My Sunday Photo... The Greater Spotted Woodpecker

The weather has taken a dip during this last week, which has probably come as a sharp shock to all the wild birds who have been preparing to rear their young. 

I've seen many birds visiting our bird boxes and fear that if any of them have produced eggs already then they may well be an added difficulties in rearing their young.

With this in mind, I've made sure that all the feeders and various food have been replenished daily.

This handsome chap (Greater Spotted Woodpecker) is a frequent visitor to the peanut feeder, as well as the suet and mealworm coconut.

 The great spotted woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker with pied black and white plumage and a red patch on the lower belly. Males and young birds also have red markings on the neck or head.

It was very kind of him to unfold his wings in order to show you his impressive plumage.

I'm linking up once again to Photalife with My Sunday Photo.

Have a great weekend and thanks for your visit.

My Sunday Photo... Dancing Daffodils and Busy Bee

Hello Everyone,

I'm rather late posting My Sunday Photo today... but better late than ever.

In this part of Bonnie Scotland spring has finally arrived.

The temperatures, whilst not exactly sweltering have risen which has made everything pop.

The bees have started to buzz in their busy sortie from flower to flower.

The tree buds are just about to burst into leaf.

My magnolia is showing promising signs of actually flowering this time and I've actually given the lawn it's first cut!

So all is good in the garden.

Here's my appreciation of the daffodil.

Happy Earth Day to you and thanks for popping by.
I hope to see you again soon.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife

Sew Happy... PPF

I haven't picked up a needle or even sewn a button on anything for years, so I had an additional struggle trying to relate to the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

For inspiration I thought I'd take a peak into my old sewing box, which was like opening a treasure chest. 

Since then I've been sketching ever since.

These assignments have certainly taken me on a journey of discovery in more ways than one!

Thanks Lilla Rogers

I even had a play in Photoshop (although the word play maybe stretching things a little) but I've still got so much to learn.

I'm entering this sewing tray for the Make Art That Sells April assignment.

I'll also link up with the Paint Party Friday

Thanks Eva and Kristin for hosting an inspiration link.

The sun is shining here, so I'm off out to play! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

My Sunday Photo.... Sunset

It's been quite some time since we have seen a sunset.

Today was a fantastic spring day, with a cacophony of birdsong and warm sunshine... just delightful.

To top it all off we were then privileged to see this beautiful sunset.

I have to admit that I never grow tired of looking at this view.

Pure magic!

Let's hope tomorrow is just as good... or is that asking too much?

Whatever... have a great Sunday.

I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife

Thanks for popping by and I hope to see you again soon.

My Sunday Photo... Breakfast Alfresco

It appears that spring has finally come out of hiding.

Who would have guessed that we could have our Sunday breakfast alfresco.

It's been such a long time since we could do this and it's been greatly missed.

The trouble is that once breakfast is over there are so many jobs to catch up on... so it'll be a busy day.

I'll be linking up (rather later than usual) with My Sunday Photo.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Enjoy your Sunday

Highland Coo... PPF

Hellooooo....

This week I tried drawing with charcoal, which is something that I haven't done since my school days. It was so much fun that I'll definitely have another play soon.

As my regular arty followers know... I'm always trying to loosen my work.

I like everything to be as is and strive for perfection... which can be limiting and always makes for an ultimate let down with finished work.

Sometimes, I'm so tight I'm near to snapping, but working with charcoal was like diving into a warm calm pool totally butt naked!

(cough) 

Sorry getting a little carried away there, but it really was a revelation. 

I kept laughing as I become increasingly blacker! 

Smudges appearing everywhere, but slowly his Highland Coo appeared.

He/She looks quite a character don't you think?

Do you think it's a He or a She.... and what about a name... any ideas?

Have fun everyone and I'll see you again soon

Thank you Eva and Kristin for continuing to host this great inspirational link.

Click here if you'd like join me over there

My Sunday Photo... Easter Sunday

We are still gripped by a frosty, crisp white spring up here.

I think our little feathered friends are going to be a little confused. 

I've seen activity in and around our nest boxes, but it still feels very chilly for baby birds.

I'm hoping that this might be my last wintery Sunday Photo.

One of our regular visitors who is particularly partial to meal worms!

He never ceases to make me smile. 

I hope the Easter Bunny has been good to you.
I painted this Bunny illustration for last Easter.
I hope you like him.

There's snow on them there hills... so it calls for some skiing!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....

I'd like to take this opportunity before I go to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
I'm linking up with the 'My Sunday Photo' over at Photalife.
Enjoy your chocolates!