A much better day weather wise and by far, a more productive day to add to the 30 days challenge.
Just like Day 9, we explored a new reserve (to us anyway).
Staveley Nature Reserve, owned and run by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, is a popular place for dog walkers and naturalists alike.
On one of the walkways, we were greeted by tiny froglets or toadlets (not sure which). The numbers could almost form a miniature plague, just like the story of Moses.
They were actually quite adorable!
The first hide we visited, overlooked the East Lagoon where the otters can normally be seen.
Unfortunately for us, we didn't see them but I'm sure a visit during the winter months may reward us with such a sighting!
Though the picture doesn't portray any obvious wildlife, there was plenty to see if you sat patiently. With a coffee of course!
Just like St Aidan's, wild flower meadows engulfed each pathway and there was always something new to spot within each field.
An abundance of wild flowers gracefully littered the landscape.
Along the top edge of the reserve is farmland. Though this is not part of the reserve, I grabbed the opportunity to take some artistic pictures.
Like this barley...
...and wheat.
Well I thought they were artistic anyway!
Leading away from the fields and back onto the reserve is a quaint little bridge over the River Tutt.
Following the track, we stumbled upon this fascinating little thing...
Can't say what it is because we don't actually know! Can't seem to find it in any of my books. So if you know, let me know!
Further down the path is this observation point. It was a welcome stop from all the wind!
Though some pathways are sheltered by trees, there is certainly no lack of flowers and insects taking advantage of this humongous banquet!
Finally reaching Staveley's new hide, we realised how magnificent and deluxe this hide truly was!
Made from straw bales, this panoramic hide offers a view for everyone across West Lagoon!
From ducks to rabbits...
...and hunting Barn owls to gaggling geese...
There was a brilliant array of wildlife surrounding this one hide.
At another view point in the middle of the reserve, was this ocean of Oxeye Daisy's.
Words can not begin to explain how heart racing the view was.
So I'll leave the image to bamboozle your own heart!
Day 12
Over a third of the way through my personalised challenge! Wow, where is June going?
I finally captured on camera, one of the Great tit fledglings!
Digital zoom really doesn't give this bundle of joy justice but I can officially say I have a photo!
Exploring the garden some more, a Lupin leaf had a perfectly placed raindrop magnifying a small piece of beech leaf from my neighbours tree.
Going into what will be the 'mini meadow', I spotted a tiny pansy on the nettle mound.
This delicate flower is part of the edible range I planted up early in the month.
After exploring the garden, I swept and composted dried leaves and cleared the patio to make way for the new potty shed!
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