You said you hadn’t seen a Peacock this year…

…well, we’re hiding.

I had a marvellous morning in the sunshine at Calke Abbey. Butterflies all over the place, making the most of the beautifully tended gardens.

It was quiet when I arrived but really very busy by lunchtime. Lovely friendly people prepared to chat about what they’d seen and heard.

I managed quite a substantial entry for the Big Butterfly Count. My blip is of the only Peacock I’ve seen so far this year. He hid in a challenging spot, guaranteed to play games with autofocus. 

I also set Merlin going from time to time. It was fascinating ( when it was peaceful between flights from East Midlands Airport and inevitable mowers.)  He heard the Little Owl near the Orangery. No sighting of course in broad daylight. 

Thank you blipfriends for your concerns about my smoke alarm experience. May I please assure you that I am equally troubled by the dangers of scaling heights and wobbling. My alarm is still hanging (quietly) from the ceiling until some talented young thing can put him up…….