I saw these kites at a fair today, flying in the breeze hung on long vertical poles. From a distance they reminded me of the standards that armies flew that one can see in Japanese period films. Close up, I could see they are made of plastic, which took the edge of my interest for a moment – but the colours are vibrant and they look good. They now figure as one of the distinctive ecards at Quillcards – a site that features photographs set against colored backgrounds that fill the browser window.

Kites

I recommend getting a good pair of binoculars and spending a little time looking at the animals and birds that are common wherever you are. You can usually get very close and seeing creatures you assume you know pretty well, through a pair of binoculars, opens up a whole new world.

Just take a look at the impossible feet and the beak of a pigeon. It’s enough to make you think of Star Wars.

But in an urban farm in the middle of Leeds there is a small collection of rare breeds of sheep. I thought this was a White Faced Woodlands, but after being directed to a couple of guides, I see it is a Herdwick, beloved of Beatrix Potter – and whatever breed she is, she very handsome is her coat.

Nikon D200 and Nikon 70-200mm VR lens

And here is a crop of her fleece – click on the image to see it larger – and to luxuriate in the wool. Anyone who has seen Gene Wilder in “All you ever wanted to know..”, can derive an extra level of pleasure from this.

I read that wordpress have introduced a poll. So here is a test poll.