Mr Toad and Friends go Birdwatching.

I went for a wander around a local nature reserve, Brockholes, a couple of weeks ago.  I had decided NOT to take photographs and simply enjoy observing the wildlife. I made point of leaving my camera at home and took only binoculars.

However, the photographer in me took over when I met Mr Toad and his friends from the classic children’s book “Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame.

Luckily I had my iPhone to take these snaps.

First, I met Mr Toad:

 Known as “Toady” to his friends, the wealthy scion of Toad Hall who inherited his wealth from his late father. Although good-hearted and optimistic, he is also arrogant, conceited, and impulsive. He is prone to obsessions and crazes (such as punting, houseboats, and horse-drawn caravans). He gets bored with each of these in turn, and drops them. His motoring craze eventually sees him imprisoned for theft, dangerous driving, and gross impertinence to the police. Several chapters of the book chronicle his daring escape from prison. –wikipedia

Wind in the Willows: Mr Toad ©HelenBushe

Just around the corner   Mr Badger was scanning the horizon for birds of prey:

A gruff but benevolent soul, Mr Badger embodies the “wise hermit” figure. A friend of Toad’s deceased father, he is uncompromising with the irresponsible Toad, yet hopes that his good qualities will prevail. He lives in a vast underground sett, part of which incorporates the remains of a buried Roman settlement. A brave and a skilled fighter, Badger helps clear the Wild Wooders from Toad Hall with his large stick.-wikipedia

Wind in the Willows: Mr Badger ©HelenBushe

Mr Mole was looking very pleased with himself. I think he’d just seen a rare bird but was keeping that information to himself.

(Though it is hard to stand with your nose in the air, when the tip of your nose has actually been knocked off!)

Known as “Moly” to his friends. An altruistic, humble, loyal, polite, home-loving animal, and the first character introduced in the story. Fed up with spring cleaning in his secluded home, he ventures into the outside world. Initially overawed by the hustle and bustle of the riverbank, he eventually adapts. He proves intelligent as shown with his trickery on stoat then tries to prevent them from reinforcing the weasels during the fight with Toad Hall.- wikipedia

Wind in the Willows: Mole ©HelenBushe 

Ratty thought himself well hidden on the path, ready to jump out and surprise passers-by:

Known as “Ratty” to his friends (though actually a water vole), Rat cultured, relaxed and friendly who enjoys a life of leisure; when not spending time on the river, he composes doggerel. Ratty loves the river and takes charge of Mole. He can be stubborn when it comes to doing things outside his riverside lifestyle, but can do which must be done as shown when he risks his life to help Mole in the Wild Wood and to help free Toad Hall from the weasels.– wikipedia

Wind in the Willows: Ratty ©HelenBushe

I posted these pictures on the Brockholes Nature Reserve Facebook page.

I titled it “The Birders Of Brockholes” and invited birdwatchers to say which creature they most identified with.

They are a good-humoured lot and joined in enthusiastically.

Thank you for visiting PHOTOPHILE