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- on Something to hoot aboutWe killed most of our Red Squirrels, rich landowners reintroduced them, killed them again and then they caught squirrel pox, which is fatal to them, from American Grey Squirrels which rich landowners had introduced as garden ornaments. We used to have Polecats which could control the Squirrel population but we hunted and trapped them and made them rare. As soon as humans trash one level in the food chain it throws the natural world spinning perilously out of balance and we have to then start killing the next level down and so on until there's nothing left apart from us,...
- on Something to hoot aboutI remember reading that some places in the UK were being overrun with squirrels. That might be a byproduct of not having enough predators to keep things in balance. Here, there are so many deer, commonly seen in my yard, that a hunting season has become one of the main ways to control them now that fewer are taken by coyotes or wolves.
- on Something to hoot about'Here' means anywhere in the UK. We've had a war on wildlife and left our country bereft of keystone species. I'd absolutely adore to see any of the species you mention. Wow, How spectacular would that be?!
- on Something to hoot aboutWhen you say "here", do you mean Orkney or mainland Scotland (or other)? I feel sad for your lack of wildlife. I feel fortunate to live where bear, moose, bobcat, fox, fisher, deer are all my neighbors. I might not see some of them very often, but it's always a thrill when I do.
- on Something to hoot aboutThey really are exceptional Sherri.
- on Something to hoot aboutYes, they like simulated holes in trees and have few predators. A Buzzard or a Goshawk might take an owl chick but precious little else. We've eradicated all the bears and wolves which once lived here and have nearly destroyed all the Scottish Wildcats and are in the middle of the state-sponsored destruction of Badgers. We live in wildlife poverty, particularly when it comes to predators. Owls are victims of rat poison and habitat destruction, so it's been a joy to see these survive.
- on Buzzard over DartmoorIt's my pleasure. Thanks for commenting!
- on Celebrating Einar at St Magnus CathedralYes, Charles. And he doesn't look particularly ugly, either!
- on Something to hoot aboutOwls are such magical birds and always my favorites. I am 67 so my owl love predates Harry Potter books
- on Something to hoot aboutGreat fun to see -- but I'm surprised they have such an open "front porch". Are there no predators (raccoons, etc.) there?
- on Celebrating Einar at St Magnus CathedralI’ve always wondered why he isn’t depicted as having only one eye in the stained glass
- on Cuckoos and Meadow Pipits – an ancient battleA lovely blog. There’s nothing like an early start and getting out there to see the day waking. We had a visitor in our garden at the same time you were off to Dartmoor. It chomped my roses and had a fine feast! We set the camera so got some great footage! A Roe Deer. Lovely to see…not so lovely re the roses and the ticks that it brings to the garden, though!
- on Buzzard over DartmoorWonderful shots - thanks for sharing
- on Theft, Lies and InstagramThanks very much for your support. I appreciate it.
- on Theft, Lies and InstagramBad craic min. “A big boy did it and ran away” won’t wash in court - I vote for chasing him for payment and any costs involved
- on When will I have time for Redstarts?Thanks so much Heather. They really are spectacular birds. What a thrill to have one in your garden. I've just been back to enjoy the Cuckoos and managed to capture the male and female Common Redstart close-up. Coming soon!
- on An inability to cope with natureWe don’t educate! That’s much of the problem. In my time at primary school, we had regular nature walks, nature study lessons and the nature table was a prominent feature in the classroom. In my time as a teacher, we did similar. Nowadays it’s lacking! The majority of young children do not have an appreciation and an understanding of nature from an early age. They would sooner be sitting in front of an iPad, playing games! YET, the annoying thing is that they have the best resource at hand to be able to use alongside nature. When I think back...
- on The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #7 The BramblingYes, the illustrations are fabulous, Sal. I don't think I've got the Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter ones. Will look out for them. Lucky to have a Blackcap - such a great song.
- on MagpieYes, Corvids are fabulous. :)
- on The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #7 The BramblingI have these fab, little, Ladybird books, as well as the ‘ What to look for in Spring,Summer,Autumn,Winter’, series. Superb illustrations! Every child should have these in their bookcase! They inspire,educate and bring joy…well that’s what I think! We have Blackcaps outside our lounge window as I type; their song is so delightful. Have a great Monday!
- on MagpieI don't have magpies where I live, so I have always been happy to see them when visiting the southwest U.S. They are so handsome, and I love smart covids. I find them endlessly fascinating.
- on Bluebells and Bear’s GarlicThanks Brenda. It really is such a special colour in beautiful light.
- on Bluebells and Bear’s GarlicThe intensity of the blue is just great
- on Bluebells and Bear’s GarlicI can understand your disappointment Sal. I have robust Spanish Bluebells naturalised in my front garden and they are poles apart from the delicately nodding native species. They're difficult to remove, too, so I've left them to enjoy themselves. Yes, it's a lovely spot.
- on Bluebells and Bear’s GarlicAh Bluebells...Hyacinthoides non scripta…the scent! Also, a bit of a sore point here, as last week I had an argument with a supplier that sent me supposedly Hyacinthoides non scripta, last autumn. Now in flower, they most certainly are not! They are the invasive, Spanish variety. There’s a big difference! One was not amused! But what a lovely walk you had ! One to really get the senses going! Beautiful!