Les Tonks Sidestep

Baby and proud parent...

Just seen my first baby goldfinch of the year. Watching them flap their wings at great speed as they balance whilst being fed is something to really brighten up the day.

A bit tamer than our goldfinch visitors who disappear if you as much as look out of the window!

Had a pleasant stroll around the lanes and paths yesterday - saw a yellowhammer, cinnabar moth (pic attached) and a surprised squirrel (although not sure whether it or us jumped most!

We've got a wren but don't see it that often - Mrs saw it last weekend so we know it's still around (there's at least one up at the allotments too who can often be seen rummaging in open compost bins). Not seen a bullfinch for a while although they have occasionally visited.

They're usually squabbling with the magpies around here and they've obviously got the better this year for what is probably a prime nesting site given the number of hedges and song birds nearby. Thinking about the local birds I've not seen our sparrowhawk (nor its aftermath) for a while now. It used to like hiding in our eucalyptus but quickly adapted to lurking in the hedge after that was cut down.

The pair of magpies that have nested in the big tree behind my house for at least the last 5 years have been evicted by a pair of crows, who have completed repairs on the nest. Not sure where the magpies have gone but when I saw the crows building I realised I hadn't seen them for a while. Also the last few days I've spent some time early afternoon watching the local heron get harassed by the more local crows when it's made its daily fishing trip to the nearby pond - must try and get some pictures.

Former Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and England batsman Brian Bolus, aged 86 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/52580857

Bad Company frontman Brian Howe whilst on the way to hospital.

Jill Gascoine, aged 83 after a long illness https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52471574

Michael Robinson ex Liverpool, Preston, Manchester City, Brighton, Queens Park Rangers, Osasuna and RofI footballer, of cancer aged 61. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52455424

This decided to come and share my lunch. It was on the plate a few seconds after taking this.

Actually....

Not sure how true this is but makes a good story

My gym membership has been frozen, I only pay to suffer like that!

Shortly after posting my abs started giving me grief just at the thought of it ?

Leg raises to that give your abs a bit of a workout. Remember to keep your feet off the floor when Sally comes down.

Tony Lewis (of Duckworth-Lewis) aged 78. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/52134570

I don't believe there was any gentleness or subtlety involved ?

Alan Merril, co-writer of 'I Love Rock n Roll' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52089768

Yes, they farm them for meat. Mate was there a few years ago and was going to try GP but his girlfriend 'persuaded' him otherwise.

Unfortunately he uses flour in most - we haven't seen any for a few weeks now. The guinea pig"s sawdust is the nearest substitute we have available.

Ta. Will have a look on for both.

I'm unfamiliar with his work but will dig around and have a listen.