Bird watching

I did not know I had a thing for birds, but I must admit I find them very appealing to look at through the lens. Not that these are spectacular shots, but the colours, I think, are amazing. Thanks again Franklin Zoo.

What Am I?

If you guessed peacock feathers, you were right!
Following on from the swans last weeks, today I was enarmoured by another mighty bird, the glorious peacock.
My kind brother and his family invited me to visit Franklin Zoo with them, cheap tickets having been obtained via Treat Me.
It was a lovely chilled atmosphere and the animals, many described as 'misfits', appeared happy enough. Loved the exotic birds, though hard to get a good shot through the wire.
These ones roamed free however,  making capturing them a little easier, especially when enticed by feed. That said the only one to fan his tail would not turn around to face me!

It's a Dog's Life...

A poor phone portrait of my ratty bunch after a soggy walk today. Wet underfoot despite the balmy weather. Hugo took it upon himself to have a good old roll in the park, coming away reeking of Eau de Duck Shit. Hence his wet ear; he had to have a partial bath.

But the clip below is quite cute..
Please excuse the patchwork of covers on the carpet, trying somewhat to protect it from the weather; not to say Stirling's antics in this movie are carpet friendly... but like I say - cute.
"Play with me, please Dad!"

And then there were three

Queen's Birthday weekend, rainy old day - one has license to stay in bed a little longer, and remain in one's PJs for longer still. In such a scene one does not expect visitors before 8:30 am, especially strange men they don't know.
Turns out the knock at my door was Dog Control. No, no complaints against my canine children, but a response to my application for multiple dog ownership. Requirement for having more than 2 dogs in an urban property.
After discussion with my friend and co-owner Mignon, I decided last time Stirling came to stay that it was just too hard on the both of us for him to have two separate homes. To just have him stay on show weekends felt like I was 'using' him. Yes he came for the holidays too, but separation became so much  harder as we continued to bond. I swear when he first sees me he wants to get inside my blood!
So I had to take into account how this would affect my boys, my Hugo and Reilly. The past 3 weeks I wondered if I was doing the right thing, Stirling is so demanding of my attention and I do not want to take any of that away from my loyal companions. Would I have enough 'love' to go around. Then I thought - do parents have 'love enough' for more than 2 kids? Of course they do.
I also recalled how much Stirling interacts with H and R and makes them 'play'. Even though they are not 'old', he keeps them on their toes. They never have a cross word, and I am sure they were pleased to see him today. Have a look at this video of Hugo and Stirling and my unfortunate sock. It's a corker.

So he is here now. Asleep sandwiched beside Reilly his Dad and in co-eee of Uncle Hugo. Who will always be the boss, as this clip shows:

Welcome home, little man. This is your family now.

Starburst

Just a little reading/instruction following/Art/ICT activity I did with a class I was teaching in today. The kids loved it.

Red Hot Pokers #2

Still a bit starved for inspiration today, so thought I would snap another shot, on my phone this time, of some Red Hot Pokers on my normal dog walk route today. These ones are accompanied by a 'Birds of Paradise' bloom. Love Red Hot Pokers. Have never warmed to Birds of Paradise though.

Autumn's Canvas

Saved this for a slow day.

I far preferred the environment over the exhibits at MOTAT on Saturday. Thought the red hot pokers were offset nicely by the changing foliage in the background.