Everything is Permuted

The rain started early this morning and persisted for most of the day. But I started earlier The first shots were taken where I now park in the morning. The light was beautiful, providing a rich golden hue. A small flock of blue tits were feeding in the tree tops and several goldfinches were enjoying their favoured feeding site, the tall golden teasel.

Blue tits

Goldfinch

Goldfinch

There are several more shots of the goldfinch in the November Birds album.

The rain started shortly after I took those shots and remained a constant factor until the middle of the evening when the clearing weather got me outside. Although none of the foxes put in an appearance, the evening proved interesting in other ways. I started by photographing the pond. As well as a lone frog in reflective mood, I spent some time watching the small pond snails and damselfly nymphs.
Pond snail

It was while I was at the pond that I saw some movement from the corner of my eye. Taking care not to move too quickly, or to make any noise, I approached with caution. Maybe I needn't have worried, but it's a long time since I've seen this particular garden visitor (last April to be precise), and I didn't want to lose the opportunity by being rash. Yes, the wood mouse is back Just as bold, and just as greedy as ever (though doubtless a descendant of the previous band of peanut thieves).

Wood mouse



Camera note: the birds were taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. All the rest of the shots photographed with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens.