Not a grouse after all

Today I got a chance to see clearly the bird that I had previously thought may be a grouse. Instead it seems to be a very dark pheasant. The sun was shining and picked out the glorious feather colours which I feel would make an incredible hat when the bird no longer has use for them.

Where would we be without the internet ... I have discovered he is a Tenebrosus Pheasant.

Often described as melanistic, these Pheasants can appear black at a distance or in poor light, but in the right conditions they show a strong blue, purple or more often green colour.  Odd birds may appear anywhere but some places seem to hold good numbers for a while, presumably where these have been favoured by gamekeepers.

Getting in the mood

Although only the first weekend in December I realised it was a rare chance to have everyone in the family together and so we celebrated with roast beef and a log fire.

Holly and candles

I decided that today I would bring some holly indoors to decorate the mantelpiece and found a couple of sprigs which still have berries on. They looked lovely interspersed with little tealights in the glass jars that I had previously used for my summer dahlia arrangements.

Christmas is coming

I am busy making mince pies as it gives me an excuse to enjoy being in the kitchen and see what's happening outside!

A frosty start

Although I woke to a frost (my phone said it was minus 2) but the sun lit up the garden making the hedges and trees glow. Yesterday it was much milder and I finished planting out my rhubarb and transplanted the black and red currants to their final homes in the fruit section of the vegetable garden.

Moon set

Making a cup of tea at 7 o'clock this morning the moon was still up but gradually setting over the big field. A real full moon which lit up the frosty ground.

Many hours of work

Many hours of work have gone into cleaning and repairing the areas of ceiling between the beams. Dave works long days and feels frustrated by the slow progress but it will look lovely when this room is finished.

Pastry scraps

After baking today I threw out some little scraps of pastry hoping that they would make a snack for this very slim looking robin.

More birds

This time on a lovely card from my sister bought while she was exhibiting last week at the craft show in Wisley. The birds are currently perching on top of the (unlit) log burner.

Looking good part 2

The view from the end of the kitchen garden, looking back to the house. The beds have been mainly prepared for winter, my dahlias safely stored and the raspberries cut back but I have left the sweet peas on their tripods.