sights and sounds of springtime

11th April 2020, Longhorsley, 8am

A walk through the springtime woods where nature is bursting into life.

Daisy and I both had twitchy ears and eyes.

I spent my childhood wandering around woodland like this and it’s a very comfortable place for me.

I watched a tree creeper for a while and heard my first willow warbler of the year amongst countless different birds singing and calling over the sound of the little stream.

This white stuff is a 'slime mould'  called Enteridium lycoperdon or Cauliflower Slime Mould or False Puffball.  It's about the size of half a tennis ball and the consistency of angel delight. Thanks to Rachael T on Facebook for identifying this for me.

goldie

9th April 2020, at home, all day

I saw a goldfinch perched on my neighbour's feeder but by the time I'd grabbed my camera and focussed it, he took off just as I pressed the shutter button.

Pretty pleasing, if accidental, result

2 legs good, 8 legs not so good

8th April, Shilbottle to Alnmouth, 2pm

Today’s exercise took me from home to the beach for a quick fix then back up the big hill.

If I catch this thing I want to be fit enough to fight it.

First time I’ve seen an octopus on the beach. Not much life in this wee guy

sleeping it off

5th April 2020, Longhorsley, 8am

Spring sunshine dapples
On daffodils in the wood
Hiding in a glade

5th April 2020, at home, all day

fear and loathing

3rd April 2020, Alnmouth, 6am

An early rise and a short drive to Alnmouth.

We're under a lot of restrictions and the car parks are closed off with stones and signs.  Because I've been commissioned to take inspirational photographs for the NHS I can justify being there (cos I'm working) but there is such a climate of fear, anger from locals and heavy threats from the police that it felt very uncomfortable.  I got my photos (and was never within 200m of anyone else never mind 2m!) but I've never felt so ill at ease on a beach before.

new light part 2

2nd April 2020, Longhorsley, 6:30am

Sunrise through the window of the old ruined church.

Another take of my "New Light Through Old Windows" photograph from 2008.

This window has looked down on generations through the happiest of days and the saddest of days over centuries.  Gravestones here speak of TB in Victorian times when whole families of children were wiped out by "The White Plague".

It gives the passer by a sense of perspective on current events.

I can see the sea

1st April 2020, Shilbottle, 10am

A cycle on the fancy mountain bike for a change today.  This bike never fails to put a smile on my face.

This route went from my house over the A1 which was dead easy because the road is so quiet.

From up on the Alnwick moor I still had a distant view of the sea shining in the distance.