Peony (Paeonia)

Slow-growing but rewarding, peonies are aristocratic plants with a brief but keenly anticipated flowering in late spring to early summer. Bowl-shaped, white, cream, pink, yellow or red flowers, often spicily scented, are either loosely crammed with petals or more open. Extract taken from: RHS Gardening Images By CRUSH Photography© Views: 50

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

Lightning fast and technicoloured, seeing a kingfisher always feels special. Spot them near rivers, diving low to catch tiny fish with impressive dexterity. The kingfisher is a small bird with unmistakable plumage. Its back is bright metallic blue and its breast is a coppery-brown. The beak is long and black, though females have a red patch at the base. With a wingspan of 25cm and body length...

Extracts from “RSPB Notes On Nature”

RSPB say: “For many of us, September heralds the end of the summer holidays and a return to the regular rhythms of life. It’s also a time of transition in nature, as summer visitors like Swallows leave our shores and other birds return. ‘Eurasian Jay’ Image by CRUSH Photography ‘Eurasian Jay’ Image by CRUSH Photography ‘Eurasian Jay’ Image...

GOLDFINCH – Carduelis Carduelis (UK)

Seed-eating specialists with a bright red face. Goldfinches are perfectly adapted to access food other birds can’t reach and feed on seeds within thistles and teasels. What do goldfinches look like? Adult goldfinches have a distinctive red face with a black cap and black around the eyes. The beak is short and powerful. Juveniles have a drabber, brown-grey face. The wings are...