Odds & Sods 2023

Arachnid alert.

This one made its web outside our living room window. Thus, exceedingly easy to photo.

To get its underside, I simply walked outside and over to window.

Creepy ...

Unknown said:

I might paint one of them

That's a bit cruel... wont their feathers stick together? 

PimperneBloke said:

Angus M said:

I might paint one of them

That's a bit cruel... wont their feathers stick together? 

Hahahahaha ... guaranteed a laugh with PB!

A few pictures from my day at Rainham Marshes on Saturday

Started of well with about 4 curlews

Tried to get a cool photo, but missed the focus on the eye

If two's company, and three's a crowd...

Then what do you call this lot!

And other photo's from the day

Ruff

And finished off the day with a flock of blackwits

Great pics Benji, do I spy a Hobby?

To paint Canada goose, first catch a big brute.

1.Walk up to individual, they’re always brave. Chase bird and make grab for bird.

2. Missed, bird flew off. Apply Germolene and plasters to cuts obtained when falling into brambles.

3. This time, creep up on another individual using cover, rush at last moment, manage to grab leg as it tries to fly off.

4. Get wife to drive you to hospital to check for concussion. Didn’t realise how strong Canada geese wings are.

5. Three days recovery from mild concussion. repeat step 4 but this time leap onto back of bird, pinning its wings with both arms.

6. Get wife to drive you to hospital for concussion, sew up gashes to head and reattach left ear ripped off by goose's Tomia. Doctor says eye injury will get better with time. Who knew that Canada geese have long, powerful necks that can turn round fully?

7. One week recovery. You look stupid with head bandaged up. Repeat step 5, but this time pin wings and head.

8. Nearby flock of Canada geese come to rescue of caught bird.

9. After 30 minutes of sustained attack by 20 birds (should have let go of caught bird sooner), manage to crawl back to car to phone wife. Spend a week in hospital then further four months recovery from severe internal bleeding, broken left arm, broken right leg, five broken ribs, bruised liver, ruptured spleen, fractured cheek, multiple cuts, bruises and abrasions.

10. Six months later, purchase tranquiliser gun. Creep up on birds. Tranquilise one. Frighten off other birds. Take trophy bird home and paint with fluorescent acrylics. Post photos of results on to social media.

11. Go on run, heading for safe refuge like Ukrainian front line or Mexico narcotics gang land. Lead nomadic life in hiding as RSPCA, British police, Interpol, RSPB, wifey and others in hot pursuit, so can cross frontiers. Avoid any bird larger than a Wren.

Grey Wagtail:

Robin:

youtube.com/.../y32oS40JoA0

I see you have thoroughly thought through actions, reactions and consequences.... Maybe now you will be less blase about where you graffiti