T-minus six days....

Well this is Diane's last swim before her maiden 10k event this coming weekend. This particular swim is at famous sandbanks located on the outskirts of Poole, Dorset. Sandbanks is like England's version of French Riviera: mega expensive properties but without the beautiful people, nice weather or restaurants. Although the sky is a depressingly familiar grey colour the sea was surprisingly calm on the day. This particular event was just a mere 1.5k warm up ready for this weekends excursion to Devon.

Her training has been going well over the summer; and even with the constant stream of bad weather we've had this year, she's completed a number of prior training events to gradually build her distance stamina up - which will culminate with the river Dart 10k swim due to be held this weekend in Devon, England. Hopefully the sun will shine! Although, I suppose it doesn't really matter for Diane as she'll already be wet, I'm just thinking of my poor little self standing on the soggy banks cheering her on. Best make sure I take a flask of coffee.

Posh changing facilities at the Sandbanks Hotel               Raging to go with another Lime green hat!

         

                       Diane warming up??                          Getting acquainted with the English channel


                             
                                                      The start of today's event

                                     Diane finishing with the ministry of funny walks :-)

Diane's Photo Collection (Part 2)....

Peacock displaying at Woburn Safari Park

Saxon (Golden Eagle)

Autumn Colours

New Forest, Hampshire

Snowy Owl

                                 Juvenile Bald Eagle                                     Female Kestrel

Lanner Falcon

Diane's Photo Collection (Part 1)....

I've set up this post as part of a series of posts showcasing Diane's excellent photos. I'll leave it to her to fill in the technical details.


Hawk Conservancy Trust (Andover, Hampshire, England)

                                                     Cheyenne (American Bald Eagle)   

                                                           Fagin (Hooded Vulture)

                                 Avon (Barn Owl)                                  Goose (Bateleur Eagle)

                                                                 

Churchill (Ural Owl)

Troy (Tawny Owl)

This one is slightly out of focus but I really like the composition

Saxon (Golden Eagle)

Great Grey Owl

                    

Blashford Lakes, Hampshire, England (2012)

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Some shots from my recent trip to Blashford lakes, which lies on the edge of the New forest, Hampshire.

 A family of Tufted Ducks and a shot of Blashford Lakes

Green Finch

Nuthatch

Greater Spotted Woodpecker

.....and again.

Collared Doves

Fledgling Jay

Male Kingfisher

Broad Leaved Helleborine. 

One of the many Orchid species that can be found in the UK.

Great Crested Grebe

Pennington Marshes, Hampshire, England (2012)

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    Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

          

                                                             Black Tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa)