Nature

[Anita Bensoussane]

I don't like to see animals in small enclosures either, but I grew up just a 15-minute walk from the Welsh Mountain Zoo and I must admit I've always loved it. It's so closely associated with my childhood - I could hear lions roaring and elephants trumpeting when I was out in the garden, and see ostriches from my bedroom window. It (among other things) gave me my love of animals and I was gutted to discover I was allergic to dogs and cats - though I very much enjoy watching wild birds and animals. Going on long country walks and spending time observing the local wildlife was one of the things that kept me sane during lockdown.

Personally, I wouldn't dream of keeping any animal in a cage or small enclosure. If I had a parrot/cockatoo like Kiki or a monkey similar to Miranda, it would absolutely have to be one that could fly/run free.

[Viv of Ginger Pop]

This is what windy looks like
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-67180162

[Courtenay]

I'm almost expecting some ancient beastie to arise out of the depths under that forest floor as it lifts up!!

(Seriously, though, I wouldn't have been out walking the dog in that weather myself — definitely not under trees... )

[Anita Bensoussane]

It doesn't look safe and I'd be anxious to get the dog away from there if it were mine!

It is fascinating to watch the forest floor rising and falling though!

[Katharine]

I saw that and while I found it fascinating to watch, so am glad someone filmed it, I also thought how dangerous it was!

[Boatbuilder]

Squirrel hops on board train in Grays and takes seat

I wonder if it had a tixket?

[Boatbuilder]

Looking through the window onto my front garden on a miserable wet November 1st morning, I noticed what is probably going to be one of my last roses to flower this year.


Rose: 'Happy Retirement Years'

[Katharine]

That's pretty.

I managed to get outside and do a bit of gardening yesterday, which included pruning my roses. One bush still had a few flowers on though, although not sure if I'll have any left by the time the stormy weather has swept through!

[Boodi 2]

There are still plenty of roses (including buds) on the rose bushes in our garden, but I have already started pruning them. Most of the roses are very old (my late mother-in-law planted them about 50 years ago) but the "new" rose bush I planted 20 years ago has since changed colour...the roses were originally bright yellow (one of my favourite colours) but now while the rose buds appear yellow they turn pale pink when they bloom!!!

[Boatbuilder]

Thanks, Katharine.

I suppose this is part of 'nature'. About ten minutes ago we had a heavy downpour and then the sun suddenly appeared and produced this beautiful rainbow, of which I managed to get a couple of pictures.

[Anita Bensoussane]

It's good to see your photos, John. Last time I tried taking a photo of a rainbow, the colours came out much more wishy-washy than they were in real life. I've had a bit more success in the past though.

[Boatbuilder]

Thanks, Anita. I think they are possibly the best rainbow pictures I've taken as the colour of the sky behind seems to play a big part in how it shows up.

[Wolfgang]

Yes, the photo is brillant. You can even see the mirrored second rainbow if you look carefully.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Yes, I noticed that too.

When I was at secondary school, one of the Maths teachers called us into a high corridor which had a window running all along it. We looked out to see a triple rainbow, with all three arches clear and bright. A wonderful sight.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I was delighted this morning to see my first wild otter! It was swimming and diving for fish in the river, only a five-minute walk from my flat! A small crowd of people had gathered at the edge of the water and I went over to join them, knowing that otters had been sighted in that area before. I was so pleased to see one at last, and it didn't seem at all fazed at having spectators!