Down by the river on a hot summer's day at the Fox at Barrington, there are many entertainments to be enjoyed. There are ducks with itchy backs and fidgety feathers... 
...there are acrobatic flying shows by enthusiastic squadrons of male Banded Blue Demoiselles - 
- chasing one or two solitary females - 
There are Large Red Damsel Flies, twitching their long bodies enticingly. 
And there was, really, a grass snake which slipped into the river, wriggled upstream and vanished all within a few seconds before I could prise myself off the grass to take a snap. Nearer to home we seem to have some new young toads...they fallop into the kitchen looking absolutely charming. This one, which Andy brought up to the studio, falloped onto my table and dropped down behind into my portfolios. Minor carnage ensued as it was rescued and rehomed at the back of the garden. 
22 comments:
Delightful as usual Gretters, brought a cool breeze into my overheated life.
Dear Gretel, thank you for this unusual trip down by the river, showing wonderful and unseen creatures! You have a gift for "catching" such moments and it's obvious you love nature!
It is 102F here in Virginia... I wish I was the duck!!!
Did you kiss the toad??
I thought I'd spare it that, poor thing had suffered enough. Janet, we are a cool 72F here, but due to go up this w/end!
That duck is really enjoying himself! Love the different damsel flies.
...Wanda
Beautiful photos!! I love your word 'falloped'.
What a great summer post - great photographs.
wow, what amazing photo's, especially the damselfly. Ted and i saw a grass snake too, it was sunbathing I think.
From here it looks as though you live in a fairy-tale part of the world.
You are getting splendid close ups of the damselflies, the photos are beautiful.
Really neat post. You're so super at catching your magical little critters in your life.
I have a request! We haven't seen your garden in forever and wonder how that amazing small space produces for you each summer.
Could you show us what's growing?
PG, your camera work just amazes me. (Wondering when I will actually get around to really reading the book that came with my camera ... how many years ago.)
It's also wonderful to see you find time to get outdoors and see what might be down by the riverside.
Best wishes! xo
reminds me of 'wind in the willows'. nostalgic and comfortable. I like your blog altogether, specially the fabric shop, and am your latest follower
Hey Gretel, you must be pleased with the photos of the damselfly and the demoiselles. Their colours are superb and their wings look so delicate.
I'm not too sure about the toad. I'm OK with frogs,I'm sure his mum would think he was very handsome.
I falloped after my 6.5 mile run this morning. Maybe there is toad blood in me...
Parp, parp! Move along, please, I'm off for a picnic with Moley!
Lovely post, Gretel :-)
Oooh toads! Fab falloping creatures! And a hostelry, by a river, in the heat of Summer, there's little can beat that.
What a lovely post with fantastic photos!
The toad doesn't look to bothered by his adventure though!
Love
Lyn
xxx
How very interesting - I wouldn't have known what these insects were called. Lovely pictures.
Lovely to hear your tales from 'down by the river', seems to be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Falloped...such a great word!
I think you'll find the word is flolloped. (Only joking, that's the word I use!) Amazing photos, did you take them yourself?xx
Yep, thank you, they are all mine Jess, Glad you like them. :)
What beautiful photos, the damsel flies are such wonderful vibrant colours. I like your little toad too, a garden can never have too many toads in my opinion:)
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