One of my regular companions on my walks around the farm is Smidge on of Phil's dogs. She is a small terrier cross bred dog who is naturally very lively and inquisitive.

She can also be a right pain in the ______ (you can put your own expletive there) when it comes to photographing the wild life as this picture shows.

Two young rabbits I was about to photograph run for cover as my companion crashes through the undergrowth with all the stealth of a herd of elephants.

By the time she spotted them and gave chase, the rabbits were laughing at her from the safety of the warren and I was practicing my ancient English curses. Still she is entertaining to watch and soon all is forgiven (until the next time).

When Smidge is not around chasing everything that moves, it becomes a little easier to get close enough to the wildlife to take a reasonable photograph. With only a 200mm lens I have to be a little sneaky to get a reasonable photograph.

This rabbit was too busy soaking up the weak warmth of the autumn sun to notice me getting close.

Also basking in the sun and taking in its warmth was this Red Admiral butterfly.

They will normally hibernate over the winter months. However in recent times with the mild weather we have had, the only month I have not seen one active is December.

As Phil will tell you in his November report the maize crop was finally harvested for winter feed for his herd of cattle. However not only the cattle benefit from this crop.

This squirrel was so hard at work with its own harvesting that it failed to spot me photographing it.

It was almost at my feet before it realised that it was not alone and then rather comically side stepped off into the hedgerow.

Now I know that Phil has numerous security measures around the farm but when a squirrel taking remnants of the maize crop provokes this sort of response I think that he might be taking things a little too far.

This is an AH64 'Apache' attack helicopter. It is a devastating weapons platform and I must say an impressive sight.

Coming back to earth I spotted this spectacularly coloured fungi while walking along the Heifer Banks.

I think it is a member of the "Waxcap" family but I have to confess I am not sure which one.

On a somewhat smaller scale these have to be the smallest cap and stem fungi that I have seen to date. The cap being no more than 3millimeters wide, and I have no clue what it is called. Any offers?

(Warning: I am not an expert when it comes to fungi. ALWAYS obtain expert advice before you pick and eat ANY fungi that you may find).

Finally November saw our first light scattering of snow, and it was light I've seen heavier frosts.

Well that has to be the end for this month as due to work and the coming Christmas festivities I am a little short on time at the moment

Hope everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

 

More next month Andy

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