18 November



A nuthatch, our robin and another red admiral...
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Yesterday was one of those glorious autumn days with orange on blue. I wanted to go down to the nature reserve with my camera, but there's so much to be done closer to the house. So I took the rake and swept leaves on the lodge path.

I took the camera too - and was rewarded with the tap tap of a nuthatch hammering a nut in an oak - just outside nuthatch lodge. They are shy, and I've only got a simple camera, so I'm quite please with this picture even if it's not professional quality.

And since I'd been clearing leaves and weeds I collected a small ball of worms. Blackcurrant the robin, originally 'tamed' by Katerina who stayed in Otter Cottage over the summer, still lives in our barn where he hunts for spiders amongst the rafters. Lunch time for both of us! He'll come close for a worm, but he's cautious still - as soon as he has the food he retreats to a more comfortable distance.


Wheatland Farm

Devon self catering cottage and eco lodges

But not far - usually just a foot or two.

And there was a red admiral basking in the sun too. They always settle head down - I wonder why. Will it be the last of the year? I'll be making a note. Sometimes they can be seen into December.