It’s been grey and cold for weeks, but the weather is suddenly improving and I have seen several butterflies around. The spots on this Peacock butterfly’s wings are supposed to look like eyes and help prevent birds from attacking.

I have spent 6 months photographing Aysgarth Falls in North Yorkshire for a new website. Eventually I will get a day there where the sun shines. The waters are dark, cold and uninviting – maybe a little sunlight would lighten them? The website will go “live” next week – I will post a link here.

Sunday morning, clear blue sky and a chance to walk through the local woods and riverside. For the second time in a week a startled a grey Crane. Last week I sat down on the riverbank maybe 4 feet away without even seeing it. Sadly on both occasions it took flight before I could reach for my camera. I caught sight of a pair of swans mating on the river – quite a brutal act, with the male grabbing the females neck and holding her head under water. Further details will be spared, but I took this photo after has she sailed through a million starbursts.