My Book and a Melange of Photos

I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to visit you, but I will try to do my best to visit this week. After my last repetitive post, I have chosen a varied number of photos to share, all from my archive, a mishmash of images taken last year.

This 35 page book of my nature photos was given to me at  Christmas by my granddaughter Sara. It was a lovely surprise, and she did it all by herself.  I could hardly believe it, and was completely overwhelmed by her generous gift. It must have taken her ages to do.
 

To give you an idea of what it looks like, here are a few images. You probably recognize some of the photos.

 

 

 

A juvenile Blue Tit.
 

These flowers in bud form are in bloom now in the garden
 

.....and here they are!
 

Goldfish in our garden pond.
 

Greenfinch.
 

......waiting for another turn at the feeder.
 

Daffodils galore in the garden, with sprawling Rosemary in the background.
 

Squirrel on rustic bench
 

Great Tit in the shade.
 

Quite an angry look, but I've included it for a bit of fun!
 

Mel is my constant companion. She sits on her own blanket on my bed, and you can also see her duvet cover on the left.:)
 

Cacti against fence, photo taken in July last year.
 

A further study of the cacti. I'm short on photos!!:))
 

Some more cacti I discovered on a walk in the Algarve.
 

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
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SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN
TODAY'S FLOWERS

The Flycatcher in October

Hello everyone, I have not been able to get out and about since November last year, and it's been quite a while since I have posted anything, namely because of rheumatism, and I also knew that I couldn't post or visit with any regularity. So sorry for not letting you know sooner, and many thanks to those of you who sent kind comments. I took these Flycatcher shots in October last year, but haven't used my camera since. I hope you enjoy! I missed you!

The Female Pied Flycatcher
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.  See you all in 2017,  Take care everyone.

Penguins at the Santo Inacio Zoo

Another favourite of ours were the Penguins, such adorable lively creatures. This will be my last post of photos taken at the Santo Inacio Zoo.

The African Penguin   Spheniscus demerus
 

They grow to a height of 60cm ( 2ft tall )
 

They are accustomed to living in warmer climates,...
 

but went in and out of the water all the time to cool off.
 

and loving it, as it was a really hot day.
 

This friendly one came right up to us.
 

Penguins spend several hrs a day preening their feathers to keep them well maintained, or they would not stay waterproof.
 

For extra protection, penguins spread oil on their feathers. The oil comes from a special gland, near their tail. The penguins tail is short and wedge shaped which helps it to maintain stability on land.
 

Both sexes look the same.
 

Many were banded on their flippers.
 

A close up of the friendly one.
 

A gate we saw near the zoo, which I have added for Good Fences.
 

 

SATURDAY'S CRITTERS

Zebras and an Owl at the Santo Inacio Zoo

The Zebras were a special favourite of ours. These two were enjoying a meal, whilst we were admiring the unique design on their beautiful coats.

Awe!!:)
 

The first time I saw a Zebra with ears in that position.
 

Hello!
 

One eye on me!
 

Still Curious!
 

Their markings, so different, but both so beautiful.
 

One of the gates at the zoo, for Good Fences.
 

A closer look at the lock.
 

The entrance to the reptile house but we didn't go inside this time.
 

Another restaurant area. photo taken early morning.
 

Don't you just love their mane, and those dazzling stripes.
 

The Snowy Owl
 

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
GOOD FENCES
SATURDAY'S CRITTERS
I'D-RATHER-B-BIRDIN Just click on the links to see birds and critters from around the world, and you won't be disappointed. Thank you to all our gracious hosts.