Jacqui Jay Grafton
Photographer and Digital Artist, based in the East Midlands, UK
A VISIT TO COOMBES VALLEY
Jan has had an overwhelming desire to see a pied flycatcher at close quarters for as long as I can remember. So, when she read on the Coombes Valley Nature Reserve blog that there was an excellent chance of seeing one there, the decision was made! We drove over from Nottingham on a sunny morning, through the Derbyshire Dales, and reached Coombes Valley at 9:00 am on an unusually sunny May morning. As we drove in through the gates, we were met by one of the wardens on the site. She couldn’t have been more helpful, as she saw me unloading Jan’s mobility scooter from the boot. With her cheerful words ringing in our ears - “Don’t worry, if you get stuck, I’ll come and get you” - we set off.
The path led ever downwards, a bit like a page from Tolkien, wending through light woodlands and open grassy patches where we could hear the warblers striking up a tune and caught some glimpses of a few of them. As we reached the bottom of the hill, we came to a bridge over a stream where we set up camp, in the hope of the elusive pied flycatcher or a redstart or two. We didn’t have long to wait before we were treated to the sight of not one, but a pair, of pied flycatchers, swooping up to the branches overhanging the stream and giving us excellent views.
As we sat down on the carved bench to eat lunch, my eye was taken by a flash of black and white and there, less than ten feet away, were a pair of great spotted woodpeckers, popping in and out of their nest hole in the tree. Again, excellent sightings. The sun was getting warmer by now and soon we were seeing the unmistakable flash of an orange tip butterfly, resting briefly on the flowers near the stream.
Unfortunately, we could go no further than this, because the bridge was unsurmountable by Jan’s scooter. We had heard stories from other visitors of the meadow and the building where the redstarts were nesting but, for us, this was not a possibility. So, reluctantly, we turned back towards the centre. The first part of the upward slope was particularly daunting, as the recent rain had left it muddy with loose debris, but a very kind photographer manhandled the scooter up to the clearing for us!
We stopped to rest halfway up the hill in a grassy clearing, where we finally saw our redstart at the top of a tree. There was a peacock butterfly fluttering round and, as we stood up to go, a charming small copper came to rest in the grasses in front of us. Back at the centre, again we met friendly and helpful staff, one of whom actually brushed the wheels of the scooter for us. Great service!
All in all, we had a wonderful day out at Coombes Valley and would like to return often. The big drawback for us is that there are no facilities or concessions made for disabled people, so we will have to choose a time when there has been a prolonged dry spell to venture down on the scooter. A ramp across the stream would also be wonderful, as then we could have enjoyed the whole reserve. Nevertheless, we will be back and look forward to our next visit.
White orchids given to me as a gift on Mother’s Day. Please go here and read the most beautiful poem by Lyndi Smith.
First Cetti’s Warbler of the year. on Flickr.
An early morning walk at Attenborough Nature Reserve was enlivened by a chorus of song from linnets, willow warblers, sedge warblers, chiffchaff, dunnocks, robins, wrens, blackcaps, grasshopper warbler (not seen, unfortunately) and our little friend here, the Cett’s Warbler. An excellent start to the day!
(Now all I need is the Grand National winner)
Upcoming Exhibition at Patchings Art Centre
The Flickr group, Nottingham, UK, is hosting Perspectives, an exhibition of photographs by various artists, from 28th April at The Patchings Art Centre. Running at the same time is an exhibition of paintings by the well known artist David Shepherd, famous for his wildlife and steam train paintings. Four of my prints will be showing:
1. Jayden II
2. Ash and Dave III
3. Ash IV
4. Old Friends
I hope those of you who live in the area will be able to drive out to see it. There are some excellent photographs in the exhibition and a great variety of subjects.
Dipper on Flickr.
Last week, I had a great day by the Derwent River, near Cromford in Derbyshire. My first sightings ever of a dipper. These great little birds flash up and down the river, landing on rocks near fast running water and then dive in, actually walking along the river bed, picking up food. Amazing to watch.
The Parish of Saint George in The Meadows on Flickr.
For quite a long time, I have been catching glimpses of the double bell tower of this church as I drive home from Sainsbury’s, so today I decided to track it down. It turns out to be the church of The Parish of Saint George in The Meadows. Typically, the heavens opened just as I got there, but I got a few preliminary shots. There is a patch of derelict ground right in front of the elevation I wanted to photograph, but I think the church goes back a long way, judging by the crosses and the single bell tower in the distance.
I know the church is a Grade II listed building and has been in use since 1888. I would have liked to stay and investigate more, but a combination of factors - the rain, a pressing need to be elsewhere, the oneway system and the fast approaching group of youths with what looked to be fighting dogs - dictated that I should go back another day in better weather and armed with a friend and a local map.
I pass another church with a similar, single bell tower on the way home, I know it as St. Matthias, not sure of its full name, but it is de-consecrated. I can’t help thinking the pair of churches probably deserve a bit more attention (and a much better photograph than this one).
THE OTHER END ….
Today , Jan and I are celebrating 33 years together.
Well, I say celebrating but it’s been non-stop … visit to the hairdresser, take the car for service, take the mobility scooter for service, then go back and pick them both up, take rubbish stuff to the charity shop, cook, clean kitchen … and on and on …
Still, we’ve got a day at the races and a lovely dinner with friends to look forward to.
As I’ve already shown you my feet, I thought it was time to start on the other end.
Nottingham Perspectives 2012 on Flickr.
We’ve just been into the city to have a look at this exhibition, mounted by members of the Nottingham, UK flickr group. I was both pleased and proud to be a part of it and would like to say that the organisation of the printing, mounting and hanging of the photographs has been a great job by a dedicated group of people.
Oh yes, the plug …. mine are the two pictures at the extreme left of each row.
Gargoyle with house guest on Flickr.
The gargoyles at Rufford Hall are being put to a very good use by the sparrows. I don’t know if it’s because the weather is so mild, but they’re nest-building right in the mouths of the beasts.
Ladybirds
I bought this D2Xs on eBay and got a real bargain. The only drawback is that I can’t see through the viewfinder properly and don’t know if the picture is in focus when I drop the shutter. So I’m shooting on blind faith, which is why I had no idea the ladybirds were there until I loaded the day’s shooting on to the computer.
As of April, 2012 ...
My main interest lies in the world of nature ... specifically things with wings ... birds, butterflies and dragonflies. People run a close second, but can never compete with winged creatures.
I have a passion for Photoshop and texturing ... we'll see where that takes me in 2012.
The odd family orientated anecdote makes an appearance, and bits of news you may or may not find of interest. You can also find me at:
www.jacquijay.com
www.wings.me.uk
JJG on Flickr
Stuff I Like
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louis ck ( on gay marriage ; shameless )
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Da Vinci Snow Angels
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Logo Design
In class yesterday whilst talking to...
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The Golden Stairs (1880) | Edward Burne-Jones
I don't foliow many, but ...
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