The Common Newt (protected in Ireland and in Europe) is rarely seen. It's a small creature very like a lizard and lives partially in and around waterways. This little guy was the worse for wear having climbed up some tall grass and fallen into a rain barrel in the garden. We rescued him, rested him on the rock and as he recovered I took these photographs. Soon enough he slithered away into the long grass again, almost immediately he was impossible to spot.
I know he's not the cuddliest of creatures, in fact he has a pre-historic air about him, but luckily I am getting over that kind of squeemishness and enjoying more and more wildlife in my world. Does that include the large spider living beside my central heating switch? Late last night there he was right on it, just when I went to turn it on! Next thing another large one walks casually down the hall. What can I do? I feel I no longer can discriminate against the less attractive ones in our midst. If that was the case where would any of us be in a beauty contest?
However, I draw the line for the moment at featuring large spiders here! OK, it just might be that I would find it too hard to look down the macro lens and right into his eyes, but I hope both you and I will get there some day.....
