the bark of a cherry tree

Although the weather was grey with a bit of drizzle we walked in the grounds of Mottisfont Abbey.

By the River Test I saw a flash of iridescent blue, a swoop of orange - too fast, too late, too frustrating! Maybe next time.

There were some photo opportunities in the winter garden.

[Casablanca]

Ooh, isn't that striking? What a lovely colourful day you had, even if the kingfisher was too fast.

[Issi Bannerman]

How absolutely beautiful. Such lovely stripes and texture! Shame that the kingfisher was too speedy for you!

[Beryl Lloyd]

Such gorgeous bark in colour and texture -- as good as any flash of a kingfisher !!

[Hazel]

@casablanca @jamibann @beryl

Such lovely comments, thank you and how kind to commiserate about the kingfisher - I'll get him one day!!!!

[Peter]

Interesting tones and textures its a great spot Hazel:)

[Babs]

As you know I love photos of tree bark and this is so beautiful. I love the colours and patterns.

[Hazel]

@onewing

I did think of you when I took the shot, Babs!

[mittens (Marilyn)]

I really like the colors and textures and your dof.

[Margaret Brown]

I love cherry bark, it’s always so colourful,shiny and interesting

[Joyce]

Beautiful texture and colours

[Pat Knowles]

Stunning colour there, you notice these things on 365,

[Sylvia Binch]

Great colours and DoF. I've not had any luck photographing a kingfisher yet either. I've only ever seen a flash of blue once .. our turn will come Hazel !

[Tim L]

Very beautiful. Used to see kingfishers when I lived near the river Kennet in Berkshire, but only ever as a flash or blue. Keep trying!

[gloria jones]

Great focus, textures

[Richard Hickey]

Cool picture.

[Tunia McClure]

Good for you for noticing these interesting stripes.

[wendy frost]

A great find and capture interesting bark with its stripes.

[haskar]

Great colour and dof.

[Peter]

Lovely tones and textures standing out against the background , great image Hazel:)

[Christine]

Great capture. Love the colours

[Mandy]

Such beautiful colours. Nature is so wonderful and lovely things to find even when unexpected.

[Pyrrhula]

Beautiful patterns and colour.