I will be showing some of my paintings at the Bilborough Art Festival from 30th June - 7th July. At the Bilborough Community centre (next to the Library). Open from 12 - 5pm.

Raven. Wollaton. Grey, cold day. As I stopped to search for a Mistle Thrush singing high up in a specimen Redwood tree I heard the deep cronk cronk of a Raven coming from the top of the tree. It saw me first and flew further away to perch in the tops of tall Beeches near the entrance. It was instantly set upon by a crowd of Jackdaws who were determined to drive it away. They swooped at the large bird causing it to open and lift its murderous beak vertically. The attention of the increasingly irate jacks proved too much and it flew to the sanctuary followed by the rowdy mob. Later, I located it again in the company of Carrion Crows who seemed less bothered by its presence.

Shovellers and Common Gull on Wollaton Lake. The gull posed beautifully on the end of a fallen Birch trunk.

Waterfowl resting and preening at the shallow edge of the lake.

Water Rail. Wollaton lake. Heard squeals and grunts from an area of reeds at dusk. Waited a while and eventually saw one run across an open patch. It stopped, stood upright and gave a loud squeal before tiptoeing back into the reeds. I heard two birds.

Heron. Kedleston park lake. Fishing among thick blankets of algae.

A study from a dead Swallow which had flown into a window of a barn. Kedleston Park.

Gatekeepers nectaring on Oregano in my backgarden. These are by far the commonest butterflies in the garden at the moment. Also: Peacocks, Large White, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown.

Ring Ouzels. Branshill, Clifton. Distant views of a pair feeding as they moved steadily up the side of the hill. Also seen were a pair of Wheatears, Linnets and Red-legged Partridge. Thanks to Rob Hoare (Clifton Grove Birds.com) for the tip off. Walking back along the track I was surprised to see two female Blackbirds fighting. At one point they were locked together on the ground, only separating as I approached, one bird had a beakful of the others feathers!

More studies of the Male Ring Ouzel.