The maximum temperature here today is 16⁰C, minimum 4⁰C. Sunny and blue skies. Wind 13km/h chilly North-Easterly winds with gusts up to 29 km/h!
As winter approaches I might be able to catch up with all the photos I have taken and not managed to do anything with........ in the meantime some photos still from September.
16/09/2021 the setting sun.
24-09-2021 the moon going down early in the morning.
Shield bug (graphosoma italicum)...
As above...
As above.
The Wall or Wall brown butterfly (Lasiommata megera).
Shield Bug (Eurydema dominulus) on the glass of our back door....
As above...
As above.
Western Whip Snake (Hierophis viridiflavus)...
I opened the back door to find this dear little fellow (about 45 cms long - 18inches) heading straight for the open door, I shot in to grab the camera and by that time it was nearly in the door, I managed to head it off in the other direction but it was not really happy about my ideas. It finally went and hid under the garden table so I left it to sort itself out and find a better place to go,..
I guess that it thought the house may be a little warmer to hibernate in!!...
As above...
As above.
Bugatti seen at the local supermarket advertising the historic car racing last month in Angouleme.
02/09/2021 La Rochelle Aquarium - Surgeonfish and Oriental Sweetlips
Nuthatch (Sitta europaea), the first one we have seen in the garden in 15 years.
03/09/2021 Seen at 'Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin' - Northern Pintail (Anas acuta).
Photos of Spoonbills are on my bird blog see link below.
Take care everybody, keep well and stay safe.
My local list of wildflowers. (91 Species 20/06/2021).
See also my
Very nice. I like to see that snake. Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aritha, I am always happy to see non-poisonous snakes around the garden, they help to keep down the mice population, though having said that I quite like mice as long as they stay out of the house!
DeleteHope all is well all the best to you and the family. Diane
It's great to have you back in Bloggerland, Diane, especially when you offer such photographic treats as these!
ReplyDeleteYour opening two shots are superb, especially that first one. The insect images are delightful, and I was particularly interested by that black and yellow shieldbug. As for the snake, it was an an experience that I would very much have enjoyed myself - although I have read that this species has a tendency to bite if cornered. You were so lucky that it hung around for a while - the only whip Snakes that I have seen disappeared like greased lightning as soon as approach from a distance.
Best wishes to you both - stay safe - - - Richard
Hi Richard, I have never seen one of those yellow shield bugs before, and several people who I am in contact with on the Dordogne wild life website have not seen one either. Interesting little creature.
DeleteI would never try to corner a snake of any kind, all I needed to do was to stop it coming into the house, if that had happened I would have had to think again though snakes do not worry me and I knew this one was not poisonous. I have seen another one since in the garden, that was smaller, but it was gone like a shot
Hope that all is well with you and the family. Keep safe and very best wishes Diane
Hi Diane - loved seeing these ... the bugs, then the Western Whip Snake ... wonderful shots - I'd never heard of this species. The views from over the water ... make such a change - the views ... that Bugatti - amazing while the fish are a wonderful catch. Thanks ... fascinating - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary and thanks for your kind words. I am hoping that I will have more time now winter is approaching, and that I can try and catch up with the photos I have taken but had no chance to do anything with. I took a lot of photos at La Rochelle and at Arcachon, two short 3 night trips we did to each place. Too many photos, and it is going to take a while to sort them all out.
DeleteI hope that all is well with you. Keep safe, cheers Diane
That yellow shield bug is very dramatic, Diane, and you got some great shots of it. The whip snake is the champion of this series, however, but I think you should have permitted it entry into the house. It could no doubt have found a nice comfortable place to hibernate, under Nigel's pillow perhaps. After all, we have to be kind to our fellow creatures. As for downloading and editing pictures, I think our cameras have become tyrants in so many ways. As you say though, winter is coming, and with more time spent inside, there will me opportunities to catch up. As for me, I can't wait to go on the first hunt for Snowy Owls. Probably take more damn pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks David, In the UK many years ago, (about 70+), I had a 'pet' Indian python 12 foot long. One night my Mum woke up and then woke Dad, and she said I have a strange feeling that python is out of its cage. The reply was don't be daft it can't get out go to sleep. When they got up in the morning they discovered it curled up in the bottom of their bed. Not only did it get out, it climbed the stairs to find the warmest place in the house!!! I think my Mum refrained from saying "I told you so".
DeleteI get more bird photos generally in winter so yes more pictures!!
Hope you sorted out your printing. Keep safe and best wishes to you both, Diane
Love the sunset and moonset photos. Shield bugs can be so colorful. Love all your photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Yvonne for the visit and the comment, always appreciated. Keep well Diane
DeleteStunning photos. They are so crisp and clear.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny, I hope that you are feeling a bit better now after your horrible accident in the bus. Take care Diane
DeleteStunning sunset and beautiful bugs. I was enjoying the bugs until I the snake appeared. I had to quickly scroll pass. Surgeonfish is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNancy they are no different to a lizard but no legs. I am happy to have them in the garden. We do have a few poisonous ones here in France, but I have never seen them around us. They keep the vermin down 😊
DeleteHave a good week, Diane
Doesn't it just figure, see a snake and head for the camera first thing. 😁
ReplyDeleteOf course, what else should I do LOL. Keep well Diane
DeleteHi Diane,
ReplyDeleteAll the photos are beautiful but the Shield bug (graphosoma italicum) photos are fantastic.
Take care and all the best for you
Thanks Maria, sadly with winter approaching the insects will disappear but then the birds visit, they know there is always food for them in our garden ! Keep well and stay safe Diane
DeleteAWESOME shots, Diane!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam, I really need to find more time to blog. I have no idea how I used to blog daily!!! Keep well Diane
DeleteFabulous Diane! Thank you and Happy November!
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise, Happy November to you as well. Cheers Diane
DeleteThe first pic is amazing for sure. I always love your critter, insect pics. Looks like you get lots of nature around you.
ReplyDeleteI also love that first shot, an unusual sky, I love all the insects in summer, I miss them in winter :-) Keep well Diane
Delete