Wednesday 11^th May  -  "Thump", on front window downstairs – a ‘House Martin’ did a Face plant , left a tongue mark then flew off.  The poor little mite having such a shock – thought it could fly through a glass window.  

Here is info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Swallow#p00g3nj8

And :  http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/house-martin-survey

This Beautiful Pair of House Martins have been taking their restful moments in our Old shed - they're not Nesting in there thankfully, as Cats roam inside.  This isn't a great picture but gives you an idea of just how protective they are of their territory, displaying  disapproval of me taking a photo.

Please click on pictures to enlarge. And thank you for reading my blog. 

Thought  I’d let some fresh air into the rooms upstairs , on opening the window saw a beautiful pair of  'Collared Doves'  sat perched on the shed roof.  I could hear a lot of humans gabbling on in some sort of conversation -  suppose it would be a safe idea for them to view from higher ground.

Info. below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Eurasian_Collared_Dove

Thursday 12^th May  -  A cold strong wind today with some cloud.  The smell of fresh grass with the taint waft of dung from the fields  awaken one’s senses for an early morn.

Our Mountain Ash Tree has flowered first time after waiting at least ten years, will have berries late Summer to early Autumn.  And with it being a ‘Rowen’ will be able to make Rowen Jelly for Christmas., on second thoughts there won’t be enough and would much rather let the Wildlife enjoy ! 

Info: http://www.wildlifegardenproject.com/component/k2/item/123-rowan-tree-sorbus-aucuparia.html

And : http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/874.shtml

The ‘Blue Tits’ have been extra busy , I guess the Chicks have hatched and the feeding frenzy is on !  They’ve been in and out all day long.  The sounds of new hatchlings give immense excitement ,  as a Burst of Life has emerged !

They fly continuously back n forth towards the Wood and on their return carry huge beak fulls of bright green caterpillars – they certainly look productive holding the munched-up food.

And here is it's tail having entered at great speed ! 

link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Blue_Tit

 Early evening and many more ‘House Martins’ have moved in  the Village.  They  swoop low to the ground around a field of grazing young bullock’s feet. , with a collection of House Sparrows feeding from the same ground.   I believe there’s a muddy patch which is useful for the Nest Building Martins.    From a distance I notice how ‘Sparrows’ fly , " they bob up and down"  - and must flap their wings almost continuously, if they want to stay up !  Whereas, Swallows and House Martins have a totally unique flight skill, wings are longer, more aerodynamic allowing more control., although I did see one struggle in a cross wind earlier but soon zoomed out with ease.

Been out to cushion the lovely juicy strawbs from the soil with some white garden fleece, not many,  just enough for what we require. “Not going to be greedy”.

Our Son enjoyed these two on his Muesli 

And I ate the third 'Ugly' one !

Cabbage White

White Butterfly on Chives, there were two but they fluttered about too quickly that I  only managed to get this little one. Info :   http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Large_White#p003kmdp 

And :                 http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Large_White

Also :                 http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/identifier.shtml?cabbage_white_butterflies

At the bottom middle is a Sparrow

Four or five  Sparrow fledglings are testing out their skills under the Mountain Ash Tree, with the adults close by. Fluffing up their tiny wings and hopping on the lower branches seems an easy lesson.

Tuesday 17^th May  -  Looked up at the sky and it was full of House Martins swooping every-which-way, enjoying their moment  with the busy task of Breeding.  

Spotted a Male Sparrow and House Martin having a ‘Dogfight’ –  the H.Martin released itself pretty soon.

Wednesday 18^th May  -  And it’s 9.14 a.m, What a beautiful sight – a flock of GoldFinch arrive to eat the Dandelion seeds.  So pleased we left a collection of weeds around the garden.

An interesting link on the Dandelion :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraxacum

 Here is a link for the Goldfinch : http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Goldfinch

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Here we have the 'Tads' from our Garden Pond

And haven't they grown a good size, plenty more to do yet !

'TAD' 

The wavy lines under it's mouth are a type of Filter feeding to eat Algae.

Bill and his three lady Hens enjoying the freedom out in the paddock.  The buttercups are showing a good display this year.  

The lettuce is growing really well behind the Potatoes, who are also doing great !

And these Wild Strawberries will ripen once we have some more of that beautiful sunshine !

Another view in our Woodland 

I do hope that I've made this Blog interesting for everyone, thank you for visiting  x x x

THINNING 'OLD DOCK'

Sunday 8^th May  -  Early morning dig-out of the old Dock leaves – allowing room for other species to grow as there’s far too many of ‘Old Dock’, will leave a few but generally require some thinning. "Don’t want a paddock full of same things."

Info:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex_obtusifolius

And :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex

This is the entrance lane into our Woodland, a place that takes all worries n woes away.  Once inside your taken to another dimension, a place of Peaceful thoughts, especially when the Wildlife feel free to enter your space !

Mr. Robin is observing the movements of us both, looking for the easy pickings of Worms.  We’re not stopping long, so will be off soon enough for him to sneak them away when we’re gone.

It rained all night long through to early morn so the outdoor plants have had their drinkies.  Just the Greenhouse Pots and Cold-frame to finish watering. 

  Monday and Tuesday were very Wet and Windy -

The Nymphs of Ponds do swim about, they wait for warmer times.

Our bodies grown large n stout, must change another skin.

The time is right to try as I might to change another coat.

Feeling the warmth of daylight, climb out,  my coat a little tight.

A direction of Metamorphosis  is occurring – A chance of another Life

Old case removed n put aside to stretch unfolding wings

Keep still awhile to full-fill my dream of newness

The smell is right the time is right, am off in flight – the sky so fresh n bright 

The above Damselfly took 30 minutes to 'colour-up' and the picture to the left is keeping rather still and in the shade for this  process to complete.






















Some very good information sent to me via a Lovely Lady 'B'  : http://www.amentsoc.org/insects/glossary/terms/metamorphosis

And :  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Odonata#p008gqjm

Tuesday 10^th May  - 

The little Bird’s Songs are carried along the Strong Winds, seems as though they go on forever but how beautifully Sung they Sing even on a Rainy day.

Jacky Jackdaw took first claim of seeds around the bird house, he didn’t stay long, he could only get his beak so far through the Wire cage surroundings – the audience of tiny Birds await their turn.  He leaves ... and an instant flutter of Sparrows arrive !

Wednesday 11th May  -  Intermittent clouds blowing from the west - we seem to be holding off the rain and keeping those sunny spells.

'Snowy' the cockerel is showing off, he knows I'm taking his picture.

He is quite small in body but has a huge brain and with those exotic feathers all-a-flapping probably shake off the night before's flea lodgers !

Our Well dug Veg.Plot !  Took some doing - used our very own Compost of Chicken and Horse Poo in amongst plenty of leaves n Fern.  And in return we hopefully end-up with some delicious crops.

I couldn't leave the page without showing 'Nippy' again but this time drinking from the Pheasant's water Skip x x x










Thank you for joining in the Fun !

Wednesday 4^th May  -  We slowly drove to our Gate and the two Hen Pheasants are stood along the bottom banking, inches from the road.  Whilst the Male Pheasant stood overhead as “look-out”.  They have become too friendly, are stood on the road now, unaware of Fast Vehicles !  

As we walk into the lane of our Wood, everyone follows.  I can hear the leaves and brambles rustling beside us- with the Blue Tits and Chaffinch fluttering from one tree to the next following with the excitement of our arrival.  The Air is very Cold but fresh with a little Sun.

I look down to see all manner of tiny creepy crawlies going about their daily lives amongst the Woodland Floor of fallen leaves, twigs, tiny burrows leading to a species I don’t even know the name of and I notice them, as part of our Natures link to Life !

The feeling of calm thoughts envelop my mind with the sight of so much natural activity.    The different shades of green each Tree forms,  with new leaves bursting open to the light of the day.

Mr. Nuthatch is the first to take his breakfast seeds, next was the Chaffinch (a little braver than the Blue Tit) who was next in line or pecking order.  I notice another family of Blue Tits housed in our other Nesting Box.

Information on Gorse :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorse

Blaze of Fire in UK    :  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13277476

Our Cat “Nippy” loves attention even from the Rotti “Duke”, sometimes they’ll cuddle-up together – Duke is so very gentle.  There’s a heavy sounding Tractor passing in the opposite field “A life outside for them, must be hard but oh so rewarding “.

Have put extra water out for Nippy but she prefers to drink from the Pheasants Skip bucket and the Horse’s !   She sat on the smallest ledge of Wood for just a piece of that warm Sunshine.

Thursday 5^th  May  -  The Sky gave us plenty of Rain today, made a nice change as everything was so parched, even the Rivers were running low.  “The taste of Rain” lovely.

Friday 6^th May  -  Columbus Clouds are gathering up speed for the need of releasing that Rain!

A Full day of Exams for our Son and he actually says he’s looking forward to them., thank goodness !

Just heading towards the Vegetable Plot and “Whoa!, I got a telling off”  from a Beautiful ‘House Martin’, I ducked to make sure I wasn’t in their flight path.  There were two and one of them appeared to stop in flight and looked straight at me !  What a Species to know  and such a Cute Face.  Unfortunately I think they’ve chosen our old Shed where neighbours Cats venture.  I do hope they survive as numbers are low ! Sadly I haven't been able to take a picture of these enchanting Birds, they're so Super Fast at flying !

Information on the House Martin :  http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/housemartin/

The Ducks in our Garden before the Bark Paths 

We decided to drastically change our Garden into raised Vegetable Beds, surrounded by Bark paths to encourage certain Insect Species for our Garden Birds, particularly the Black Bird.  And in return help to keep Aphids off the Veg. giving everyone in the garden a job !


The Wild Strawbs are growing their tiny Fruits.

Tyres come in handy !

Leucistic Great Tit








Info.below:

 http://www.rspb.org.uk/advice/watchingbirds/identify/abnormal/other_colour_variants.aspx

We had just arrived indoors from the Woodland and looked outside and saw this unusual Bird.

Himself ran for the Video and I took these pictures!

What a Beautiful Species and so friendly, I was even talking to him.

This all happened on Monday 21st March this year but an amount of my Blog went missing - so am slowly bringing New Peeps closer to our encounters of WildLife that went astray ! And thank you for being patient X  x

Mrs. Nuthatch 

She had been tapping trying to make the hole bigger, so Himself climbed a ladder to adjust the size for her as she was quite a bit larger and as any frantic Mother would be in need of unloading a weight !

There were so many Bees buzzing around the Woodland Floor that I didn't know which to choose to take a photo but decided on this one !

The Bees of our Planet are in trouble and need all the Help they can get, so please put plants in your gardens that they love !

Info:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Amegilla#p0053k73

The Woodland Floor is covered in these wonderful Primula.

The Cockerel 'Snowy' and Jack the Horse are making Friends well.

I found this little Bee early evening taking the last of the warm Sunshine.

Info: http://www.panna.org/current-campaigns/bees

Nippy Again !

Finally found the Picture of her peeping out of the Horse's Water Bowl !

The Veg.of our Labour - All worth it-2010

Thank you for Reading my Blog X  x

Hello my Friends - thank you for Returning and to those New Peeps !


Friday 29th April  -  Today's Weather was a usual 'Spring Feeling' of Sun but with a biting Wind ! Just hope our Weathers not going backwards, as we did borrow a few Beautiful Days from Summer !

Our Cockerel posing just perfect  "Thank You  Bill" - he is beginning to learn the true skills of taking care of his three Hens !

Saturday 30^th  April  -  Back to our Wonderful Warm Weather again today with a Strong Breeze .

Made this today: Bakewell Tray-bake.

Pastry: 150g/6oz plain flour.sifted. 80g/31/4oz marg.

pre-cooled water,plus 1tablepn caster.

For Filling: 5/6 tablespns rasp.jam.100g/4oz marg. 100g/4oz caster sugar. 1 large egg. 50g/2oz self-raising flour. 50g/2oz ground almonds. 2.5 ml or half teaspn almond essence, add more to your tastes.

Method:  Make a shortcrust pastry by rubbing the marg. into the flour and bind together with a little cold water, try not to handle the mixture (this warms it up) I mix with a Fork.  Roll out and line a 12" x 9" Tin.  Put into the Fridge to keep cool, whilst creaming the marg. sugar and beaten egg, also add essence.   Stir in flour and ground almonds.   Then spread the rasp.jam evenly on to the pastry and add the sponge mixture.  Bake at 190c/375F/Mark 5 for around 25 to 30 mins. or until when touched lightly will spring back- with a golden colour.  Sprinkle caster sugar over the top as soon as out of oven, or let it cool and spread a white fudge icing  with cherries to decorate.

MAY !

Sunday 1^st May  -  Lifted my head from the pillow, looked at the time 6.16 a.m. and could hear the Sound of heavy Rain and promptly stuck my head back to the pillow but when I eventually got up around 7. ish  it hadn’t Rained at all, twas the Jackdaws jiggling with the Wire Chimney Pot Covers and the combination of a strong wind – what a racket ! 

It did rain later on, Himself said “ Ten Spots “   !

After breakfast I slowly walked to the bottom of the Garden, manned with the Camera (for that just incase moment) looked around the Pond Area – “Nothing “ !  but when I peered into the water could see that it was alive with all sorts of different Species !  The ‘Pond Skaters’ were using the surface as an Ice-rink, the Tads were busy eating and a little ‘Brown Water Beetle’ whizzing around underneath, then dived to the bottom.  What a hive of activity for Species so small and thought very Highly of. 

The Pond

Don’t forget to leave a good amount of Weeds growing around your Pond for good Camouflage and Shade,  as these little Species need to survive from Predators – including the Hot Dry Weather ! 

So the Nymph was spotted by Himself, it was just emerging from it’s Case, from inside a black plant pot (which we’d placed in the Pond to  allow anything to climb out. )   Had obviously climbed out of the Water to release itself into a Beautiful Damselfly ! 

 I ran to get the Camera and he took this:

Whilst living as a Nymph they shed their outer skin as they grow, getting ready for the warmer weather to arrive - they climb out of the water (hence the pot) and 'Metamorphosise into a Damselfly.

Here is a Link to different Pond Species :  http://www.pondconservation.org.uk/bigponddip/animalsinyourpond

The ‘Strawbs’  are getting much bigger, will have to put straw in and around to cover the Soil – the Fruit doesn’t get grubby and Slugs find it difficult to cross.  Pine needles is a good deterrent.

Please click on  Pictures to increase the size.

The Garden Plots are almost ready, the Garden Compost has been divided between them.

Himself arrived back to the House to explain that All was very quiet in the two Hen Huts, on his early morning arrival !  The little Terror of a Fox had been snooping, now he’s trying to give them a Heart Attack !  Very Cunning but “oh so cute” X  x

The Herbs have been potted in two different areas of the Garden, nice to be able to pop-out-n-pick for those just deserving recipes !

And here is a Dunnock Fledgling on his brand new journey through Life !

A True Picture of Innocence !

A Video link here :  http://wn.com/Dunnock   with sound recordings.


Tuesday 3rd May  -  An exceedingly cold wind blowing from the North with the Sun showing an appearance.


Our Son was up and ready for catching the School Bus all in good time !

Which left Himself and Me at home alone after a two week Easter Holiday - felt odd and strange without him.
So we both went down the Woods to feed the Animals and Watered everything that required it's drink for the morning.

Another Path around the Woodland

The early morning smell of Bluebells, Woodland Floor and the lush Grass blown over from the neighbours fields created a Spring to remember !

Mrs. Pheasant had called early, eaten-up and was now taking a drink.

Mr. Pheasant wasn't heard or seen, perhaps he had gone off to challenge the other Male Pheasant or to see to the other Female but a little later on he arrived safely.


CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE



We both noticed a Female Buzzard surfing the Winds, just above us, enjoying her moment of a glorious 'Spring' Day !

Here is a Link :  http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/species/birds/buzzard.shtml