AUTUMN WILDLIFE AND SCENERY FROM NOVEMBER 2007

[Casalima]

I really love these photos. You have a wonderful eye for a scene/view!!

[Carlo]

Paul,
David's "mush room" comment was far more original than my lame attempt...

[ranunculus]

Many thanks everyone....glad you enjoyed them.  Mark....I know it LOOKS upside down, but actually it was suspended, 'bracket' like, from a tree stump.
The 'beast' simply reflected back some of my fill-in flash.....I admit I didn't even see the dog until I opened the image on the computer.
I have got to say that the good people of Rochdale would be amazed at so much attention being paid to these 'dog-walking' woods in their midst.....Tandle Hill is simply a moderate sized woodland, playing fields, children's play area and small memorial garden whch truly only gains any recognition at all on dry sunny autumnal days.  I love the place at this time of year but rarely consider a visit during the other eleven months.  Most towns have parks and wooded areas of equal merit. Just struck lucky this weekend.

Pixies, elves, trolls and unicorns can be seen in some of the images.....but only if you are a believer.......

I liked BOTH the puns.....just glad nobody mentioned the toad.....

[Carlo]

Wow, Cliff...now I'm really impressed. I was sure that the "hound" was something you added to the picture in photoshop just to tweak us.

That this monstrous beast with reflective eyes just sauntered into your picture is nothing short of amazing (why does that stuff always happen to the other photographer...). It's a classic of a picture, and only a few days late for halloween...

[Heather Smith]

Fascinating fungi and enchanting woodland.
Thanks Cliff

[Paul T]

Carlo,

Yeah, it was more original, but I hadn't thought it of so it CAN"T be as good as your comment (which I had thought of!) 

[Lesley Cox]

.....just glad nobody mentioned the toad.....

Toad? what toad? where's the toad?

I'm reluctant to leave this particular topic, especially if there are some more images to come, but I have a little something of my own, found this morning when I was weeding in my tunnel house. He's a rather plump stick insect as they go - which could indicate that he's a she - and I hope he or she is dining or about to, on the aphids which are on the disporum. If not, I'll have to relocate the stick insect and spray the aphids.

[Carlo]

Hate to burst your bubble Lesley, but I will...

all stick insects are....uhmmm...vegetarians

Some (at least one of the Indian species) are ALL female...they reproduce by parthenogenesis.

Imagine that...they are more evolved than human females...they've figured out how to do without us!

[fermi de Sousa]

Mark requested a look at some Aussie birds, including parrots, so here's a (poor photo of a) crimson rosella, but often referred to as bloody rosellas for other reasons than colour!

Cliff,
really enjoyed your pics (as always) - I decided you'd be the person to call on to find a party as you'd be able to find the fun guy! (variation on Carlo and Paul's bad punning!)
cheers
fermi

[Lesley Cox]

Hate to burst your bubble Lesley, but I will...all stick insects are....uhmmm...vegetarians
Some (at least one of the Indian species) are ALL female...they reproduce by parthenogenesis.
Imagine that...they are more evolved than human females...they've figured out how to do without us!

Oh well, I'll move the presumptive lady to another plant and squeeze the aphids. As for doing without the male of the species - where's the fun in that?

[Carlo]

guess you have to ask the stick-girl

[ranunculus]

.....just glad nobody mentioned the toad.....

Toad? what toad? where's the toad?

Lesley, Lesley?   I was TRYING to be a gentleman (doomed to failure, of course).....please complete the phrase; 'Mushrooms and toads _ _ _ _ _'

Your stick insect has very attractive legs but few feminine charms...!

[ranunculus]

As you seemed to enjoy the images from Tandle Hill Country Park I will post a few more.....the first batch will feature no imps, pixies or trolls but you may spot a few in the final shots of the second batch......all from the Oldham or Rochdale elfin brotherhoods, of course.
All images remain untweeked (save for a bit of cropping and focusing) except for the final image which has been contrast enhanced for effect.
Hope you enjoy and autumnal greetings to you all (pixies included).......

[ranunculus]

Final batch....(until the next lot)....?

[mark smyth]

Fermi in the UK that Rosella is also known as a Pennant parakeet. They also come in a blue form