunk was a great surprise. These trees are at least 200 years old, but some live to be 500 years old or even longer.


Back at the balcony Coal Tits come in dozens to the feeders.



Here the Coal Tit is sharing the feeder with a Crested Tit. Unfortunately when I looked at their photos they were facing the other way, but the Crested Tit's crest is so errect and the head markings so beautiful that I decided to share it anyway. 
 


The Great Tit


Early morning shot of a youg Crested Tit.



The European Jay


I know it should all be in focus but the blue of the wings is so captivating that I just had to share it.




The Brimstone Butterfly

I will be linking uo to "Saturday's Critters". If you would like to check it out just click on the icon on my side bar and it will take you there where you will see wonderful nature shots of all creatures both great and small.





22 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Good morning, Sonjia. I am very happy that sensible weather has returned to your corner of Portugal. You can always add an extra sweater or snuggle under an afghan or quilt, but it’s impossible to escape the dreadful heat you endured in the summer. Lovely selection of picture here, even though the Coal Tit and the Crested Tit were snooty! The shot of the jay beating its wings is exceptional. A few years ago I did a presentation on avian aero dynamics. I could have used this picture! Hugs and kisses - David

Marit said...

Dear Saila :)

Fortunately, trees and shrubs can withstand more than one might think. It’s wonderful to see that the trees at your place are putting out new shoots after such a terribly hot and dry summer.
The autumn rain has arrived here now. I’m very glad for that, though it didn’t all have to come at once! Nature usually finds a way to balance things out, so you’ll likely get some rain soon, too. You’ve shared some great photos; I actually saw a coal tit here today as well—it’s such a cute little bird. And the photo you’ve shared of the Eurasian jay is lovely.
Take care, and have a wonderful weekend!
All the best to you.
Marit

Tom said...

16 weeks without rain is extreme, my garden and I would love a bit of rain right about now. Cold nights make for great sleeping. Thanks for sharing your bird collection, take care and be well.

Angie's Recipes said...

Coat tit is a beauty. I haven't heard they sing lately..

Irma said...

Dear Sonjia,
What a wonderful series of photos this is.
The crested tit is truly magnificent, a species that is rarely seen around here these days.
The jay flying straight toward you is also fantastic to behold.
I’m glad for you that the weather has turned much colder, it’s 13 degrees here, and a storm is on the way.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Best regards, Irma

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

An absolutely stunning and captivating series of photos!

Shiju Sugunan said...

It’s wonderful to see the resilience of nature and those lovely bird photos, especially the Eurasian Jay in flight!

Modrina Neba said...

Wonderful shots and a blog for my soul. I have added you among my friends, and I greet you from my land of Slovenia and wish you a kind Saturday ahead, Andreja!

sami niilola said...

Awesome photos. Little birds are just so adorable.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The crested tit is so cute and I love the photo with the wings spread in flight! WOW! It's great!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Sonjia,
The mornings here are very chilly, it is nice in the afternoons.
It is nice to see the new growth on your old tree. I love the cute birds from your garden. The Jay is one of my favorites. The butterfly is lovely too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

LoveT. said...


You’ve taken some lovely photos of the little fellows. They are adorable.
Hopefully, you’ll get some rain soon.

Have a wonderful weekend!

DeniseinVA said...

Beautiful nature, thank you for sharing dear Sonjia. Good to know your weather is cooler. Sending hugs, Denise.

RedPat said...

Your bird pics are wonderful, especially the one of the jay. I hope that you get some rain, Sonjia.

Alexandra said...

I love action shots like the one of the Jay flapping its wings! Your timing was perfect to capture it!

Caroline said...

Hi Sonjia. Beautiful photos of the birds on your balcony. Especially the jay. Have a nice week. Greets

Villrose said...

The coal tits are here as well. I so much want to see the Crested tit. It's so cool.
/Irene

Veronica Lee said...

After such a hot and dry summer, it would be easy to think a tree was beyond recovery, yet it found the strength to grow again.
Your bird photos are delightful.
Thanks for sharing these signs of hope from nature.

Jeanie said...

I don't think I've ever seen a crested tit. These are so very lovely. Wishing you rain!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

The blue wing photo is artistic and beautiful -- I would have honestly thought you did it on purpose!!! Your birds (and other flying creatures) are so lovely -- thank you for sharing. I'm a bit bird deprived where we live now. ... Our Oregon weather is very similar to yours .. cold mornings, pleasant afternoons, some rain but not nearly enough. Maybe soon (for both of us, I hope).

Lowcarb team member said...

Yes, your temperatures are now so different to your summer ones. I much prefer the Autumn ones!
I did enjoy seeing all of your photographs and the blue wings of the European Jay were nice to see.

Enjoy these last few days of October . . . I don't know where this year has gone, it does seem to have flown by!

My good wishes.

All the best Jan

Teresa said...

Preciosas tus fotografías, me encantaron los pájaros. Abrazos y besos.

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