It's still a long way from being summer and we've another wet weekend to look forward to, but the swallows are now arriving back from their winter feeding grounds in number. The large flocks aren't here yet, but these aerial acrobats are beginning to dominate the skies… and the telephone and power lines that criss cross the countryside. 
The swallows aren't the only new arrivals. It was doing its best to remain out of sight, but I spotted a common sandpiper at the pond this morning. It's a difficult bird to approach, but it's there somewhere in the centre of this shot.
I also finally managed a photo of an orange tip butterfly (actually of two, a male and female). I've seen lots of them recently, but today was the first time they settled long enough for a photo. 
Two more shots to close. First is one of many rabbit shots I've been getting this year. It was taken at the end of the day and I liked the dusting of insect life drifting in the low sunshine.
And finally, a fox. Shutterbug to be precise. He was the second fox to pass through the garden this evening. A vixen came by earlier. She paused briefly to look at us, but then slinked away before I could get the camera. Shutterbug is rather more cooperative. With luck he'll even bring his cubs to visit. 
Camera note: all daytime shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. Fox photographed with the EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.
SittingFox
28 Apr 2012I like the atmospheric rabbit photo. The Sask swallows have arrived in the last few days as well. They might be regretting it – it's currently as rainy here as in England :right:
derWandersmann
28 Apr 2012I remember waiting for the swallows to return to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, in California … the date was always publicised, but they always seemed to pick a different day, alas.
That bunny photo is nice, and it's always good to see Shutterbug. Let's hope he can impart enough confidence to his offspring to have them visit.
The sandpiper … unusual to see one at such a small pond, they usually like beachy places … my dad used to paint them all the time when we lived on the Atlantic coast.
gdare
28 Apr 2012It is strange, we have seen swallows in southern Vancouver (Delta to be precise) about a month ago. I guess they don't mind cold weather here.
Beautiful photo of swallow with spread wings :up:
Words
29 Apr 2012Erwin, thanks!
Words
29 Apr 2012Darko, swallows are generally fairly regular in their arrival. We're just getting into full swing now.
Words
29 Apr 2012Adele, the rabbit was late afternoon…. the light just caught it nicely. The rain has finally stopped here after about 36 hours.
Words
29 Apr 2012dW, we always seem to get one or two sandpipers at this pond. I agree it's odd for them to be on a such a small piece of water.
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012A great Post