Thursday, 22 August 2013

A new bird for the book

We were very excited this morning to see a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on the garden fence.  It's the first time we've seen one in the garden, although we do see them from time to time on our walks through the local woods (and we hear woodpeckers 'drilling' in tree trunks, too).  Unfortunately we were so absorbed in watching it, neither of us managed to get a camera in hand quickly enough, so no photo.  It had a distinctive red cap, and black and white barred back feathers.  That brings the total number of different birds species we've seen in the garden this year to 27.

 We had a walk along the seafront after dinner, making the most of the evening sun.  It was a really low tide, almost to the end of the pier (which is over 680 metres long - a long way to run if you're late for a ferry!!).
Mainland in the distance

The pier, seemingly high and dry.  The little train travels along the one line between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, and the coaches are old stock from London Underground.

I've noticed the days are creeping in, little by little.  This past week or so, we've had to put a light on if we've been reading later than about 8.30pm, and the sun isn't quite so high in the sky as it was.  I think this is the first year either of us has had time to really notice the subtle changes in the seasons - when we were at work we were so busy rushing around, there never seemed to be any time to register much.  Now we have time to note the position of the sunsets through the year; to follow the birds nesting and see the fledglings grow; to watch plants grow from seed.  I think we needed to slow down to appreciate these things, and I'm glad we have.

The Island is getting ready for the annual Scooter Rally this weekend - already there are many scooters coming over from the mainland, and on Saturday and Sunday they will all gather on the seafront.  It's quite a spectacle, but just a little noisy!  I shall be there with my camera.

(And if any one visits via Rhonda's Down to Earth blog - welcome, and thanks for dropping by :))



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8 comments:

  1. Anonymous22 August 2013 at 14:34

    Hi there! So interesting to hear about the different birds you see in your garden. We had a kookaburra on our back fence this morning! Looking forward to reading more. Xx

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    1. Quilting Wench23 August 2013 at 01:52

      Thanks for your comment, Stephanie. We've had such pleasure from watching the birds and have been amazed at the variety we've seen in such a small area. It's surprising what you see if you slow down a bit!
      Michelle

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  2. Anonymous22 August 2013 at 19:46

    When we lived in San Diego, all the times we went to the beaches only once did I see low tide....at La Jolla. It was so incredible. One had to be careful as some spots had water, but were very deep. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
    blessings, jill
    visiting from Rhonda's

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    1. Quilting Wench23 August 2013 at 01:38

      Hi Jill, thanks so much for commenting. Living on an island, nowhere is very far from the sea, and there is always something interesting to look at. The tide at Ryde does go out a very long way - but then again I have known the odd time when the train has been cancelled as the water was so high it was almost lapping over the train track!
      Michelle

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  3. Sandra23 August 2013 at 12:42

    I found my way here from Rhonda's blog and have enjoyed reading through your past posts. What a lovely blog! I really enjoyed your post from June about "Being Content With What You Have". I've always wanted to visit England so I really enjoy reading about your life in such a beautiful area. Have a good weekend!

    Sandra
    tea and simplicity

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    1. Quilting Wench24 August 2013 at 12:29

      Hi Sandra, thanks for the kind remarks. I continue to work at 'being content with what I have' although I have to admit it's not always easy, but then I look around at the beautiful island where we live, and I appreciate yet again just what we have right here.
      Michelle

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  4. momma-lana23 August 2013 at 13:50

    Dropping by from Down to Earth! Enjoyed my look around!

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    1. Quilting Wench24 August 2013 at 12:32

      Your visit was much appreciated, momma-lana, thankyou!
      Michelle

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