Two WOWs in the space of an hour

OMG. How lucky was I. Leaving Ian this morning to rub down and paint the top box lid I went exploring. No public footpaths to be seen so I walked along a lane with a dead end sign at the start. With no fear of traffic I took my time walking in the middle and then I saw it. 

Had no idea what this was until I got nearer.

First I thought it part of the pole, one of those junction jobbies thingamajig's but as I got nearer I swear my heart missed a beat. A Little Owl in broad daylight!!!

I crept ever nearer but it was not about to let me get close. Off it flew onto a post in a field. Hedges lined the lane and I about crawled through to get closer and take these next photos.

I was that excited that didn't really feel the thorns piercing my skin. I know about it now though!!!! Anyway continuing with the walk I must have been out about 2 hours. Lunch time came and I started back to FS. Then right in front of me a Peahen leapt over a garden gate, saw me and leapt right back again. Well I had to go see and wow. At the back of the garden the most beautiful white Peacock displaying to the Peahen

Peahen

Getting ready to leap back

And there was the Peacock.

Not sure why the Peacock is showing it's bum to the peahen

It didn't work as she disappeared behind a barn

Getting back I rushed inside to tell Ian what I'd seen. After the initial "That's nice" He then informs me painting the top box lid had been a bit of a nightmare. The towpath had been full of bikers all sporting bright red tops. Cycling past at speed heading toward Heatons Bridge and then at speed all on their way back again. I managed to find out that it was a charity ride in aid of Wigan Rugby Veterens. I did manage to catch the tail end Charlie on my return from the walk but I could see what Ian meant. It was the dust generated by all those wheels. The paint looked more like an anti slip surface so he had to rub it down again and redo!

Looking good. Much better now there is no flaking paint.

Still on our own. Lovely

 And I've been playing with my Panasonic.

And on the walk.