Forgot to Say

The other day, think it was the lunchtime of New Year's Eve, I suddenly saw a bird in our Magnolia bush that I had never seen before.  I was struck by a vivid patch of colour it had on its body.  I shouted Chas but as neither of us had a clue where to look in the bird book I rang my friend Cath.  John answered and as I quickly described it (whilst it was still feeding on the fat balls) he told me it was a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Now that might not seem great to some of you but I have never ever seen a woodpecker.  I couldn't believe the red patches.  So vivid. Here is one from a book so that if there is anyone else out there who hasn't seen one they know what I am on about.

I'm sure mine was more vivid than this one

I did try to get a photograph myself but in my excitement and expecting it to fly off any time I forgot to change the setting.  This is what I got (you can just see a bit of red)

Anyway, it was great to see it and I do hope it comes back.

Today I had to get some cards in the post - here is one I made for a friend who had a birthday today (ouch!  I am late).

One of my favourite images

Hope everyone had a nice New Year and that the snow stays away for us all (except in areas where they ski I suppose) - I've had enough!