#WordlessWednesday – I’m not listening #Swan #Bedfontlakes #photo

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A day at Falco West Sussex Falconry #photos #birdsofprey

Posted on June 24, 2017 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

On a beautiful, sunny Saturday a few weeks ago, I spent the morning at Falco West Sussex Falconry. It was a mother’s day / birthday treat, a chance to research for a character in one of my future books, but mainly I went because I love birds of prey!

This is Phoenix, probably my favourite bird of the day.

I have plenty of shots of this Harris Hawk, but here are just a couple. The first is a view of it sitting on my arm.

We also got to fly Crystal (Chrissy) the Barn Owl. She’s tiny and weighs nothing, but is a real stunner to watch fly.

The above picture is Chrissy sitting on my hand (such a privilege).

There were lots of other owls at Falco, which were brilliant to see but unfortunately my photos aren’t good enough to share.

I love this next falcon, but admittedly can’t remember which type it is. I think it is a Saker Falcon.

This next bird is a Hybrid bird, clearly part peregrine falcon.

Finally, I’ve already shared a few photos of this young Buzzard on a Wordlesswednesday post. But I had to show off this photo again because it still makes me smile!

I really recommend a falconry day if you like birds of prey. Nothing beats having one fly onto your hand and being so close to these majestic creatures.

Tomorrow’s stop on the blog tour is a guest post about ‘How writing has turned me into an obsessive learner’. I mention this experience in the post, so it seems a perfect day to share this with you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these photos as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing them.

#WordlessWednesday A sunny day on #Bognor beach #photos

Posted on June 14, 2017 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

#WordlessWednesday – Cold day in Camber, East Sussex #photo

Posted on May 18, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

#WordlessWednesday – More Painshill Park #photos #wildlife

Posted on May 11, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

#AtoZChallenge Y – Yummy bird seed toast

Posted on April 29, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I wasn’t looking forward to finding a subject for Y in the A-Z challenge, so I went for something fun. This yummy bird seed toast is fun to do with the kids, a good way to feed the birds as well as using up old bread. Also, I hope Bill Oddie will approve of this better use of bread which has no nutritional value to birds.

Instructions

Toast old bread. Poke a hole through it, not too close to the edge, and thread with string.

Spread it with lard or fat.

Sprinkle on seeds and press down.

Put in the fridge. This helps the fat set and the seeds will stick better.

Hang outside in a secluded spot and watch the birds queue up to enjoy.

In my case, we had other visitors, but we don’t mind.

Neither does Poppy.

Since making this bird seed toast, I noticed a neighbour had made a similar feeder using a pine cone smeared with fat and seeds. This method really would make Bill Oddie happy I’m sure.

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And finally, tomorrow a very special treat for Z…

For links to all my other A-Z blog posts, please click here.

#AtoZChallenge O – Orange (a celebration of colour)

Posted on April 18, 2016 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Orange is a special colour in my household. My daughter’s name, Amber is on the colour wheel between gold and orange (according to Wikipedia) and my son used to have an obsession with the colour. The obsession controlled him and the choices he made, and if he didn’t get the orange cup or plate at nursery all hell would break loose. Thankfully he’s calmed down a bit now. Now some pictures to celebrate orange.

Orange sky at our favourite family holiday destination, Worcestershire.

Butterflies

Orange flower technically red but looks orange(ish)

I’ve taken better Robin shots, but this scruffy fellow is kind of sweet.

The next pictures are not great quality but I was sitting across the river, in the rain. I was so happy to capture the Kingfisher and his/her young. This year I promise myself I’ll get better shots.

Battle of the orange beaks

Orange scents

The rose smells beautiful, but I’ve no idea what variety it is. The Mexican Orange blossom (Choisya) above will soon be awash with small white flowers that smell gorgeous. It’s a wonderful shrub that flowers at least twice a year.

Feel the heat and hear the crackle of the fire

Finally orange taste

Orange Vitamin C shake

I really enjoy making things with fresh ingredients. Whether I have grown them myself, or bought them from the shop. This is a little vitamin pick me up drink. It tastes really good drunk straight away.