Sorry, we’ve not had a photograph for a couple of weeks; there’s just been too much going on and I’ve not been doing any photography.
Over Easter weekend I’ve seen a Jackdaw in our garden on two occasions. We’ve been here nearly 35 years and this is a first for our suburban west London garden, although I have once in a while seen the odd jackdaw around. Whether they are just passing through, or whether there is a colony establishing somewhere near-ish, I have no idea; although as an area we don’t have any significant number of jackdaw-friendly buildings/chimneys for nesting. These aren’t brilliant photos — they’re grab shots taken with my point-and-shoot through the study window — but (at least for me) they are an interesting record.
This chappie flew off with his contraband, hotly pursued by the local crows.
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Apologies for the hiatus last week, I got buried in various pieces of urgent work.
This week we delve once more into the archives. This is from one of our 2010 visit to Rye and environs. It is a detail from the garden at Prospect Cottage, the late Derek Jarman’s home at Dungeness. The stone circle is probably just under 3 feet across.
Prospect Cottage Garden Detail Dungeness; August 2010
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This week, something different in the way of photographic subject …
This is a fly. Actually it was quite a chunky fly and I’m reliably informed it is a common flesh fly (Sarcophaga carnaria). It’s called a flesh fly because it feeds on carrion and other similar undesirables.
When you look at insects, like this, they are amazingly complex anatomically — just look at the feet, the hairs, and the veins in the wings of this beastie. And they are also often surprisingly beautiful. This chappie was quite large, 10-15mm.
Large Chequered Fly Norwich; August 2008
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A couple of weeks ago I posted a photo of one of my Phalaenopsis orchids, all of which are in flower. And now, this week, one of my Dendrobiums has come into flower on the study windowsill. Not prolifically, but nice nonetheless.
Dendrobium in Winter Sun Greenford; February 2016
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This week’s photograph is another from the archives, and something slightly different. This wonderful Victorian pillar box is in Eton High Street. It is one the earliest designs, dating from 1856, and is said to be one of only 10 remaining in the UK. Needless to say it is Grade II listed by English Heritage, and thus protected. My original photograph has been translated into 1960s colour.
Victorian Postbox Eton High Street; September 2011
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Not enough snow here (at least yet) for any good winter shots, so another cat shot this week.
Tilly the Cat having been deprived of two live mice earlier in the week then proceeded to try jamming the printer with the catnip variety. Fortunately the mouse ran off onto the floor first.
Cat — Printer — Mouse Greenford; January 2016
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Another from the archives this week. This was taken in October 2013 when Noreen and I travelled on the paddle-steamer Waverley down the Thames from London (Tower Pier) to Southend and back. We left about 9am on a cold misty morning, but this cleared to a lovely warm sunny day. The final leg of the return journey was in a rather chilly twilight, but it did provide some good photo opportunities …
Pylon Thames, East London; October 2013
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Eccentric looks at life through the thoughts of a retired working thinker
