Animals

If I'm not mistaken this shows a pair of Toads (the smaller one is the male) in a mating embrace. Taken in the Southsea Rock Gardens. Not one of my finest efforts, but in my defence, I was balanced on one knee on the slippery edge of a pond, in the rain! I'm happy with it as a "record" shot. Marginally better viewed large.

A friendly grey squirrel............taken near the Southsea Rose Gardens.

Yesterday afternoon we went for a walk around the Heath Pond at Petersfield Hampshire, about a 20 minute drive away. There is a well defined path around the pond and local residents have put up some small bird feeding stations along the way. We spotted this unusual "bird" about 6ft up the tree! Go large for best effect!

Taken during a walk around Baffin's Pond Portsmouth, in the middle of the afternoon. I saw two rats, and they didn't seem bothered by the people walking round, even when we stopped to watch them. I suspect there are many more. There is a close up shot in the PiP if you're up to it..!!

Taken at Petworth House and Park in Sussex, a National Trust property. There were lots of deer out and about, but mostly quite a distance away and lying down in the long grass. The stags are not in the best of condition due to the exertions of the rut. Overall though, I got a few images I was happy with and it was a very enjoyable day..........with a lot of walking :-)

Another shot from the deer park at Petworth, Sussex. The PiP is not the best quality but will give you an idea of how many deer were about that day. Thanks for looking.

Taken in Petworth Park, Sussex. Please view large for best effect. Thanks for looking.

I spotted this cat hunting on a disused piece of land in Portsmouth during a walk round the back streets.

Taken in Victoria Park, Portsmouth, Hampshire a few days ago.

Taken at Bognor Regis, West Sussex during a brief visit last week.

Taken yesterday in West Dean Gardens Nr Chichester, West Sussex. This is quite a heavy crop as it was a little far away from me. Better viewed large. Thanks for looking!

Taken in the South Downs National Park. if you want to see where the rest of them were.............please check out the PiP!

I believe this one is a Springer Spaniel. He was thoroughly enjoying playing "fetch" in the sea at Langstone Harbour. I was sitting on the bench outside the pub watching, but managed to grab this shot between sips of ice-cold beer. It's a hard life taking photos :-)))

Taken up on Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire. I couldn't get them to look at the camera despite making encouraging cow-like noises. Luckily, there was no one else around, except for my wife who is used to me making a fool of myself :-))) Please view large for best effect.............thank you for looking!

Om a more sensible note than my previous posting..........I captured this charming image in Winchester. You can't beat an ice cream on a warm day!!

I spotted this lovely little dog soaking up the sunshine in a Portsmouth park and couldn't resist grabbing a shot of him. Playing catch up............I was only away for 5 days and I was amazed by the amount of photos that were posted in my absence! I realised that I couldn't possibly comment on all those I've missed, so I resorted to using the yellow stars just to show that I've visited. I had intended to keep up with you all when I was away, but the place I was staying in had really slow and intermittent wifi, so I couldn't.

We met this beautiful looking dog while walking in the Hilsea Lines, Portsmouth. After a few minutes sniffing the air he turned around and ran off in the opposite direction! Thank you for all your comments and visits this past week or so. I hope you all have a lovely week ahead.

This was taken on one of the beaches on Hayling Island, Hampshire. I had been watching this little bulldog's owner throwing the ball for it and by the time I took this photo it looked exhausted. The title is what I imagined the dog was thinking :-)))