signs of spring

signs of spring, (for Judy). L Punton, 2015, archival inkjet print on fabriano 

waxwing winter

Seen from my kitchen window, the same tree as in the last post, a few days later, and now host to a flock of waxwings. These unusual birds have been sighted often this winter with the berry crop in Scandinavia failing, forcing them to travel further afield.

postscript: thanks to Celine for pointing me towards this great piece of HD video footage.

encounter with an otter

Driving just outside of the village of Strontian, an otter crossed the road in front of our car today. Like the encounter with the puffin on Staffa, this too was a fleeting experience.

Here's an old silent BFI film from 1912 of the first known filmed recordings of an otter swimming underwater including a brief glimpse of the cameramen setting up their tank/equipment. The subtitles between shots are infuriatingly long and protracted and some of the "facts" are a bit dubious (otters belonging to the "bear tribe"...?), but the footage itself is lovely.

encounter with a dragonfly

...during a walk to  Loch Tearnait, Morvern.