Robin Redbreast

Its plump round body, long slim tail, large black eyes and spindly legs on which it hops and bobs whilst feeding, the robin is one of our best known birds.

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Known as ‘the gardener’s friend’ this little chap likes to follow the digging spade feeding on the unearthed bugs, snails and worms. A member of the thrush family the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) with its famous bright-red breast is also known for its all-year-round song.

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Woodlands, parks and hedgerows will provide opportunities to see one of these charming birds and if you want to encourage them into the garden then put out live mealworms – their favourite snack!

(This post is for my eldest son as he turns 40 on 06 February in Sydney, Australia. He is actually called Rohan, but on the telegram sent to my parents in England from South Africa where he was born it said ‘Roban’ – my parents thought there was a spelling mistake and called him Robin! So Happy Birthday Rohan/Robin xx)

Travel Theme: Doorways

I have a bit of a thing obsession for doorways and doors so this week’s theme is right up my doorway alley.

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In the old town of Geneva you will find this impressive doorway – The 15th century Hotel De Ville (Town Hall) located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville still serves as the seat of government in Geneva and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920.

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Have a peep through the doorway

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Inside you will find an impressive courtyard, with more doorways

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The large paved ramp surrounding the building its most unique feature. Built between 1555 and 1578 by Peter Desfosses, the design of the ramp enabled direct access to the upper floors on horseback or on foot.

Bench series #5

For the month of February let’s see your benches processed in Black and White

Tips: Remember that the best Black & White photos are those with a lot of contrast, lots of light and shadow. But conversely the best images to convert into Black and White occur in low contrast situations – so don’t wait for that sunny day to get out there. A dark or low light day could produce your best image. Also shoot in colour first and then convert. And watch the composition. Unlike when you use colour to lead the eye into a shot, you need to look out for shapes, tones, patterns or textures to draw the eye in. Good luck!

Walking the dog…

If you would like to join in with the Bench photo challenge then please take a look at my Bench Series page. No complicated rules, just a bench and a camera required 🙂

  • Create your own post and title it Bench Series: February
  • Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
  • Add the tag ‘bench series’ so everyone can find the benches easily in WP Reader
  • Get your post in by the end of the month, as the new bench theme comes out on the first Sunday in March

Last week we were still in the garden:

Gilly joins in again with Daisy in Hartland Abbey Garden
and Daily Musings has a bench with views over the Hudson.
Sue takes us to a sunny bench in Devon where the flowers threaten to subsume you, but Pauline has the most unusual treat for us in Canberra (warning: do not visit when everyone is asleep).
Sherri has a bench for all seasons, in her pretty garden, of course.
One of my favourite gardens in the world from Aletta in Cape Town
And in Scotland we find Debbie has a bench with a view.
Still in N’Orleans Elaine discovers an exhibit in the garden.