Wet and windy

Here's an interesting shot of Faro, taken from a lower paddock on a wet and windy afternoon this week, with rainbows appearing frequently.  Fyta is lying on the ground but his head can be seen behind Faro, peering at the photographer!

The three amigos - Faro (left), Fyta and Fergus.  We've had plenty of sleet showers this week but no snow to speak of although there is plenty on the hills beyond.

Fergus (left) and Fyta, chewing the cud and having a rest.  Our boys never lie close to each other, except when they are in the shelters, when they are outside they always keep a distance from each other.

Fyta - a lovely alpaca with a laid-back attitude to life,  Why should he worry, he's got his pal Faro to look out for him!

Taken today, Fergus like the other boys has had a good soaking over the past few days during miserable weather.  Today's sunshine will give them a chance to dry out.

Spring is on it's way and this Tree Peony (Paeonia) is already bursting it's buds to reveal the flower heads which should open in May or June.

And finally...........this is the top of the south facing gable end of our house and there are normally 3 House Martin's nests at the very top under the eaves.  They are usually damaged by winter storms but last week the gales brought down all the nests so there will be considerable re-building going on when the Martins return in late April.  Sadly one of the nests had the bodies of 4 young Martins within but we don't know the reason for this.  Something may have happened to the parents, or possibly it is was a late brood just before migration time last Autumn and they were deserted, but it was sad to see.