I went out and about today, helping some friends.

I met this amazing turkey (and yes, I do miss my Mr Twizzler but this chap was just as impressive).

Then I spied this little guy.  He was a lovely little yearling mini.  The same age as Tiddles but twice as cheeky.

I did not pass up the opportunity to have a snog, a chat and a hug.  I had to physically stop myself from hiding him about my person and smuggling off the premises.

Now this, in my opinion, is the best environment for a Shetland pony.

The field was huge and after one shout, lots of mini mares came cantering towards us with enthusiasm.

The very definition of cupboard love – not to chat with us, but to eat huge quantities of silage.

So, feeling very relaxed whilst listening to the gentle sound of munching and the odd-bird calling, I took photos and thought that life could not get any better.

I sent this photo off to my resident bird expert who told me it was, in his opinion, a twite (Carduelis flavirostris).  The Shetland name is Lintie.

From the RSPB website – “The twite is a small, brown finch closely related to the linnet, but with a longer tail and stubbier bill. Its back is tawny, heavily streaked with dark brown, and is white below with dark-brown streaks on its flanks. The rump is pink on males but brown on females. Like the linnet, it feeds on seeds year-round.”

So this would be a male then.

I love days like this.  Other folks’ ponies are charming and I realise that, even if I never breed or show another Shetland pony again, I still can enjoy being around these funny little equines.