Snips & Snaps

Wren

2012-01-20T16:27:00.002Z

The Winter Wren
Home again.

Stumpy flick
Loud tic-tic.

Tiny form
Flaunts the norm.

Sweet song
Drifts along.

As Jenny Wren
Returns again.

A Winter Morn

2011-12-22T15:56:00.005Z

Cotton wool
clouds
of
fire
smoulder
in the
Eastern sky
while
glowing
embers merge
on the
edge
of a
special
winter
sunrise.

The Gathering

2011-12-22T15:54:00.005Z

The comical Rook
A scarecrow crook.

A white faced clown
Of country & town.

Jet wings wield
To a foraging field.

Early dusks bring
Flocks gathering.

For a weary flight
To a rookery night.

The Day Owl

2011-12-08T10:04:00.005Z

With a silent
effortless
glide
and
languid lazy flap,
a keen
hunters stare
through saucer
wide eyes
sees
sodden grasses
stir below
and
with a
windmill
twist
you
drop and pounch
before returning
to your
patient perch
on the
marsh.

Homeward Bound

2011-11-28T10:57:00.002Z

Glossy feathers alight
a prehistoric sight
soars towards
fading
light.

Graceful plumes
very soon
sail across
a pale faced
moon.

An irridescent form
journeys alone
heading south
returning
home.

The View

2011-11-21T10:33:00.002Z

Dazzling
golden threads
meander
through the
fine tapestry
of a
moorland view
while
soft autumn
colours
slowly
pour
into the
valley
below.

Summer's End

2011-11-03T13:29:00.004Z

Seasonal
sunbeams
illuminate
a guiding
pathway
as the
light slowly
fades
from
a sorrowful
Summer.

Storm

2011-10-26T11:29:00.003+01:00

A foaming surge
of
ocean's wave
thumps to the
shore,
trailing legs
and
fluttering feathers
rise then blur,
returning to
doze
amidst the
thundrous roar
of a
seasonal storm.

On Reflection

2011-10-26T11:26:00.004+01:00

Reflections wander
through time,
clouds scud in line,
to climb,
while sunbeams shine,
and the moment
sweetly sublime
becomes mine.

Sandpipers

2011-09-06T15:19:00.004+01:00

Solitary contradiction,
the Pipers of the sand,
Spotted,Green or Common?
Pectoral or Upland?

A cluster of Pipers,
fling from dirt brown mud,
Sharp-tailed beauties?
Buff-breasted or Wood?

A wing of wheeling waders,
mass over oozing silt,
Baird's,Curlew or Western?
White-rumped along with Stilt?

All Sand Larks of the Summer,
with courteous bob & call,
so many variations,
but have I named them all?

Butterflies!

2011-08-27T10:56:00.003+01:00

Numerous Whites
within my sights

Speckled Wood
where I stood.

Meadow Brown
arrived in town.

Admiral Red
above my head.

Tortoiseshell
weaved it's spell

Peacock eyes
a nice surprise.

Holly Blue
fluttered through.

Keeper of the Gate
never too late.

Copper Small
best of all!

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

2011-07-30T10:57:00.004+01:00

Summer's star
Journeyed far.

Daylight flight
Blurring sight.

Delving probe
Winged strobe.

Hovered dance
Perfumed trance.

Return again?
Wonder when?

The Bay

2011-06-23T11:57:00.003+01:00

Above the
far away
hazy horizon
stiff black
wings of
Shearwaters
dip beneath
silent waves,
Terns dive
as the tide
boils and rushes
beneath them,
dazzling white
Gannets
fold back their
wings
in a
plunging
performance,
while hot
rays of a
midsummer sun
consume
the calm
of the
afternoon.

The Fairy Bird

2011-06-23T10:53:00.002+01:00

Pure white feathers
of sharp angular wings
flutter and shimmer
in a
dancing hover
as you
dive into racing waters
to rise as if
on invisible threads
behind a
dazzling
hooded mask.

The Razorbills

2011-06-07T10:53:00.003+01:00

Symphonic
pied pairings
of
razor sharp bills
conduct
a
monochromatic
orchestral melee
in
piano key
velvet.

Marsh Hawk

2011-06-07T10:49:00.002+01:00

Elongated ebony
fingers lift and
stir over golden
feathered fronds,
while in a
ballet-like trance,
you float and turn,
as twisted talons
merge together
before once again
you ascend
alone to dance
above the marsh.

Puffin

2011-05-23T10:36:00.002+01:00

Parrots of the sea
bring a smile to me.

Rapid flight sets free
from a rocky scree.

Comical with glee
orange footed flee.

Rainbow bill to see
appealing we agree!

In Search of the Bunting Lark

2011-05-23T10:30:00.005+01:00

We turned away from the tumultuous sounds of the chalk faced cliffs and walked along softened edges of pink and yellow fields where above our heads the name calling black legged Gulls passed over to collect the dry and springy grasses for their precarious cliff side nests.

The vociferous voices of the seabirds soon fell away on the strong ozone scented wind as we walked on and new sounds began to take priority,a strange creaky gate jingle emanating from the tussocky grasses along with the occasional bubbling rise of a Skylark and the plaintive cry of a wheeling Lapwing.

The odd jingly noises of our much sought after bird increased and before long we spotted our first Corn Bunting singing loudly and brashly from a wooden fence post,it's chunky bill open as far as possible in it's efforts to compete with the harsh elements of it's chosen surroundings.

Eventually we headed happily back along the little stone path with the regimented crop colours spread expansively before us in a dramatic spectacle of coastal magnificence.

The Cliffs

2011-05-17T10:38:00.003+01:00

Dazzlingly brilliant
cacophonous cliffs
tower precariously.

Statuette stacks
crumbling crags
rugged formations.

Riotous rabbles
fractious squabbles
audacious Auks.

Structured ledges
ridged sculptures
ordered chaos.

Gannets

2011-05-17T10:34:00.003+01:00

Gregarious Geese
hang
motionless
and
silent
in fine
ocean spray.

Garrulous Ganders
gather
awkwardly
and
quarrelsome
on land's
crumbling edges.

Gigantic Gannets
soar
regally
and
majestically
over seas
salty draughts.

Garganey

2011-04-28T10:10:00.004+01:00

Summer visitor
At my door.

Summer Teal
Uniquely surreal.

Summer Duck
My good luck!

Grasshopper Warbler

2011-04-27T10:32:00.002+01:00

The Grasshopper Lark
shivers and trembles
as it's locust like reel
echoes into the
scented air
of a warm
Spring morning.

Orange Tip

2011-04-26T10:24:00.002+01:00

Dainty
lace like
wings
with
gossamer green
tracery
amidst
pearl white fringe
settle gently
onto delicate
mauve petals
flourishing
in the
lush green
meadow
from
where the
newly arrived
Cuckoo sings.

Brimstone

2011-04-20T10:37:00.002+01:00

Winter winds blown
Summer seeds sown
an emergence alone
gossamer wings grown
such delicacy shown
sulphar yellow tone
the Brimstone has flown.

Tawny Owl

2011-04-13T09:47:00.013+01:00

The Brown Owl
with wink and scowl
from noble Pine
a perfect align
in daylight doze
such postured repose
when evening falls
the Twit-Twoo calls
float up high
on darkening sky
as preying eyes stare
from a hunter's lair.

The Moth

2011-03-31T09:26:00.007+01:00

Twenty plumes
flew to my room
in feathered costume
with perfect groom
a pose to assume
a release to bloom
amidst sweet perfume
twenty plumes
flew from my room.

Pretty in Pink

2011-03-30T13:04:00.004+01:00

Scented blooms
of Winter
combine with
Summer glories
to create a
Spring tapestry.

Blue Jay

2011-03-18T13:15:00.003Z

Oak Jackdaw
glide & soar
when the clouds
begin to pour.

Jenny Jay
out to stay
while the rain
moves away.

Jay Pie
screams a cry
as the sun
shines on high.

Crossbills

2011-03-18T13:13:00.002Z

Parrots of the
forest
perch noisily
atop spiked
coniferous
branches
as dazzling
crimson and sage
plumes
twist
askew bills
into the
tough
and
scaly cones
of the
Pine Tree.

Forest

2011-03-10T15:40:00.002Z

Coniferous Fir of
linear design.

Hushed tones of
muffled Pine.

Dense bulk of
Spruce align.

Muted mass of
shape and line.

Soft beams of
light sublime.

Scented floor of
needles fine.

Enchanted echoes of
memories shine.

Snow Buntings

2011-02-28T15:16:00.002Z

Soft and dainty
snowflakes
caress aged
sediment
while tiny ink
coloured feet
appear like
fine etchings
upon the
smooth
and
polished pebbles
of a
coastal
winter
home.

Ode to a Spadger

2011-02-21T14:26:00.004Z

The cheeky House Sparrow,
harbours a tale of woe.

No brightness can begin to show,
brown dull above and drab below

Fading chirps,that fail to grow,
what is the cause of such sorrow?

Will you stay or forever go?
Or even be here at all tomorrow?

Muted Magnificence

2011-02-21T14:24:00.006Z

Snow white feathers
collide with blue sky waters
to create an image
of invincible beauty
and dynamic force.

Snowdrop

2011-02-18T11:16:00.002Z

Dazzlingly
resplendent,
daintily pure,
with
showy splendour,
your
green laced skirts
dance bravely
along to
the cruel
winds
of a
harsh
winter.

Lamb's Tails

2011-02-18T11:14:00.005Z

Soft yellow ribands
of creamy pollen
stir on warm breezes
heralding the arrival
of the much longed
for new season.

The Birch Wood

2011-02-11T10:08:00.004Z

Silver soldiers
of the forest
stand regimented
and framed
by the saturated emerald
of winter mosses.

Long-tailed Tit

2011-02-07T11:54:00.006Z

Charming delicacy
clings to the exposed
and lifeless branches
traced upon the
vastness of a Winter sky.

The Emergence

2011-02-07T10:10:00.002Z

With a regal tilt of a
be-jewelled bill and
a majestic stretch
of an ermine like
neck,
your fine
downy feathers
flutter on the
gentle breeze as
you move
gloriously into view
illuminated by a
shaft of brilliant
afternoon sunlight.

Suddenly you freeze
and your
silent stillness
fades into a
watery mirage
beyond the
rustic reeds
of a
winter marsh.

Seagulls!

2011-01-28T16:45:00.003Z

Common or what?
Lesser or not?
A Glaucous Gull?
No too dull!
Maybe a Med?
What have I said!
Icelandic race?
Never a trace!
Little or Greater?
I'll try again later!

A Winter Marsh

2011-01-28T16:41:00.002Z

The rainbow colours of aged hulls
lie haphazardly amongst the
bronzed grasses of a
season long past
as tidal waters seep steadily
around their bulky structures.

Distant wheeling waders
add a dimension to the flat,
cold,grey surroundings
while brilliant white plumages
of Gull and Shelduck
add a false sparkle
to the steely grey moment
on the winter marsh.

Perch Rock

2011-01-28T16:38:00.003Z

Ruffled feathers
protect all weathers,
a sheltered repose
when cold wind blows.

A beaming guide,
nowhere to hide,
standing tall
a defence for all.

Await inline
for tide and time,
that natures clock
can not stop.

Pee-wit!

2011-01-24T13:43:00.002Z

Plaintive cries
from laden skies,
aerial dance
a visual trance,
tumbling Plover,
taking cover.

Winters Shadows

2011-01-24T13:40:00.004Z

Long finger like
beams of

laser lights
caress the pine
scented carpet
they lie upon
and cast
bold patterns
into the shelter
of an
aged glade.

New Year Delights

2011-01-12T13:15:00.002Z

Wintry sunlight
illuminates the
twiggy canopy
of a
Silver Birch tree
where the
colourful antics
of marauding
Waxwings
were again
enjoyed
by a lucky
few.

Swan Lake

2011-01-12T13:11:00.003Z

With silent sail like
wing beats,
you rise through
swirling mists
and float over
frozen waters
like the time
travelling
ghost ships
of a mirrored
ocean past.

The Return

2011-01-06T10:03:00.003Z

She returned
to the garden
as the days
turned cold.

She sat upon
my tiny tree,
closed her eyes
and dozed.

When the Throstle Sings

2011-01-06T09:56:00.002Z

Rapturously repetitive
the sweet serenading
song that
suppresses

the silence
after rain,
brings relief
from the pain,
all is well with
the day again,
when the
Throstle sings.

A Waxwing Winter

2010-12-24T10:35:00.006Z

A quiff and a trill
arrive
at my
door.

Long distance
travellers
from far away
shore.

Crimson red
berries
amongst frosted
Hoar.

Will you
stay with me
until the
thaw?

The Commoner

2010-12-17T16:39:00.003Z

The common duck

collared in white

that still evokes

child hood delight.

Wild and familiar

upon the lake

a habitual quack

in every wake.

Upon reflection

with highest regard

the glossy green head

of a drake Mallard.

Tree Top Tribulations

2010-12-17T16:34:00.004Z

A precarious perch

at awkward angles

with billowing balance

on towering twigs

atop contorted canopy

the hungry Heron

surveys his scene.

The Woodlarks

2010-12-06T16:13:00.005Z

Beyond brittle stalks
in dried barren field,
amidst golden stubble,
of past season's yield,
creamy brown streaks
glimpsed and concealed,
then gold headed crowns
of Woodlarks revealed!

Waxing Lyrical

2010-11-17T11:48:00.002Z

A warbling note
with whirring trill
vibrating quaver,
a constant shrill.

Ebony masked
with robust bill,
a crested plume
that's never still.

Yellow tipped tail,
red waxed quill
your rare presence
an enormous thrill.

The Titmice

2010-11-08T15:08:00.006Z

Incoming waters rushed
and swirled noisily as
the fluttering flock
moved erratically towards us
tree by tree,branch by branch,
we held our breath as
suddenly they
surrounded us,

restless waves of
tiny cotton balls
on sticks,
twittering,flitting
never still,never quiet,
fluffy pink and brilliant white
blended with Autumn's gold
on a precious afternoon
beside the mighty river.

Two for Joy

2010-11-01T10:07:00.005Z

Two by two
the Ark declined,
in detriment to
all mankind.

Pagan thieves
the printers pie,
a monochromatic
chatter and cry.

Twin superstition
side by side
tails a flicker
myths allied.

The Raptor's Visit

2010-10-26T15:19:00.004+01:00

You creep in
with silent quill,
composed,
hushed,very still.

You perch amongst
autumn's fruit,
evil eye
maintains pursuit.

You slip away
on muted plumes
stealthily,
the hunt resumes.

Canute's Wanderer

2010-10-22T16:29:00.003+01:00

Ancient folklore,
guard of the shore,
a griselled stand
on silted sands,
an idle wait
with stocky gait,
the silver grey squat
of the nomadic Knot.

Autumn's Veins

2010-10-12T10:45:00.006+01:00

Life giving sap
drains from
concentric capillaries
as summers
verdant green
gives way
to Autumn's
brief though
stunning
rustic palette.

The Island

2010-10-11T15:43:00.004+01:00

The air was calm and unusually still as we began our walk around the tiny deserted island.
In the distance through the gloom the aged castle stood silhouetted against the heavy grey skies,wooden remnants of days long passed provided drying posts for wet winged Cormorants.
The tide was on the rise and Grebes and Auks were holding steady against the encroaching flow as they repetitively fished the sandy estuary.
Thousands of waders,heads under wings stood motionless like sleeping dominoes,an occasional flutter of feather or change of leg before settling again for the long wait!
Huge lazy Grey Seals broke the flat surface of the water like miniature submarines from the nearby docks before sinking below,a loud snort from a pointed snout left behind on the ozone scented air.
Amidst the swaying grasses of the dunes Parasol mushrooms added a magical atmosphere to our spell-bounding day on the island.

The Guiding Light

2010-10-11T09:57:00.005+01:00

The soft gentle
movement of
Marram grass
below a

grey mantle
of encompassing
cloud
provide an ample
frame and backdrop
for the

dazzling white

structured strength
of the island's
guiding light.

O'er the Sands

2010-10-05T11:10:00.019+01:00

We travel the tidal road over the estuary and discover the small unconsecrated grave of the un-named boy who long ago fell asleep in this far off land.

We are surrounded by tiny Meadow Pipits who dance seemingly happy just to be on the warm salty air and Linnets that flit noisily and haphazardly across the marsh like children excited to be allowed outside.

In the distance a Peregrine sits quietly on the shore,cold steely eyes waiting an opportunity to pounce on any unsuspecting prey.

Various brightly coloured boats lie at odd and obtuse angles waiting for the tide to rescue them to give them purpose once again.

Beautifully patterned Small Tortoiseshell butterflies appear and all thoughts of the approaching change of season are put aside for another day.

Sands shift,time and tide travel on.

Rest in peace and freedom dear Samboo.

A Holiday Robin

2010-09-21T12:13:00.007+01:00

Sit awhile and
sing your
sweet song
to me.

Rest awhile and
quiver your
fine feathers
at me.

Stay awhile and
steel my
heart away
from me.

An Autumn Awakening

2010-09-19T09:18:00.001+01:00

The softest
caress of a
misted sunbeam
and once more
you awaken
to twirl and dance
in the shafted light
of an ephemeral
Autumn spotlight.

The Sea Raven

2010-09-17T10:37:00.005+01:00

Fisher of the seas
with sinister glare
from evil eye,
wings hung sail like
out to dry.

Diver of the depths
glossy black shine
as you fly,
a true Sea Raven
of oceans sky.

Summer Waters

2010-09-17T10:33:00.005+01:00

Only the neat dives of the Tufted Ducks and the occasional sounds of Coots and Moorhens disturbed the stillness of a late summers afternoon on the water.
Dragonflies breezed past so close you could hear the rapid wingbeats,their flying skills second to none while beautifully coloured Butterflies added to the airborne scene.
A lone glossy backed Cormorant was silently standing guard where a low hanging branch had entered the waters edge.
A pair of Grey Wagtails bobbed along the warm Sandstone walls a vivid flash of yellow as they briefly rose only to settle again a few yards further along.
Tall structured Reeds edged the setting like a picture frame and pleasing Water Lillies added to the Monet like view as the large green Willows wept into the cold clear depths of the Summer waters.

The Marsh Tern

2010-09-14T11:09:00.008+01:00

Like a ghostly
feathered apparition
dancing in front of
a theatrical curtain
of fading leaves,
your plumaged
performance
commands
the sky from the
watery stage below.

Nature's Harvest

2010-09-13T13:21:00.012+01:00

Pasture,fen
meadow or field
from nature's store
the crops do yield.

Plant,bush
hedge or tree
produce gleaned
& picked with glee.

Fruit,hip
berry or nut
Autumn's harvest
of Summer's glut.

The Tree Falcon

2010-09-10T10:56:00.010+01:00

With a flight of fear
and a twist of terror
the slate grey Hobby
bursts from the
shaded summer canopy
with angular agility
to alight with a
menacing stare
upon the old split tree
beside the mere.

Sunlit Dragon

2010-09-10T10:04:00.004+01:00

Soft Autumnal
sunbeams
illuminate the
gossamer fragility
& translucent delicacy
of a late
Summer Dragon.

The Beaver

2010-09-01T10:48:00.005+01:00

Gnaw and carve
strong and neat,
to fell a tree
is quite a feat.

Weary walkers
with tired feet
rest a while
on Beavers's seat!

Spotted Flycatcher

2010-09-01T09:10:00.005+01:00

With flashing
dalliances into
a sunlit glade
where insects dance
illuminated like
tiny moonbeams,
the Flycatchers
perform their
aerobatic pursuits
beneath the heavily
leafed low
slung boughs
of a long
Summer's growth.

Midsummer Meadow

2010-09-01T09:08:00.006+01:00

A floral rainbow
infuses onto a
grassy carpet
within a tree
lined frame
and scatters a
tapestry of
summer colour
upon the land.

A Butterfly Summer

2010-08-24T10:00:00.009+01:00

Summer days stretch out languidly,
the air thick with a honeyed scent,
white wings cascade into colour
like an out of season snow squall.

An artist's brush stroke has
dusted the gossamer wings
of the long distance Lady with
a palette of stunning colour.

Duller and blander
busy Browns energise
the view and add substance
to the garden paintbox.

Finally from rainbow's end,
delicate and miniature Blues
entrance and captivate as they
complete a perfect summer canvas.

The Sunshine Flower

2010-08-24T09:57:00.006+01:00

A silken softness
folds
into a
conical
solar centre
and gently
wraps
around
an Oriental
heart.

The Gatekeeper

2010-08-13T09:10:00.005+01:00

Come into my garden
keeper of the gate
rest awhile &
show your spots
before your Autumn fate.

Feed upon my flowers
& close your tiny wings
your dull brown colour
is the choice
that Mother Nature brings.

Dance o'er the meadows
as you fly away
and promise
to return again
to me some sunny day!

The Lost Lagoon

2010-08-12T13:31:00.010+01:00

Amongst the brilliant yellow
& crimson flashes of finches
fluttering noisily amidst clouds
of white whispy seeds, & the darting
and dashing of newly emerged

Dragonflies,the powder puff fine

feathers of the dive-dappers appear

bobbing like tiny corks from within

the weedy depths of the lost lagoon.

The River

2010-08-12T13:28:00.005+01:00

Shimmering metal &
towering industry
stand ominously
above the
oozing mud,
while dashing
dapper Dunlin,
restless Redshank
and a solitary
Sandpiper
continue their
endless
searchings
on the
shifting sands
of the
mighty Mersey.

Common Blue

2010-08-02T14:22:00.005+01:00

Common to view
for a favoured few.

A delicate hue
of powdered blue.

Amidst morning dew
a dream come true!

The Peacock

2010-08-02T14:20:00.005+01:00

Iridescent eyes
flutter from
summer skies,
a shining lustre
of symmetrically
shaped splendour,
pauses on
golden petals
to illuminate
and surprise
my joyful eyes.

A Celtic Rising

2010-07-29T08:39:00.008+01:00

Above ancient,
layered sediment
and deepening
shadows,
a buttery moon
rises
through Dragon
breath cloud,
into the
celestial sky
of a Celtic
summer evening.

The Grasshopper Lark

2010-07-26T11:36:00.008+01:00

With vocal vibrato &
cherry red gape,
your insistent
ventriloquial
voice vibrates
audaciously through
the morning's silence,
suddenly you appear,
thrilling and trembling,
shivering and shuddering
as spotted feathers
quiver amidst vividly
coloured butterflies
and dance along
with the swaying leaves
of the summer marsh.

Island Sunset

2010-07-12T15:07:00.005+01:00

Daylight slips
slowly away,
colours reflect
and fade while
features darken
into a
watery mirror
and the old
black and white
lighthouse blinks
one more time.

The Bay

2010-07-12T11:06:00.006+01:00

Dazzling white
Gannets
plunge into a
twinkling seascape,
Shearwaters stream
along a
hazy horizon
while all around
the chattering of
Linnets and
rising songs of
Skylarks
resonate against
the shimmering heat
of an
island afternoon.

The Cliffs

2010-07-12T09:29:00.006+01:00

A raucous,cacophony
of sound,
emanates from the
towering sheer cliffs,
precariously balanced,
argumentative Auks
and garrulous Gulls
reside amidst the
disputes & squabbles
as the
powerful waves
pound incessantly
and thunderously
below.

Honeysuckle

2010-06-22T10:57:00.004+01:00

A perfumed scent
hangs on
the warm,
still air,
murmurings
of busy insects
emanate
from within
the heady bouquet,
as they
tirelessly gather
pollen from
the fragrant
aroma of a
mid-summer day.

Poppy

2010-06-11T10:06:00.005+01:00

Turn your heads
toward me,
turn and
let me see
your crimson glory,
mine for the
briefest of time
till petals fly
and with
a sigh
I turn
my
head away.

The Whittie Beard

2010-06-11T10:03:00.007+01:00

When the Whitethroat sings,
from a perfect evening sky,
summer has arrived
and hasn't passed you by.

Burbling pure white feathers,
atop bush and tree alike,
it's one of nature's wonders
and such a splendid sight.

So listen for the Whittie Beard,
on a balmy,fragrant eve
and lock it in your memory,
before it has to leave.

A Silhouetted Summer

2010-06-07T10:16:00.004+01:00

Silhouetted Swifts,
streamlined &
scythe shaped
scream the
spacious skies
of a sojourned
summer scene.

A Dipper Dawn

2010-05-28T11:20:00.004+01:00

Beside the
old mill
with rushing
clear waters
& twinkling sunbursts,
dashes a dazzling
white shirtfront
above the
tumbling waters
and a Dipper
joins us in
the stream
beyond
the window.

Wood Warbler

2010-05-28T11:18:00.004+01:00

A shimmering,
quivering trill,
never still,
reverberates
through
lobed sap
green leaves,
the song of the
Wood Wren,
now like then
a real thrill!

Redstart

2010-05-24T15:02:00.007+01:00

With coal
black face,
& dazzling
white blaze
you can't fail
to amaze,
as with a
flick of a
rusted tail
you depart,
my splendidly
smart,
Redstart.

Coombes Valley

2010-05-20T09:45:00.011+01:00

Butterflies dance
above a
coloured mosaic
of
wildflowers
and a
continuous chorus
of birdsong
resonates
from newly
leafed trees,
while
soft white
clouds rise
over
distant hills,
the crystal clear
waters twinkle
and insects
dazzle
in
shafts of
sunbeams
as the
sun's warmth
reaches
into the depths
of the
cool
dark earth.

Summer
has arrived
in the
valley.

Evening

2010-05-19T16:21:00.008+01:00

Evening falls

into the
depths
of the
shadowy waters
while
daylight
slips away
beneath the
heavy skies
overhead.

Sunshine Field

2010-05-16T12:34:00.006+01:00

The brown winter field
lay before me,
transformed
into a sea of
warm sunshine
gently swaying
in the
Spring breeze,
humming with insects
& alive with birdsong
carried towards me
from the
golden petals
and oil rich scent
of the
iridescent
yellow flowers.

The Wader

2010-05-10T10:15:00.008+01:00

A solitary stand
as water seeps
across silted land.

A patient wait
one legged stance
& precarious gait.

An idle repose
with shuttered eyes
in sleepy doze.

Curtain of Life

2010-05-06T10:52:00.009+01:00

The silent
moving shadows
of another life
appear briefly
behind the
curtain of reeds
at the edge
of the
shallow water
before again
slipping away
into an
unseen world.

The Trough of Bowland

2010-05-05T11:27:00.009+01:00

Dashing Dotterel
a run and a pause,

Grandiose Grouse
atop tussocky moors.

Pecking Partridge
along dry stone walls.

Daring Dippers
at bubbling stream shores.

Serenading Skylarks
arise and a soar.

Crying Curlew
displaying echoing calls.

The Trough & Tower
while a special hour.

Eiders

2010-05-05T11:09:00.004+01:00

The comical callings
of the harlequin suited
elegant Eiders
drifted inland
on the
gentle breeze
from above the
sparkling & twinkling
seascape of a late
Spring afternoon.

A Rainbow of Wagtails

2010-04-20T10:08:00.006+01:00

Pied,Grey,
Yellow and White,
tails a dipping
in jaunty sprite,
nimble & graceful
poise just right
dainty & delicate,
a dashing sight.

Grey Heron

2010-04-20T10:06:00.003+01:00

Old Longnix,
the grey cloaked fisherman,
with bright floating streamers
and melancholy cry,
waits patiently on his
gnarled & twisted perch
above the deep blue
waters of the mere.

Little Tree

2010-04-12T10:55:00.004+01:00

Little Tree
all alone
on
the edge of scree

Little Tree
clinging
on
hopefully.

Little Tree
sheltering
in
the lee.

Little Tree
how I long
to
set you free.