It is time for something beautiful and fortunately for us the British Wildlife Awards have just been announced for 2014.  There is a lot to choose from among this year’s awardees, but if forced to make choices I’m going to vote, as “best of show” for the truly gorgeous and impressionist image by Peter Cairns, winner in the Wild Woods Category, entitled “Autumn Jewels, Woodland, Cairngorms.”  And then there is equally magnificent image, both the overall competition and the urban wildlife award winner, of a grey goose on the River Thames by Lee Acaster from Wortham in Suffolk.  The tonal quality and mood of the image are just wonderful, and you almost get the sense that the goose is just a bit confused by his very urban surroundings. Really wonderful! Note also the beautiful way that the light comes in from the left side. Oh, and really for fun take a look at Alan Price’s highly commended black and white image of two Jackdaws stealing wool from an all-knowing and amused sheep  in Gwynedd, Wales.

So here’s my suggestion.  First, get through your work day.  Then take a few moments to visit the competitions website and see all of the winners and commendations.  It will make for a good end to your day.