Exeter College Chapel spire

The spire of Exter College Chapel viewed in the gap between the Bodleian and the Sheldonian

A flock of birds over Wytham

Hundreds, if not thousands, of birds suddenly appear, fill the air for a short time, and disappear again.

Swans at sunset on Port Meadow

These swans look like decorations floating in liquid chocolate. Port Meadow, looking west into the evening sun.

Herons opposite Binsey on Port Meadow

There are 7 or more herons on Port Meadow at the moment, together with some egrets. When they move, it is often to displace another heron from a good feeding spot.

A narrow boat on Port Meadow

The canal barge looks as if it is beached in a field. It is, of course, on the River Thames, viewed across Port Meadow.

Small dog sees off big swans

I was composing a shot this morning of a placid group of swans sitting in a pool on Port Meadow. As I looked in my viewfinder, all hell broke loose as a small dog appeared.

Running deer near Oxford

You do not have to go far out of Oxford to find deer. This one seems to have been practising classical ballet

Birds flock at evening on Port Meadow

The silver cloud just discernible between the trees is a large flock of birds which rose suddenly and noisily as the light faded across Port Meadow. I would tell you what they were if I knew.

Old and young greys on Port Meadow

They still make those films where the wise old Native American elder takes the young warrior to a lonely spot, makes him look across the tribal plains and urges him to grow strong and defend his birthright. I think that is what is happening here on Oxford's Port Meadow.

Evening sky towards Wytham

Sunset reflects in the foreground on the marsh which was left when the floods receded and, in the middle distance, on the River Thames

A motley pony on Port Meadow

You could spend hours trying to get such a patchwork pony to stand in such classic style against a patchwork background. Or you could just point and shoot, as I did. In the foreground is Port Meadow, a large inland sea only a week ago. Beyond the River Thames is Binsey, with Wytham Hill behind it.

Blue boat on the Oxford Canal

This pretty boat is at the bottom of a garden in Kingston Road. The canal water was clear and the sun shone.

Scaffolding reflected in Oxford Canal

The floods have made the waters of the Oxford canal very clear. The scaffolding is rather more attractive than the building it conceals.

Port Meadow cattle brave the floods

After days hemmed in at the south end of Port Meadow by the floods, the cattle and horses needed food. They gathered nervously at the brim before plunging in, then followed the river to Wolvercote

Cattle stranded on Port Meadow

The cattle had tried to move to the north end of Port Meadow but were defeated by the floods. It was several days before they could get up to Wolvercote

Trap Grounds Allotments gate in floods

Most of the allotments at the Trap Grounds were under water - scenic for a photographer, heart-breaking for those who had slaved to bring them to the height of the growing season.

The gate onto flooded Port Meadow

The water just beyond the gate comes over my wellingtons. This is the bottom of the Aristotle Lane entrance to Port Meadow in Oxford. Port Meadow is usually a plain of browning grass by this time of year. The River Thames lies this side of the distant trees, but you cannot now see where Port Meadow ends and the river begins.

Wet cow at Binsey, Oxford

Binsey is on low-lying land beside the River Thames near Oxford. The cattle looked distinctly mournful on Saturday, when this was taken.

Artichokes and Hollyhocks

Artichokes and hollyhocks make a contrasting array on the Trap Grounds Allotments next to Port Meadow, Oxford

Heron and canal barge at Port Meadow

The canal barge looks as if it is floating on grass. I do not remember a year when Port Meadow did not dry out by July