Sunrise, and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker

They say that country life is quiet - not so in the early mornings!

I could hear a neighbour's cockerel crowing, wild geese were squabbling on the fish pond across the road, plus there was a wonderful dawn chorus.  It was unbelievably noisy as the birds seemed to hurl insults at one another. 

So much scribble in the sky!

Gradually the light increased and the noise diminished a little as the birds got down to the serious business of feeding.

One bed down, eight or nine to go!

We spent today doing lots of digging, tidying up the winter debris and generally finding plenty of outdoor work.  It was a beautiful day, mild and sunny and it felt good to be outside.

I found some spare time to play with the camera - during my tea-breaks, of course.

Image borrowed from bbc.co.uk

While I was working outdoors I was delighted to hear the drumming of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 

he often comes into the garden for food during winter, although I haven't seen him much in the last few weeks.

I found time to sit and have a chat with the hens, and while I was with them I spotted this ladybird tucked deeply and snugly into a tree trunk, so I photogaphed it using the macro lens.  I wonder whether woodpeckers eat them?

Lets go for a walk.

Harry offered to take the old girls for a walk around the wood - they never walk this neatly for me!

The end of a busy day - mustn't let Harry sleep for too long,
he has to go home.

We came indoors for some tea and cake, all became very quiet, and this is how I found my three boys a short time ago!

I hope you have all enjoyed your Sunday as much as we enjoyed ours.