Goldfinch in the garden.

We saw a Goldfinch in our garden this afternoon - it didn't stay long enough for me to photograph it, but hopefully it will come again and bring its friends.  We hardly ever see one and I don't think I have seen one for a couple of years so it was a real delight to see.

The camellia in our garden is looking lovely.

Ashridge Estate - Bluebells

Another walk at Ashridge Estate on Friday - enjoying the bluebells that are really starting to show their colours.

The old hunters hut. no longer in use by the looks of it.

I've  borrowed my husband's camera today as it is so much lighter than my SLR Canon & lenses, so experimenting with snapping some shots with it, hence the log!

Simply bluebells.

Mark & Percy - hmmm...Percy not in focus...was taken at quite distance, but need to practice this type of shot for the best settings.

The handsome Percy

The camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ200.  I have to say for ease of carrying and use, I am pretty pleased with these shots.

April in the garden.

I do love spring when after the winter the garden starts to bring forth lots of colour.  I especially like this time of the year when the Cherry Tree is blooming - it really is quite spectacular!

This is so pretty as well.

There is something about the vibrancy of spring and the colours in the garden at this time of year that really make your heart sing.

Kerikeri - Fairy & Rainbow Falls

As mentioned before. one of my favourite places in New Zealand is Kerikeri and I always enjoy the walk from the Kerikeri Basin through the bush to Fairy and Rainbow Falls.  

Fairy Falls.

It is just so tranquil

Listening to the water running over the rocks.

Loved the shape of this - reminded us of a face... the keeper of the trees.

Rainbow Falls.

I think I have shown this photo in my 'highlights' the other week,, but loved the way the light shone through this fungi growing on the tree.

Of course the New Zealand bush is never complete without lovely little fantails flitting around.

A Walk around Stowe Gardens.

Mark and I have been going out most days recently - making the most of the sunny weather while we have it.  I think on average we have been walking 6 - 8 miles a day, so should be getting fit as well.

Today we went to Stowe Gardens.  It was lovely and quiet as all the school holidays are now over and all the children are back to school.

We try to visit places we can take Percy to, and this is one of them and he enjoys the walks as much as we do.

This little finch was flitting around the outside eating area...hoping for scraps no doubt!

Not sure what this plant is, but it was quite unusual and attractive.

Stowe has a huge amount of unusual buildings and monuments.  This of course is built in a Gothic style.

There were some cute lambs in the fields.

The Chinese House - I think we missed this last time we were there.

Looking up towards the fields with the sheep and lambs in and also the Gothic House.

The Folly

Loved the reflections.

It was an enjoyable afternoon walk.