Walking Walking

A few pics from my local walks. 

The local Moorhen chicks are doing well.

Large Skipper I think...

The coots on the common pond are all grown up.

Both sets of ducklings are doing well.

I am assuming this is a family.

Mum & Dad either end

Frosty the pony was pacing this morning, there was no sign of the foal. She looked in the distance and neighed and then suddenly look who came a running!  

Thaxted

I left Audley and decided to see if Thaxted Church was open. As I have said many times as soon as I see that spire I am transported to Sunday afternoon drives in the country with my parents when I was a nipper.

The church was built between 1340 and 1510. The tower and spire date to 1475-1500.

it was! 

As I walked back from the windmill I found a buddleia which had 4 painted ladies (saw a 5th a bit further on) and a dozen Red Admirals 

I'm not a fan of the coffee shop, I once waited 10 minutes to be served (at a table) and was ignored! but one of the other places as a coffee bar so I got a takeaway and sat in the gardens soaking up the sun. 

Audley End

I wandered to Audley End this morning, I haven't been for a while and the sun was shining. I got a coffee and say on the grass by the river for a bit.

A new horse, a little temperamental ;)

There were lots of butterflies about.

Peacock

Small Tortoiseshell 

Including 2 Painted Ladies

Red Admiral

Peacock

Large Skipper

So I decided it was soup time. I was by the house and went to the kiosk for a coffee but this was closed and I didn't fancy queuing with all of those in the cafe after food so I went with out. If the kiosk is closed in the school holidays when will it open he asks curiously.

 The gardens were looking lovely. I then went off elsewhere but more tomorrow ;)