The Plucky Haggis

Job Chevron – Sharp Bends Ahead!

2011-11-20T13:11:00.071Z

Creag Dhubh (Craig Dhu) from Glentruim to Monadhlaith Mountains

Job Chevron – Sharp Bends Ahead! (mp3)

Twenty-0-nine: September, unforgettable day
Employment cut; redundancy, cheque, bye-bye!
An arduous tenure, a decade earning every penny;
Instant garden leave - IT policy, no friendly goodbye,
Timely communication to boot, 4 days, and a birthday!
Sad and angry, so abrupt and uncaring: professional irony.

Pick ‘yourself’ up, plentiful cash: Carpe Diem - seize the day!
Applying for roles I knew I could nail, and pressed to introduce
All my experience in several strong fields; I’d soon B making hay!
Countless cover letters and CV edits; few replies, what to deduce?
My approach, age, education, nationality, or stigma of redundancy...?
Two years on, confidence, cash, severely stretched: not even deuce!

Twenty-ten: Added knowledge and skills, employers wanted to buy,
Streams of applications with wider scope; a few phone interviews
Twenty-eleven: Day, month, year; lost track of time, still no hay!
Daunting prospects; unemployment rising - challenging times.
I can’t compete. And, after careful lifestyle deliberation I say
I’m heading north with Highland aims, and to die for views.

Twenty-twelve: Another year of survival, too soon & here.
A new application, for a well-suited post, may be my last
Post Olympic effort; I wait for interview results to hear.
If not, there is always next year! But how long cat it,
I,
Last? - TPH

Looking NE of Newtonmore (BR) to Cairngorm Mountains

Looking East of Newtonmore to Grampian Mountains

Forest & Woodland Inspiration

2011-09-17T11:16:00.001+01:00

Forest & Woodland Inspiration (mp3)

Dearest Patient Plucky Haggis followers, please forgive this extended lack of communication and posts to-date, but I am still alive! Sadly, my employment situation hasn't improved, so I needed to manage that most precious resource; 'TIME'! The keenest competing enemy to 'self' :)

I actually have a heap of 'stuff' I want to post, gained throughout the year, alas all locked inside my head. But during one low point in August, I wrote the following 500 word story, initially to lift my own spirits, and felt it worth sharing.

The first motivation came from seeing an advert for a competition held by The Woodland Trust's 'VisitWoods Project', the World Woodlife Fund (WWF) and Progressio, who were seeking a creative story that would inspire people about woods and forests. As well as inspirational, it was supposed to be informative and imaginative. I may be 'quackers' to think I have the Written X-factor :)

The winning entrant was to be announced on the 12th of September, and as I haven't heard, they must have found something more suitable to their taste. As writing is an intensely subjective subject, I encourage your own critique, Cheers!

“The Forest”

Alive today! But my kingdom’s future is constantly threatened. Established worldwide before man walked this earth, I spread my seed on winds afar. I’ve seen it all, played a part in evolution, revolution, and pollution; man’s first fire, modern dwellings, tools, weapons, inglorious war.

Only fractions of my once vast dominion remain today, and I hope a branch of it thrives near you.

My reduced estate, though treasured by millions, remains a secret to far too many. Please visit me from town or city, and become acquainted with my kingdom’s amazing biodiversity. Respect its integral scientific importance, and help reverse destructive tides; both yours and mine!

Without my environmental contribution to rainfall, oxygen and carbon – all life’s endangered.
Without your edification to deforestation, sustainability and restoration – I’m endangered.

However, let’s not dwell on what might be, if I’m too small to count, but act today at work and play.

Abundant activities take place within pockets of my kingdom, and participants frequently benefit from restoration’s two-way street. They truly are fantastic places, emotionally healing and refreshing. And as “Storms make oaks take deeper root” (George Herbert) - recuperate!

My kingdom’s forests and woods are your submissive friends, yet often poorly cherished. Think conservation, promote my richness, and cultivate responsibility and ecological awareness.

Nailed together, we’re on life’s thorny journey. The greater you respect, protect, restore my splendid kingdom; your kindred often takes for granted, a healthier fighting chance you’ll give me, to care for all your unborn children.

Eureka! Hail shafts of enlightenment through darkened canopies of ignorance and arrogance. Honour symbiotic revelation, eternal coexistence, mankind and forest bound by interdependence of survival.

Come princely stewards of all ‘our’ kith ‘n kin, and celebrate with me on springtime treat through bluebell woods, enlightened hikes through realms of fir to mountain tops and splendid vistas. Romantic strolls through copse of copper beech and silver birch, fragrant limes and aromatic pines. Love ancient oaks, coppiced willow, persevering elm, sycamore…, all shapes and sizes, deciduous and evergreen.

Now spread regeneration seed afar, watch it germinate, add copious rings, produce abundant fruit.

Educate all ages! Balance this with pleasure in woodland forest leisure, along tree-lined path or heather heath - avoiding bog, bridleway by way of horseshoe-posts or twisty cycle routes. Picnic by a babbling brook or wrinkly river, play ‘hide ‘n seek’, or camp at night - if approved, and dare! Or barbecue with friends and family - but always, ALWAYS watch your fire!

Year in year out, kick through autumn leaves, follow winter’s snow-filled tracks, skip into stirring spring, then, in contemplation, amble under summer shade; safe from global warming.

Clear your head, centre soul and lift your spirits. A plethora of flora and fauna, nature great and small, awaits you. So much fun, beneath, between, among my boughs, and if, or when, you’re less adventurous, just pause, and listen... breathe... inhale fresh air.

Breathe life into my kingdom, one united vision, sustain our planet’s future: Alive today, for aye!

Christmas Cactus, Claws and Crackers

2010-12-25T21:38:00.007Z

Listen!

The Snowman - Main feature

Seasons Greetings to plucky friends worldwide. As we roll up to and into 2011, I'm summoning all the good will I can muster to conclude a blogging good year here and trust there's something here for you all.

I met this jolly fellow nearly two years ago; born on one of only several wintry days endured locally that year, as many years previously before it. But what we've experienced in the UK recently, will surely remain with us forever, and we're probably not halfway through winter yet!

Christmas cactus

Pushing 40 foot articulated lorries uphill, through snow, might sound somewhat fictitious for only one person, yet that’s precisely what I was doing locally the other night; proving truth to be stranger than fiction. Generally, it has something to do with basic physics, though not one of my strongest subjects. Two artic’s became stuck due to other vehicles in front doing so, once these juggernauts lost traction they have an awful struggle to get going again on slippery slopes. All they needed was a plucky push until they regained momentum to see them on their way. Still a Herculean effort, at least that’s the conclusion I came to substantiated by the bodily aches and strains during the next few days.

Chaffinch - 'tyred', cold and hungry

Dunnock AKA Hedge sparrow

Most car drivers just needed some guidance, support and encouragement, along with a wee plucky push. During my four hour stint playing The Good Samaritan, someone else helped out with their 4 x 4, towing more severe cases over the brow. At one point they provided me with a high visibility vest. Weird! How I instantly became more officious and authoritative wearing it, mind you, it wouldn’t have stopped me becoming a squished ‘deed’ Samaritan, being nearly hit by a truck coming down the hill as I ran out in front of another struggling to make a three point turn. That driver probably got the bigger fright, being as I was so busy with this self-appointed part-time role.

Xmas required - Robin Redbreast

Later that week gone midnight, once there was little else on telly to distract me; I looked out to see a lovely hunter’s moon on the evening before the lunar eclipse, and was inspired by the snow covered countryside to take a stroll. Checking out the local wood, here, earlier in the week I’d noticed Badgers had been working hard; leaving a clearly marked track indicating their quickest route downhill to den, dragging fresh bedding from a big straw bale left out in the field above for pheasants. Sadly, no such sign when I came upon it this time round, just a few prints in the snow and the odd scrape - too cold and too much snow probably. So I left some peanuts for 'old Brock' before heading home.

Fieldfare

On route there, I'd come within just a few meters of a Red Fox, a vixen I believe, who just gave me a wide birth as she walked on her way. The barking Muntjac wasn’t quite as brave, but I could clearly see his antlers as he passed a little further down the hill heading towards another barking mate. While I’d quite expected to see these two, I totally forgot about owls, until a close encounter caused me to duck instinctively before then listening to these Tawny Owls screeching in the night. Sadly no photos, as I hadn't quite fixed my camera focus issue - next time!

The best news about all this snow is the hungry bird visitors it forces into our gardens. Along with a few Fieldfare, finding their way to The Plucky Haggis Diner this year, amid severe local conditions; 6 and 4 inches of snow, -12 during continuous deep freeze night-time temperatures, hardly rising to above Zero during the day…

Long-tailed tits

…I give you my winter list:

Twelve charming Goldfinch,

Eleven twinkling Starlings,

Ten chirping Chaffinch,

Nine hedgerow Dunnock,

Eight Collared doves,

Seven Long-tailed tits,

Six sexy Blackbirds,

FIVE GREAT TITS,

Four reliant Robins,

Three Blue tits,

Two: Coal tits; Yellowhammers; Fieldfare; Pied wagtails (Maybe one was White!)

And a Brambling very near my pear tree!

My very first Brambling AKA 'Cock o' the North' :)

OK this post mightn’t have been as good as the Queen’s Speech or watching Butch Cassidy and Sundance, but the only red herring here is this Lobster Claus - boom! boom! Until we meet again in the New Year; PEACE be with you and yours - TPH

Father Lobster Claws (Claus the red herring)

The Icy Art of Making Love and Whisky

2010-12-10T20:09:00.008Z

Listen!
Collared Doves, how do they do it? I mean mating in 2 degrees, OK there was a glimpse of sunshine on the 9^th December, a slight breeze, but I ask you! No wonder they’ve populated our country so rapidly and intensely, having such high sex drive and taking the briefest of opportunities to procreate; there weren’t any known pairs in the UK prior to 1955.
Not that I mind of course, a little jealous perhaps, but do they know something we don’t, maybe a New Year heat wave! Right now many of us would take that, however, I don’t really expect to see squabs late January or a heat wave, but will tell you if I do. These birds are just incredibly affectionate and may have tendency to pair bond. With a lifespan of about 15 years I anticipate the mating frame in my garden, as demonstrated earlier in this blog, will see a lot more action to come, as they tend to enjoy using one area – sounds familiar. Even their family name Columbidae, with imagination and twist of dialect sounds like; “Column! Bed? Aye ;-)” Sometimes a bird just can’t say no to such a romantic cooing invitation, fancy that!

Collared Doves normally breed between March and October, and while the warmth of the sun normally determines the breeding season. What’s the coldest you’ve seen birds (feathered variety) engage in hide the giblet, or seen early fledglings appear?

When taking photographs in unique hoarfrost conditions, it’s really important to rely on quality of results. Sadly not for me on Tuesday past, sure this plucky amateur photographer managed to take some good shots, but none revealed the detailed ice crystallisation I witnessed. Conditions were perfect; several days of extremely hard frost then -6, then -9, with the bluest sky the following morning. So incredibly frustrating!

I so wanted to blame my tools, I do need a better camera, but it was my fault. “Dear imaginary Claus, please provide me with an income to obtain a new D-SLR, lenses and filters, so that I can improve my hobby for Plucky Fans viewing pleasure”. Now light log fire, send request up chimney, and wait. Until then, spending £500 - £1500 isn’t sensible.

As the Autumnwatch discussion board was closing down, I started work on a poem. To set it in context, several mentioned their love of whisky, malts mostly, when two dear friends decided to ridicule those who added water to their dram. I was goaded into responding as they associated this practice with Sassenachs (Gaelic for Saxon, Lowlander or Englishman). As a Highlander myself, I resent the fallacy of not adding water, which was probably encouraged by canny Scots brewers, wishing you to drink it as quickly as possible, sooner you drank one dram and bottle, sooner you’d buy another!

I’m no connoisseur or whisky snob but there really is two ways to enjoy this crafted liquor, which to my mind is unlike any other; straight or with something less than fifty percent water to taste. Those who suggest its sacrilege to add water to malt, akin to adding ice with which I’d concur, surely forget that making it required a substantial amount in the first place, and is even cut to strength by the addition of more. There can be little genuine support for such puritanical cries, outside the banter and cajoling us Scots so dearly love to participate. And hope you agree with my poetic response to The Artful Codger & Skylark.

Sky and Art on Water in Whisky; Slange!

The Art of making whisky

And Art of drinking whisky

Quite similar they must be

Both dependent on our Sky

For a' that rain 'n ripened grain

Water stramash, please refrain

Aye consider starring up at Sky

Add more water or none at all?

Grace permit us a drap tae taste

Each to their own unique bouquet

An' raise our toast to one an' all.

Slange var, slainte mhath!

Tr. Cheers mate, good health!

I touched on the weather regarding my inability to photograph perfectly in it of late. But I sympathise with those of you caught up in travel chaos. Despite this brief rest bite, there’s ominously more to come, as this winter continues to rewrite records. Perhaps I’ll get a better opportunity before winter is out, to capture those stunning twinkling ice-crystal-clear images – TPH

Doric translation: stramash = uproar or disturbance; Aye = Always or Yes

Love Autumnwatch "We all know the song"!

2010-11-27T15:47:00.003Z

More Pampas!

The final week of Autumnwatch and Unsprung has just concluded (BBC2 eight-week series), confirming to all, as if we needed reminding, we're at the starting point of winter; December, January & February. And for the majority of viewers, it was a fun-filled fantastically vibrant colourful collection of informative fact-filled stories and images, toasting this amazingly changeable time of year.

Far from the UK shutting down for winter, it's about bird life going on vacation, a huge influx of migratory birds passing through or wintering here, and three British mammal species going into hibernation (Hedgehogs, Dormice and Bats), not to mention butterflies; Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma and Small Tortoiseshell amongst a variety of nature slowing down for the season.

Well done BBC, key presenters; Chris Packham, Kate Humble and Martin Hughes-Games and their supporting eclectic cast of of guest presenters, television crews, media moderators and friends.

Comma Butterfly

Today I’ve added a Links page so you've the ability to follow some presenter's own internet sites, blogs and various other useful organisations and research information. In time I suspect it will grow into quite a list, so if you have favourites you'd like me to include please send them by the Contact page.

Last week I toyed with the idea of re-writing "Love on the rocks" by Neil Diamond in response to a discussion on NatureUK - our ongoing Discussion Behaviour thread. Following another tweak or 300, I decided to record it, and here for your listening pleasure; Love Autumnwatch - BBC Tribute, bare with me through the first icy bars as I warm up to crescendo.

Beware of UK ice it's fragile all year round but - bootiful

So, celebrating the best Autumn we've had in the UK officially for decades, marking an end of the Autumnwatch BBC series for 2010 (25th November). A special Diamond rendition of "Love on the Rocks", in The ‘bejewelled’ Plucky Haggis blues style, a humble, hammy and gamesly rendition, parody, ode...

Listen!

Bracket Fungi on old Birch

Love Autumnwatch
Ain’t no surprise
Gave me so much
I’ve heard some replies
Think nothin' to boos
So some just sing the blues all the time

Gave you my mind
Gave telly time
Not felt alone here
With something to hold
Yes seasonally gone
Now all we want is a smile

First they tweet they want you
Hear how they really need you
Suddenly we find we’re out there
Goggling in the mire
And when we know we need you
Then we really need you
Viewing life without you cry
You've got to stay, don't go away
We all know the song

BEEB heed what we need

Best thing about winter!

You know what we want
That much we applaud
When Unsprung is gone
May be more birds above
It's cool when we all love AutumnWatch

First they tweet they want you
Hear how they really need you
Suddenly we find we’re out there
Goggling in the mire
And when we know we need you
Then we really need you
Viewing life without you cry
You've got to stay, don't go away
We all know the song

Love Autumnwatch
Ain’t no big surprise
Just gave us so much
We’ve heard some replies
Yes seasonally gone
And now all we want is a smile :-)

Personally felt it summed up our thoughts, but look forward to reading your critique comments. Though I doubt if Simon Cowell will be signing me up on the strength of my performance, but surely it’s better than Wagner! (X-Factor)

One of my favourite photographs

During the last fortnight I also launched The Plucky Haggis Facebook Fan Page, my sincerest thanks to those of you already confirming you ‘Like’ this blog, it makes it much more worthwhile putting the work in. So in addition I’ve launched another new Page; Picasa Album which shows all the photographs included here. You can enjoy them in the smaller slideshow within Blogger or go directly to Picasa for enlarged pictures.

Great time to visit our local lakes for a Wildfowl duck-fest

Odd ends: I’ve had Wrens roosting in a bird box under my garden shed eve, Long Tailed Tits passing through the feeders and Pied Wagtails dipping in and out the sunnier side of the garden among more usual suspects, but no Waxwings yet, despite apples being strewn throughout the garden in hope, benefiting the odd Wood mouse and Vole.

Least we forget - Scents of Summer

In closing this post, I hope folks remember to keep fresh water, warmish during frosty spells, out for your birds, with some food if you can spare a little it in such tight times. What's that you say, “I haven’t got a garden”, then send your cheque to plucky me so I can feed mine ;-) TPH

Plucky Writer Back on Track

2010-11-12T16:16:00.004Z

Listen!

Welcome to The Plucky Haggis 12^th November 2010 "Writer Back on Track".

Blue tit & Coal tit

Before this blog, I tried writing about other topics; financial investment, fiction and biography (all works in progress). As many, I would love to get paid for writing, but know just how difficult it is to get noticed or published, let alone make a profession from it. For every individual who does make a living from it, there may be 10,000 or more clambering for an opportunity. No wonder so many writing & publishing courses exist, to meet growing demand and dreamy optimism, for many writers it probably supplements their commissions.

Roses continue to brighten the garden

Recently I changed my username on the writer's workshop, The Word Cloud, where I first intended testing my writing ability, unsurprisingly, from “wannabe’ to “ThePluckyHaggis”. The site (among many others) is a place were thousands of aspiring writers meet, exchange contributions, and critique; content, style, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and so on. Strangely it was like saying I’d arrived, quite where is less certain, but a wannabe blogging writer, I'm definitely not.

Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus): Cooked berries taste like cough medicine. Fab!

Oh, I know there’s a huge divide between writing a blog and the traditionally accepted ‘published’ status, but we’re so easily held back by self-doubt and our historical views of success, some optimism balanced with a healthy pragmatism, can’t be a bad thing surely.

Autumnal copse; Pine & Guelder Rose among others

ThePluckyHaggis username is used now for all sorts of Countryside & Nature related accounts. Despite briefly intending to develop my writing skill & style within the Word Cloud community, I opted to follow a trend I’ve mastered since I was a boy – jumping in at the deep end, in blind-belief I’d swim. Not highly recommended. And I ought to have learned that when some kind soul saved my drowning skinny torso from a major swimming pool aged 8 or 9.

Corsican Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii

Even though the ThePluckyHaggis brand isn't text book appropriate for all I publish, it appears to have sufficient guts worthwhile refining further; besides it ranks number 1 in a Google search ;-)

My post about discussion behaviour; reprinted on the AutumnWatch forum, took an interesting turn when I wrote a follow-up message on the thread. Imagine my surprise being asked if I was a professor of psychology, and had I written books on the subject. Goodness, perhaps I should be writing more about people instead of wildlife & nature. Then another; "TPH should be a writer. Maybe for a wildlife magazine or TV." Well I never!!

Combined with your appreciative comments on my photography, among helpful correction, I'm greatly encouraged, thanks to all at home & away. With this in mind, another new business idea is hatching, with intention to encompass both nature and people passions. If successful, I aim to deliver dual annotation with informative observation in a single medium, another blog initially. If something comes of it, be sure my plucky followers will be first to hear about it.

Raspberries in November

Last week I ate some garden strawberries and this week gathered a bowl-full of raspberries, not yet wilted by recent air frosts. I also enjoyed over 100 starlings swirling around the garden, preparing to head south to their wintering roosts – I expect the BBC will share their hugely entertaining displays shortly. And I found this Harvestman too, hiding in the Pampas grass, and was cute enough to miss the frosting.

Harvestman - Phalangium opilio (6 legs ergo no spider)

News Headline: New type of Carrot grown on Olive tree. OK, it’s a mock-up to capture light, but the Corkscrew Carrot wasn’t. It grew this way of its own accord and tasted delicious, once I finally got my tongue around it =)

Corkscrew Carrot on Olive Tree

Sparrowhawk encounters continue; hardly surprising with 40 odd house sparrows, 20 goldfinch, 10 Collard doves, half a doz. Dunnock, 4 Blue tits, couple of Coal tits, and a Partridge in a pear tree. Ho! Ho! Ho! Actually, there was an iconic Christmas-card rocking-red-robin in it. Back to the bird in hand; it hung round the garden investigating this and that for about 15 minutes, sadly the photos I took let me down somewhat.

Sparrowhawk (male) - nosing around my garden and water feature

Ending this week, certainly feels more like early winter than late autumn, but I'll leave you with one of my all time favourite songs; Forever Autumn by Justin Hayward from War of the Worlds. Lyrics and pictures sum up core aspects of this melancholic time of year. Talking of leaves, it's a chore clearing them from path, drive and garden. Time to blow – TPH

The Cloud with Silver Lining - Dear Deer!

2010-10-26T19:31:00.008+01:00

Listen!

Chinese twins - something in the Water Deer

Now that most of us have been bitten by Jack Frost these past few days, we can look forward to some special wildlife encounters.

The beauty of colder and wintry weather, is that it can increase the visibility of British wildlife; like these Chinese Water Deer I came across in the wild last year, and this busy weasel taken Nov08 below; caught filling a larder in winter preparation.

Weasel meal delivery

As the leaf dropping phase of autumn speeds up, and wild fruit deteriorates in the frost, not including tougher berries that take longer to ripen, nature’s dwindling resources demand greater industriousness and adventuresome behaviour from wildlife to counter cloaks of darkness & refrigeration.

Hibernation is a luxury in which only a relatively few species can participate, and, provided their fat reserves see them through to spring now chillingly under-way, survive. Migration on the other hand is predominantly reserved for bird life & the odd insect on this island. Therefore most British species remain committed to weathering ensuing cold spells, fortunately heavily peppered with bird feeders. No wonder bird numbers are dramatically boosted by migrants from more colder northerly climbs =)

Red Stag - Impressive antlers palmate due to condition/nutrition see comment

With cuts left right and centre, we’ll all have to tighten our belts over the next few months, if not years! Finding additional ways to save &/or generate new income will be high on the agenda for many, already high on mine. That said, the majority of my recreation time has historically been spent in the great outdoors, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for alternatives to costly daytime activities. Suitably wrapped-up, you needn’t be overly dependent on weather swings either – in fact poorer weather can actually increase opportunistic encounters. Though places like the Woburn Deer Park can make encounters a little easier all year round.

Red Deer in its prime; Strutting & Rutting

Besides wildlife, nature in many other forms can be appreciated; tree filled woodlands, hills, dales, rivers, lakes, canals, coasts, parks, reserves and even footpaths through swathes of farmland - from gorgeous dawn to stunning dusk. Photographic opportunities revealed every which way and free. Once you’ve collated your best efforts, you could share them with friends via the internet, or find out what you’ve captured from bugs to birds, moths to fungi and so much more, via iSpot and other specialist sites and forums.

Fallow Deer young buck (most likely) Taken mid Aug09

You might even want to generate your own blog like this, in your own style of course.

Manchurian Sika - Sika/Red hybridisation quite possible

Each pursuit requires a few basic ingredients; determination, learning, practice, bit of imagination, physical and mental effort, but little else, assuming you have access to a PC & internet. You may even think about joining a group or club with similarly interested folk who'll be only too happy to share and encourage you in your new found leisure or passion. Small steps can eventually lead to great leaps, new careers or even additional sources of income, there’s a lot to be gained with a little effort here and there, and needn’t cost much more than time.

Muntjac Deer - Doe taken May09

Many creatures evolved by a similar process, necessity being their mother of invention, perhaps it's our time to evolve, change, reinvent ourselves, research new options, and emerge empowered, improved, reshaped and fitter for purpose (old or new).

Chinese Water Deer - Taken Dec09

There we have it for another fortnight or so – a fortnight that had high points; watching miners being freed from tomb like conditions, and finding a brace of pheasants on a foraging tour; road-kill sadly but delicious nonetheless. Offset by low points; rejection of a business idea, and a Revenue & Customs letter asking for an additional National Insurance contribution, to bridge a gap in the previous year - very weird, as it should have been dealt with by PAYE - TPH

Autumnal Indian Delight

2010-10-10T18:28:00.007+01:00

Listen!

Araneus diadematus

In the UK we are now being entertained by AutumnWatch. A six week series broadcast by the BBC, following the arrival of autumn and its affect on nature, and I couldn’t resist mentioning this entertaining seasonal show or addressing an observation. For me the show is as delightful as the Indian summer sunshine we've recently been enjoying.

Being a fan of these shows [Spring, Autumn, SnowWatch], I am intrigued by the reaction each show evokes on associated discussion boards hosted by Nature UK. I too contribute to a few and appreciate the interaction between similarly minded people. But a few reveal an unacceptable arrogance (perhaps ignorance) in their comments or opinion, which at times includes bruising & personal attack. Such behaviour is best left to wildlife, and shouldn't be as prevalent in a supposedly more intelligent species; mankind.

Pampas Grass Seed Heads

I can just hear my grandmother saying, they need their heeds knocking together or a good war to bring them to their senses. In a way she had a point, when we're attacked on mass we pull together, respect and care more for each other. During winter months different bird species stick together; to feed, roost or roam - flocking together for protection from predators among other reasons. Even during the year, most creatures tolerate neighbours, so long as their lives aren't under threat.

Dark or Grey dagger moth caterpillar

Where we do occasionally meet bullying human behaviour, there are two important things we must be wary off. Not responding in like manner, and if we must respond, counter it from a position of courtesy, they're entitled to have a different view, questionably expressed in the manner they choose. Therefore it is important to answer them without direct personal counter-attack - proffer our view succinctly, in control, and let it be.

Reed Mace

It may be difficult to stop there, especially if encouraged to reply, but this is precisely what we must not do in many instances. Not only is it better for us to walk away and join better discussions, but our first polite reply will not be lost or deflected by ongoing argument - which seldom gains any ground in remote situations. Often this first corrective action or response goes on working long after we've moved on, especially if the recipient has an active conscience (most have).

Some folks have been so hurt by people, they’ve little time for social interaction, and as a result devote more time to nature. Despite the comfort offered by wildlife in relation to this, it leaves a few vulnerable with detrimental reductions in social skill and sensitivity. Besides, written comments are easily misinterpreted or misunderstood, especially being as we’re surrounded by an eclectic global population. But if we truly care about nature and people, cut both more slack, then tolerance, understanding, balance and compassion will significantly increase.

Whatever the differences between the kingdom of mankind and the kingdoms of nature, none has greater emotional capacity than humanity. Probably why we fall-out so easily, often with those closest, or regarding issues that challenge our own personalised and trusted opinion.

Pholcidae (Cellar Spider, Daddy-longlegs or Vibrating spiders) & spiderlings

Wildlife of course takes no prisoners from time to time; Feisty Robins, Evasive Eels, Darting Dragonflies, Beastly Beetles, Hunting Harvestmen, Scrapping Spiders, Fighting Foxes, Swashbuckling Sticklebacks or Aggressive Swans. However, their behaviour is more often than not instinctive, territorial, protective and defensive. While ours is often driven by hurt, jealousy, envy, malice and pride; and always we're last to recognise it.

Agelenidae (Funnel weaver spiders): Tegenaria duellica – Giant House spider

Let’s continue to mature, appreciate what nature and people can teach us, and evolve into heartier statures of ourselves – we’ve all a way to grow, irrespective of age.

Ivy Fruiting

I'd like to know what your favourite post was during this first half-year. What would you like more or less of, what works or doesn't? Mine is still Meeting Prince William & Black Grouse from April as they're my rarest personal encounters.

It's been fun, despite the pressure at times, and opened up other possibilities & projects. I hope posting twice a month at length is sufficient, certainly challenging enough, but let me know if you'd prefer less and more often.


Araneidae (Orbweavers): Araneus diadematus (Garden or Cross spider)

Thank you for visiting, following, listening, commenting on, and sticking with; ThePluckyHaggis.

Predator, Prey and Passion

2010-09-24T13:57:00.019+01:00

Listen!

We're each passionate about something, someone, pet, hobby, instrument, work - an endless list. But does nature possess the ability to nurture & feed its own passion. I'm not sure, but that's what I'm doing here, feeding a few aspects about me that are in-turn reciprocally beneficial, spending more time on them, heightening and harnessing two key passions; writing and love of all things nature. Each subsequently adds to the other and this triage strengthens and encourages the whole. I'm passionate about people and photography too. People are fundamentally important to our existence in a sharing and caring society that somewhat sets us apart from nature, though I have a tendency to oscillate between being something of a hermit and that of a social energy-bunny; a mind-mechanic's perfect specimen for psychoanalysis.

Obviously we're made up of so many components, that the over simplification of anyone, based on a few notable aspects denies them their right to be themselves in ways we may not yet appreciate. Time and time again, we hear judgemental opinion, without any reasonable effort or respect to understand the inner person in question. Perhaps you can identify with this.

Likewise, to look upon birds of prey like the Sparrow-hawk as some villainous outsider threatening 'our' perceived status-quo in gardens, is tantamount to misunderstanding nature. This delightful hawk hones a passion for survival; aimed totally toward reproduction, and to such end it must evolve, constantly improving its hunting abilities to overcome everything nature, and occasionally man, sadly, chucks at it.

During the few weeks this hen-bird was with us, almost daily, I've no idea how many sparrows or goldfinch became a meal. Nor can I appreciate the valuable survival lessons remaining birds gleaned from close encounters, witnessed first hand. We probably had too many sparrows, I was struggling to keep sufficient food in the feeders, and this reduction probably allows remaining numbers to better weather the winter. Perhaps some of them went off to form another sparrow colony where there wasn't one.

Nature generally left to its own devices finds its own balance to the benefit of all. At times of course we have to help it along or offset our own effect, and at times even manage it; despite being controversial at times.

Recently I was entertained watching this spider, preying on flies, ladybirds and here in the rain a crane-fly. Gruesome to a few perhaps, but the struggle of wildlife can never be appreciated in humanistic terms. The glory is revealed however, when we have an appreciative understanding of the importance of thriving ecosystems. Within which, within reason, all the varied elements of multiple food-chains are actively growing, and become self-sustaining.

Quoting Sam Dixon from Wildlife Gardening: "The presence of an apex predator (one at the top of the food chain) such as a sparrowhawk is a sign of a great garden ecosystem and flourishing feeders. If you are lucky enough to glimpse a sparrowhawk snatching up one of your garden birds you should be delighted!"

We need to welcome ants and a myriad of other creepy crawlies, but if you have a well balanced system, they'll hardly interfere with your daily life & significantly benefit the health of your garden.

I'm proud to say my count of sparrowhawk sightings, appears to be increasing, year on year.

With the additional excavation planned, to enlarge the area of pond, and build its own unique growing ecosystem, will only benefit and help sustain more life. More can always be done, but the richly rewarding entertainment of nature and wildlife, evolving around us, puts us in touch with a thriving garden oasis well worth the effort.

Are you attracting more wildlife & nature into your garden? - TPH.

Flight Reflection; Life's Cycle

2010-09-10T13:59:00.031+01:00

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It's nine years to the day since that appalling act of terrorism notoriously now known as 9/11. I remember that day in great detail, even now, with significant emotion, utter sadness, shock and horror. I'd had the Tuesday off, and witnessed the ensuing tragedy, 7 hours straight, starting from just before the World Trade Center Number 2 tower was struck, c/o BBC & Sky News coverage. At the time I deliberately made an effort to contact those closest to me.

Joining millions, I was gripped & somehow united in this event of catastrophic mindless destruction, which was then followed by hours, weeks and months of uncertainty, echoed throughout a world shaken to it's core. Perhaps more so than any other before or since, including WW II, due to global advancements in communication. For weeks I found myself looking skyward, whenever I heard a plane in the London skyline, albeit involuntarily and without fear.

On 7/7 2005 I was only a few hours in front of that London bus that was blown-up by similarly minded terrorists, and already at work. Historically, I've had closer shaves with death, and at times I've missed opportunities to be more considerate &/or caring than others would've expected of me. My point; there are experiences in life that give us brief insights into our lives, hearts and even souls. We have all suffered loss, and in large measure will continue to so, ultimately, we too, one day, will be missed by others. A mysterious life indeed, and we need to adjust frequently.

One of the truest foundations & keys to this cycle of life must surely be RESPECT, and should be extended to the whole of Nature in all of its forms. One of nature's best illustrations of hope, change, and new life is seen in the creatures that change most during their lifespan, in a process called Complete Metamorphosis, such as the life-cycle of butterflies; egg, caterpillar or larva, chrysalis or pupa, butterfly or imago (The final adult, and usually winged, state of an insect).

Interestingly, about 12% of insects go though an incomplete process called, yeah, incomplete metamorphosis, missing out the 'pupa' stage. However these are no less impressive, among them; dragonflies, grasshoppers and even cockroaches.

Indeed every living creature goes through some degree of metamorphosis, perhaps it's important to appreciate this fact, at least periodically. Not only do we all change physically, but we can all change the way we think, act, talk and love, we don't have to wait until January the 1st to start. Sometimes it does take an unexpected event, loss, or religious experience, whichever way, it always demands self-will to follow through.

Global events certainly and rightly pull us up, and cause us to question the world and those we share it, which in-turn, should always lead us to questioning ourselves.

Reflect; on this past summer and consider the unknown autumn and winter ahead, let your mind fly to past events that demanded you adapt for the future & actively engage in change. Consider past or present relationships with colleagues, friends, family, and let the results positively lead you more toward butterfly or dragonfly, rather than moth or roach; if you appreciate my meaning :-) The world, your friends, family, and you, will be better for it; "the butterfly effect".

Flights of reflection indeed, and if we wilfully continue to accept this cycle of change, fondly recalling past lessons, more beautiful springs and summers must follow. Oddly, we Scots get a kick out of being melancholic, autumn & winter; bring it on..

Enough seriousness. Yesterday I saw this Grey Squirrel feeding on peanuts, probably passing through on route to a new territory, as one did 4 or 5 years ago. Been watching a now quite familiar female sparrow-hawk, probably a juvenile, hunting around my damson tree, and promise to post photos next time.

Time to think Fungi!

Pear wine; not very successful so far, but intend spicing it up for my last barbecue. Many damsons have now been turned into jars of delicious jam, best I've made yet, with an added pear & apple fruit twist. Just a few damsons & strawberries left to make breakfasts fit for a plucky king.

Time too, to pick super-delicious apples; I've been enjoying windfalls with extra strong cheddar, totally scrumptious - TPH

Harvest & Fermentation - Parts 1-3

2010-08-30T10:37:00.034+01:00

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Part 1. Sitting down to write this, I just saw a Sparrowhawk swoop under the damson tree and twist within a centimetre or two of a feeder. A miss, I think, it happened in flash. Perhaps a juvenile chancing their luck, as it proceeded to bank out of the garden. After 10 minutes I went out to check, noting the continued absence of birds. It hadn’t left the garden at all, though it wasn’t eating anything either, just waiting for an innocent easy meal to appear. It swiftly flew off upon my arrival, awesome, I live for such brief encounters; perhaps half a dozen each year if I’m lucky.

You may be humoured by this shot of a juvenile robin, or more amused by my falling 6ft while picking pears; bringing two laden branches of fruit down with me as I reached out for support, before landing on my back on aluminium steps, slabs & edging. Might have been really serious; concussion, broken neck, bones or deep cuts. Me, I just limped out with grazed & bruised limbs and back, and a heavily strained neck. Ladder-less and annoyed with myself, knowing it could have been prevented.

Ironically, 4 hours later, while tidying other parts of the garden, a huge damson bough heavily laden with fruit broke under its own weight. My neighbour had talked about propping it up that very morning, being as it leant over his garden, and to which I replied; "supported itself these last ten years, I don't see it breaking a week before harvest". Those words didn't taste good now.

Few days later, I managed to cut the power cord on an electric hedge trimmer, borrowed from next door, returning it along with my confession regarding the missing 3 & 1/2 feet of cable, he wasn't best pleased but the conifers look better for their trim-up, which offset my humiliation.

Caught this cute frog visiting my pond, another great reason to extend it. And finally a photo of Slugger above that, one of several garden friendly slug munching visiting hedgehogs.

My vegetable plot wasn’t as successful as last year. Parsnip, adorable last year, failed, likewise red onion, cauliflower, peas and Brussels, Sweet corn and sunflower. That incredibly long dry hot start to summer didn't help, in reality I just hadn't given it enough TLC (tender loving care). I had more time when I left for work at 5:45 in the morning and got home before 8 at night, after a 12 hour day, though latterly I worked more from home.

This time, if you’re visiting and or enjoying my posts, I’d encourage you to comment on the following subject.

Following years of procrastination, I finally started my own home-brew; wine mainly, though I might try a light cider, beer or even a decent stout, port or brandy (we can all dream). Can you see yourself ordering a bottle of nice Châteaux Plucky Haggis, no! Of course it’s very early days, though in just a few days it feels like I’ve been at it for weeks; reading countess advice c/o the WWW, from messages boards and bloggers to institutions on the subject.

Care to join me for more detail in parts 2 & 3, otherwise jump to the adieu comments at the end - TPH

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Welcome back to Harvest & Fermentation, Part 2 of 3.

Brewing your own is all very confusing. At least that’s what I’ve discovered among the countless methods and systems in use, barring a few common and basic housekeeping rules with regard to cleanliness, basic ingredients and equipment. I thought this was going to be simple.

Sterilisation: Is key to ensuring your creation isn’t inadvertently affected by stray yeasts, bacteria and fungi, after all, the last thing we want, is having to throw out hard-earned results just because it’s gone bad, sour or something you should be pickling onions in.

Ingredients: Can be fruit, vegetables, even foliage; water; sugar and yeast, all in infinitely variable quantities, depending on personal choice and plant matter.

Basic tools: include a food grade brewing tub for the ‘mash’ (plant material and liquid, which may include natural yeast). Here the 'must', juice of fresh fruit, is produced prior to fermentation by various means, such as trampling under foot, bashing with a variety of implements or pressing. The 'must' is then ’racked’ - moved or filtered to you and me, to another tub or ‘Carbouy’, for the primary fermentation process.

Following successful fermentation, the 'brew' is then ‘racked’, syphoned into air locked vats, or 5 litre receptacles known as ‘Demijohns’. Here, it's left to complete its secondary, occasionally third, fermentation process. Latterly, 'finings' are often used at the end of this process, to encourage further clarification prior to bottling. Then your treasured handiwork is finally bottled, hopefully considerably less cloudy, containing the desired sweetness & alcohol content.

Some brews can be drunk immediately, others require months before being drinkable let alone mature. Connoisseurs and others perfecting their art, may leave their brews for years to develop a complex body, often being stored for long periods in spirit soaked barrels, ageing gracefully in cool darkened cellars. Revered vintners indeed.

This is just a summarised reflection of what I’ve come to understand & appreciate, there are those who short circuit the process and others who probably over complicate it, just because that’s what they’ve come to trust & rely on. Somewhere between the two, I hope to conjure up something drinkable I.e. not vinegar or sour and certainly not poisonous.

With 35 Lbs of pears ripening more quickly than I can eat, being as I'm no longer able to share the bulk of my crop with dozens of appreciative colleagues (due to redundancy), I need to justify my trees arduous production, not to mention beneficial winter pruning and injuries recently sustained picking them; payback!

Upon reaching peak ripeness, I mashed the fruit, then squeezed the pulp through a linen tea towel. Much more work than I’d imagined, but I eventually recovered 5 litres of pear juice, or 'must'.

To this I added 300g of sugar per litre, dissolving it within the liquid before adding a teaspoon of champagne yeast & another of yeast accelerator and clearing agent, that will get the party started/fizzing/brewing. The yeast is now happily going about its business, consuming as much sugar as it can, converting it into alcohol under a cover of pin pricked cling film; pierced to let the gas escape and keep other organisms out.

In the morning I added 5Lt of water & helped it back into vigour by placing my pail (make do Carbouy) in warm water. The preferred temperature for the active part of the process appears to be between 71 & 78 degrees Fahrenheit (ideally 21/22 C), so a thermometer comes in handy, likewise a warmish area to store it, such as an airing cupboard or warm conservatory.

Another useful tool I’ve just acquired FOC and a few damsons, is a hydrometer indicating specific gravity (SG), by which you can then measure/calculate sugar & alcohol content, before and after yeast activation. (a - b / 7)

Lost you, bored you, intrigued you? Join me for Part 3, we’re still fizzing - TPH

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Welcome back to Harvest & Fermentation, Part 3 of 3.

Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to measure the specific gravity of my sugar impregnated pear must, at first, and will have to resort to an older method of measurement, using my Great grandfathers Sikes’ Hydrometer. This he purchased and used when he bought the drinking howff in Inverurie in 1892, along with 30 acres of land upon which he later built a small hotel. It was used then to test the alcohol strength of the spirits delivered in casks, adjusting them as required prior to being sold. It’ll be fun to use it after so many years kept in a box, once I've worked out how. Incidentally The Banks of Ury (not pictured), was later bought and run by one of his sons, my grandfather.

In turn, my grandfather was an excellent businessman who went from pub landlord, to owning Balbithan Estate above (1942-60), and gentleman farmer of Crichie (below) bought 1944 (family owned until 1975). He moved his family (my father & uncle included) to the big hoose (Crichie farm) in 1960, as the old Aberdeenshire castle was notoriously difficult to keep warm. The original building goes back to 1560, though most of it is dated in the second half of the 17th Century. Granddad had fingers in all sorts; pubs, butchers, farms, airfields...

Back to my pear mash, which might remain fermenting for as long as 10 days, though various methods and yardsticks are used, mostly dependent on the fermentation process slowing down, indicating that the yeast conversion is reaching a natural end, as it runs out of sugar or attains its alcohol peak. As I understand it, at this point we can further adjust or determine sweetness & alcohol content, by adding more sugar or water. Before finally adding a stabiliser (potassium sorbate) to inhibit further conversion. Especially important if you want to prevent explosions post bottling!

Various other additions are made throughout the process by some, such as yeast nutrients (Ammonium sulphate) or a pectin enzyme to help feed the yeast. Most, will kill rouge yeasts with the use Campden tablets (sodium bisulfite) and I hope to add some later. Then there’s the use of Tartaric acid or Tannin, for sharpness & bitterness. Simply too many factors to consider, and the only way to learn this art is to start and practice. Determining the appropriateness of each element, in each brew, following the basic guidelines of others, documenting the ingredients and processes adopted, so as to make future improvements.

Not satisfied with one brew, two days ago, I started my first ‘mash’ of Damsons, for a lovely little burgundy wine – maybe! Again, taking my own route with bits of information, gleaned here and there. Presently I have 7 Kilos of washed non-pitted damsons, initially steeping in 8 litres of boiling water – long since cooled. The idea being that juice and flavour soaks into the liquor for fermentation. During this period it must create a thick mould on top, which is then obviously discarded prior to ‘racking’. This approach appeals to my sense of adventure, though the first step might take a fortnight or longer, before presenting Burgundy wine yeast to the 'must', for the first real phase of fermentation.

The amount of fruit I’ve used probably requires at least another container or two, 23 Lt in total might be made if it all goes well. I’ll keep you informed, so long as I survive the process.

Quick note about the weather, it was certainly a very wet August, twice as wet as the average in fact, I recall less than 7 dry days of which only three were genuinely sunny & warm. BUT, I predict a lovely Indian summer, as we often enjoy here in the UK, so don’t store the BBQ yet.

Final bell, as we appear to have been caught up in a 'lock-in'. Extend your summer through September; get yer shrimp on the barbie, as we move seasons in anticipation of a fairer, perhaps more normalised, autumn - TPH.

The Glorious Twelfth, Friday Thirteenth..

2010-08-14T15:01:00.033+01:00

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..Saturday Fourteenth, perhaps each in their own right is just another day for most, but another day nonetheless. We’re all more keenly aware of time flying by as we approach our three score years and ten, and even more so when we pass it.

Whether you're missing a sense of occasion, that, 'The Glorious Twelfth' brings shooting folks high-up on heather moors, gun at the ready, seeking the first opportunity of the season to miss these notoriously difficult game birds, nostalgically recalling better days, or the anti-bloodsport type; groaning in sympathy for these peer wee beasties flying for their lives, from that day and the next 15 weeks - I offer you Red Grouse on a plate, well an electronic platter at least.

These were taken during the breeding season, my own personal highlight discovered during a cycling tour along the Coast to Coast route (C2C). Crossing England at the narrowest point, approximately 140 miles East to West, though some cycle West to East and even both ways - ouch! The year before, we completed the Great North Bike Ride (GNBR), a charity event of 54 miles from Seahouses to Tynemouth Priory, along the NE coast. It's an annual event attracting nearly 2,500 participants every August, and proves to be a healthy test for part time cyclists, such as ourselves!

Friday the Thirteenth affects thousands of superstitious individuals across the globe, though it’s actually a lucky day for many French – Bonne Chance! Luck of itself is subjective and disingenuous in my view, as it can't be bought or tangibly passed on, just merely wished for, offering false confidence.

Capturing wildlife, rare or wild moments of nature, often requires something more than a modicum of chance, we can certainly increase our likelihood of being ‘lucky’, with greater patience, endurance, alertness, focus, commitment, sensitivity and belief or positive mental attitude.

Sadly TwitPic isn’t functioning presently, so I'm adding more architectural flicks to the content. Adding culture & contrast, after-all such structures provide framework, backdrop and countless opportunities for nature to inhabit. And I'm sure bats fly out of these belfries.

BTW last of the blackbird juveniles were seen flitting out my garden Sunday morning.

Last weekend I had the honour and pleasure to spend a couple of days with my youngest sister in London. Who took me to my first West End show; 'We will rock you', followed by a fantastic meal in Covent Garden @ Chez Gerard - Chateaubriand; oh lush, mmmm!

Sunday morning we took a tour round Hyde Park after a shared Full English. There we came across this splendid heart warming show, a Great Crested Grebe parent teaching an eagerly adventurous & somewhat ravenous youngster, to catch fish in the Serpentine. "Squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak.." it darted its head to & fro waiting for mum to re-emerge; she could hold her breath at least twice, perhaps three or four times longer than this baby 'helldiver' - as they're known in North America. Eventually, mum pops up, often with food, to be greeted by this bee-line looming offspring who's steaming in like a speedboat to receive it. They then dive down together for another lesson, which lasts just as long as growing lungs can take it, before bobbing back to the surface squeaking impatiently again.

Fantastic, delightful, beautiful, entertaining and very fascinating – yes, I’d more superlatives for this than the Queen gig, well what do you expect, seats were exchanging for over £60, this was free and with endless repeat performances. You see, I'm just a poor boy from a poor family.. ah well, back to the day job.

I'm leaving you with two last delightful flicks, taken very recently, after seeing a Black Swan swimming with a Mute Swan PEN and three cygnets, here they're seen racing for the shore to preen; oh I think the grey one reached the shore first.

Might these indeed be Hybrids (Black Swan x Mute Swan)? Very rare, but it does happen, they certainly look rather sooty to me! Another great reason to visit later in the year - TPH

Goodbye Dry July - Wet August?

2010-07-31T10:28:00.026+01:00

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Brace yourself, fresh from a far-a-way land, a foreign country with enough dialects to sound like umpteen different countries had collided, yet whose mother tongue, Gaelic, is scarcely heard. Yes, The Plucky Haggis returns with a heart still beating strongly for all things wild, as my trip returns me from the Highlands of Scotland, passing through Co. Durham on route; "Wey aye man".

I dare say thousands undertake this journey daily, while countless more intend touring some day, I'd urge you to do so – they need the money.

I could regale you of a painful tale about lost car keys over the weekend near Durham, prior to discovering some kind soul had dropped them in through the letter box of the local police station. Sheer relief and delight at their return c/w attached memory stick, can only be expressed akin to a pauper loosing a pound and finding a grand. Thank you!

With an odd blend of elation and self-annihilation, I continued north.

Care to share any mishaps with us?

Sadly my trip to Aberdeenshire’s coast didn’t reveal Bottlenose or White-beaked Dolphins playing in the harbour, not even a Porpoise, though I didn't expect to see Minke Whale which are also occasionally seen here.

Further round the North East coast, I visited a lovely secluded much favoured coastal village, where I’d spent many a happy day playing in the sand & sea; just as my mother had, her parents and grandparents before her.

You'd like to know where, so you can add it to places you’ll never visit, but I'll save you from such procrastination, yet I’ll happily fess-up if someone guesses correctly (family members excluded).

Another stunning photo from slightly further up the coast, a lovely small harboured inlet full of boats; one of countless cute bays, ports & harbours that hang like pearls round Scotland's mountainous neck, or her diamond encrusted crown depending on your view.

Inland, Royal Deeside toward Balmoral (excuse me again, for yet another royal connection), at the Falls O’ Feuch, over the Feuch Brig overlooking a renowned and exciting viewing point for leaping salmon. I spotted this hard-working Grey Heron. Heron are one of my favourites after reading The Henry Williamson Animal Saga, which I've just reordered. You know the one, capturing the adventures of Tarka the Otter, Salar the Salmon, the Epic of Brock the Badger & Chakchek the Peregrine Falcon.

On my return visit to Durham, I enjoyed this stunning Cormorant preening at a weir. For me it was far more interesting and attractive than the Morris Dancers up town.

A trip to my friend’s brother’s farm, reacquainted me with their gorgeous imported Black Swans; native of Australia & Tasmania, and found wild in New Zealand following introduction. Check out its bristling feathered response to my close proximity, which was accompanied with the odd hiss of haughty disdain.

Here too, as on past occasions, I enjoyed an up close and personal encounter with swallows, such moments can only be appreciated on a busy working farm, as they pass within a foot of your nose scarcely minding you're there. Sadly my camera nor skill are decent enough to capture this, but think they’re just as cool posing in a nearby tree.

Back home, I was disappointed to see I'd hardly had any rain. Despite preparing for an extremely dry year, I didn’t expect I'd have only an inch over the 3 to 4 months, while elsewhere in the region received approximately 4”, and this when the local average is normally 8” – OUCH! Withered & wilting signs were hard to miss. Perhaps I should reconsider plans to enlarge the area of pond, however, I think greater catchments of water in any garden is actually going to prove prudent, especially as we progress through these predicted drier weather patterns. Get digging!

Concluding this week, I’m pleased to say Blackbird brood number three (rear garden), looks equally successful, feeding sounds like 4 to 6 are soon to fledge, having been well served by their only surviving parent, she must be exhausted. Also, while trimming rambling roses for a second flush of flower, I spied plenty Leafcutter Bee handiwork. Just as well next door didn’t pretend to be a hungry woodpecker while I was gone. TPH

Excuses, Excuses, Golden Excuses..

2010-07-16T18:47:00.014+01:00

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I know, I know, I know.. I was going on tour, I was going to post fortnightly - I was also going to be Vet or a Gamekeeper once upon a time too. I could go on, but this is supposed to be a nature & wildlife story blog interrupted with the odd gardening tale, and I can only apologise, promising hand on heart to post something outside of my little enclave next time. Note the lack of commitment to post in a fortnight – it might be next week (Cough! Cough!).

Oh, I still hear you begging for some form of excuse. Well presently I appear to be somewhat unemployable following redundancy, ergo job hunting takes precedence; daily searches, dozens of applications, on-line tests, interviews etc. etc., resulting in nae tour away, sorry! And of course there was a special event happening in South Africa & one in South London which may have added to my difficulty squeezing it all in.

Proudly though, I took a few more pictures, of one, of at least four Blackbird fledglings, who stayed in and around my garden nearly all of their first week in flight (if you can call it that). I’ve since reconsidered my view of the first brood, which I probably assumed wrongly, had been predated right at the point they were due to fledge, just because I hadn’t seen them fledge nor after. That was until recently, where of late I've seen slightly older juveniles visit now and then.

Watching this brood more closely, I'm now convinced they did fledge, as the parents behaved exactly the way they did last, this time round. And realise just how lucky I was to see more of ‘Jasper’ up close, soon after, but again not much beyond that first week. This again reaffirms my belief that it's only by getting up close and personal to nature, you really get a sense of what's going on, mistakes 'n all. Oh, and there are signs Mrs Jasper is going for brood number three, though it looks like it was too much for Mr Jasper - which begs the question was she fertile before he disappeared, time will tell.

I must mention leafcutter bees again, some have now filled & sealed several tunnels with their eggs, which could even emerge later this year, though the majority will interrupt their cycle, and emerge next spring, as it starts to cool.

From information I picked up in the States, they probably lay female eggs at the rear of the tunnel and males eggs at the front. I suspect you can appreciate the reasoning behind that, but as the males only have one good use, it's probably good they get a head start. But it also means if they're predated by say a woodpecker, the females further back have a greater chance of survival, it's all about the women in bee-life.

Leafcutter & Masonry (solitary bees) are also known to pollinate more prolifically than Honey (colony bees), in many areas, so any help we can provide must be good. Not that my neighbour might agree, pointing to his young rose without a whole petal to its single stem. Thankfully they haven't touched mine - yet!

AWOL this year so far, are my Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, which I must at least record for posterity from the previous summer here. I suspect my apparently ever-present presence in the garden this year, combined with their natural shyness, hasn't been all that conducive for them visiting, especially while their young are hanging on to their colourful coat tails.

The summer here (I know not everywhere) has been so incredibly dry, not to mention occasionally very hot, to the point I’ve had little more than a saucer or two of rain, until recently. My poor vegetables & strawberries needed all the help they could get; forgiven me yet? I've just noticed today I forgot to close the main water-but tap, after cleaning it out; the blogger is not amused!

Delightful bugs, flies, butterflies & moths abound at this time in the garden, gorging on nectar, pollen or smaller flies; much to the delight of Swallows, Swifts & Martins.

I'll sign-off with a list of my feathered friends who have at some point during this year put a smile on my face and a song in my heart, or occasionally made me go ARRG!!

Sparrow-hawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite (OK once!), Swift, Swallow, Wren, Yellow Hammer, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit (occasionally), Greenfinch, Collard Dove, Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Blackbird, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker, Tree Creeper, Partridge, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail (occasionally grey), Field Fare, Black Headed and odd Herring Gull. Yeah, until the next - TPH

Post Springwatch - Juvenile delight

2010-06-18T10:40:00.033+01:00

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Whether you’re an avid fan or casual observer of the Springwatch programme, one can’t fail to be impressed with the display and variety nature provides. But getting in amongst it and witnessing nature first hand, even the most simplest of wildlife, is a must if you're to appreciate the 3D package. Sadly many of us are too busy, relying solely on the media to uncover worlds on our doorsteps, let alone reveal nature's secrets further afield.

Without such documentary type entertainment we’d be left more ignorant and arrogant. Thanks to the BBC & others, we're kept in touch with our surroundings; more educated and informed, in this is my licence fee justified.

One more note about Springwatch, regarding the discussion threads. What a fantastic community of interesting people; educating, helping one another, having fun, and from time to time the odd pop or two. Every family's bound to have a few squabbles (like goldfinch), over differing opinions & points of view. Such diversity of itself is an accepted part of life's rich tapestry.

It would actually be a terrible world if everyone thought the same. But here and there emotions spill over and people get hurt. Most of it builds character, prevents a degree of dumbing down, blinkered vision and intolerance, as such we've more in common with nature than we'd perhaps like.

Looks like we've got to the 'bottom', so to speak, of the funny Dunnock story, thanks to the bulletin boards who enlightened me to a very rarely seen, but not uncommon behaviour. The aloft derrière most likely belonged to a recently impregnated female; her promiscuous behaviour was offering another male opportunity to mate with her. Only if he can dislodge the sperm packet she's carrying, and rams his own home, as yours truly probably witnessed! Well I never.

I've just added a fancy flag counter to record my growing number of global visitors, more the merrier, and welcome to you.

Blackbirds are doing just great with second broods front and back gardens, and are making the most of the additional food put out during this breeding season, including an indulgence of re-hydrated mealworms. Their pierce-perfect alarm-calls, inform all, when the Kestrel, Sparrowhawk or other threat descends from airspace, immediately reinforced by dispersal & silence! Males don’t take kindly to Starling competition either, providing fascinating displays of scrap & flight. Amazingly they fledged as I wrote this, c/w parental black-alarm!

BUT the stars of my garden show this spring must be the Yellow Hammers or as we sometimes refer to them as, the Scots canary. You've got to love the yellow humbug face of the male; slightly more discrete in female & juveniles. And their song; 'Little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese' or Scottish; 'deil-deil-deil-tak ye'. As these buntings are rarely seen in gardens they're all the more welcome.

Flowering foxgloves are feeding a number of different bumble. My Leafcutter bees were much later to emerge than I’d expected, but did. So I'm keen to double the holes for this years egg cells and hopefully capture their emergence next spring.

Roses are always delightful in June, but they've done much better this year as the menacing aphids were less abundant to nip off new buds. Thank you long harsh winter, late spring, stuttering start to summer and hungry juveniles.

Of late, I've been monitoring a common seven spot ladybird, who's egg laying/brooding, on my young grapevine and hardly moved these three weeks. There's little fear of the hundred plus daily bird visitors touching it with such a clear message on its wings. Not sure which team colours it represents, but it’s about as iconic a British insect as you can get, unlike the European Harlequin invader.

Want to understanding more about the 26 recognised species of UK ladybird, check out the downloadable guide via this link, or even help with the survey. http://www.ladybird-survey.org/ladybirds.aspx.

That’s it for another fortnight, though with so much going on I often want to post weekly. Next time I hope to get a little further afield than my garden boundaries. On tour – TPH

June is Bursting Out in Style

2010-06-05T13:25:00.013+01:00

Listen!
Saw the funniest thing this morning - Dunnock Derriere!

On the garden path, this juvenile dunnock AKA hedge sparrow or hedge warbler, was either constipated or pretending to offer mum a faecal sack. Mum tried half a doz. times with a careful prodding at her flitting youngsters aloft rear-end. Nothing! Incredibly, she took a few steps back, then ran at it speedily kicking its bum, well you can imagine what such a fright did! :)

Please share your own funny wildlife tales.

Blue feelings about my tits. It was all going so well, they’d raised a half doz. chicks even though one parent had a club claw which didn’t affect its industriousness. Suddenly it went AWOL, only 5 to 7 days off the whole brood fledging. Eventually four out of six left, which isn't uncommon, but being as there was only one parent and no return visits for over six daylight hours and a very cold evening following, I decided to intervene.

In all my years adoring blue tits I’ve never done such a thing, and probably wouldn’t again, nature itself is a far better custodian, and perhaps significantly less cruel than our best intentions or best will in the world can often impart. That said, my sincerest applause to those of you whose personal testimonies inspiringly contradict.

I read pages of stuff about raising these two orphans, who were about a day or three off fledging; often an additional result of a single parenting. Understanding that I’d need to be committed for at least a further two weeks prior to releasing them, just as their parents continue looking after their brood before they fend for themselves in the trees. Hence the gap between many of our tits fledging and our seeing them again on garden feeders – they’re off gorging the family on juicy twenty course lunches.

So in an old bird cage borrowed from next door, Pinky & Perky survived their first night out of the cold yet alone, well apart from a small cuddly toy. At dawn, they had me up & out searching for food (when last did I get up this early!). Perhaps I should have hospitalised them but having took responsibility I felt obliged to do my best.

Despite feeding well right through the day; maggots, ant larva, a range of creepy crawlies with a tiny bit of chopped up wriggly worm moistened in distilled water at regular intervals, they toed-up before their second morning.

The episode only lasted 24 hours but still left me with mixed thoughts; mistakes I must have made, the error of intervention, and arrogance believing that I could realistically offer hope, proper sustenance and a chance of life. Now believing that it was probably less cruel to let nature take its course as I did with the mice, sorry!

Memories! Aged 10 I found my first dead blue tit on the side of the road on route to school. I kept it in a matchbox for nearly a week until aroma & beetles told me it didn’t belong there and buried it. 11 I found a kitten, and hid/kept it in our indoor coal bunker for a week before mum discovered it - we actually kept it. 12 I found a dead bat (Pipistrelle) at school, at the time I wondered if it was a new species of flying mouse. Its last memory was probably munching a fly before lights-out courtesy of a telegraph wire it didn’t see coming. 9 I recall having kits (baby rabbits) in a cage one holiday, who surprisingly escaped one day, at least that’s the story we were fed by the gamekeeper who had given them to us. Ah, such juxtaposition between help and harm.

On upbeat note, Blackbirds appear to be sitting on their second clutch of eggs 8 feet up in evergreen clematis. I never saw their first brood, which I now sadly consider may have been predated by carrion crow. My earlier reckoning was they'd fledged, hopping about in quieter gardens nearby, but I ought to have seen them by now – nadda!

Lastly, allow me direct you to a blog of similar interest, less wordy, better pictures, full of heart despite being unwell and a blogger with a clear focus on life! http://mysnowdoniagarden.blogspot.com/

Springwatch is getting into its stride and a complete delight to follow; Halcyon Diaries is just idyllic, but what a Jessie James! (Irony of kingfisher tale =); And sadly Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape concluded.

With healthier & wiser respect for natures battle and triumph - TPH

Cold long winter -> HOT long summer!

2010-05-22T10:04:00.016+01:00

Listen!

May blossom from Hawthorne now fully in abundance means it's not only safe to cast off the thermals, but every stitch and bask like the lizards some say we once were! Mid twenties in the sun is very pleasant indeed, though as gardeners we’re craving more than a little moisture. I suspect we’ll be severely challenged this summer, perhaps even battling drought like conditions similar to that of 2003 & 06.

That last bite of winter, spring cold snap, with widespread cloak of frost, was quite a shocker, taking its toll on just about every tender green shoot. My young wisteria buds were particularly hit hard, rhododendron blooms all but wiped out, fortunately none of my 9 vegetables had yet sprouted. Half now are showing their first leaf under the watch of Scarecrow, I only hope Scareslug continues the night time fight – AKA Hedgehog; whose payment for winter rent requires to be paid in full!

Bluebells on the other hand shook off Jack’s attack, wooing us with impressive carpeted displays as always. We owe it to ourselves to enjoy these special moments and share it with others.

Since I last wrote, I had the fantastic opportunity to observe a Red Kite flying overhead, a first above my garden. Instantaneously recognisable in comparison to the Common Buzzard population, with a significantly larger wingspan, dihedral (vertical) feathered black wing tips and unmistakeable forked tail.

What is it about the first signs of summer that make us leap for joy in the way lambs leap in spring? Probably varies year on year, but I seriously enjoyed seeing my first ladybird fly by which nearly landed on my nose, swallows zooming through my garden are always a charm, and best of all - basking in the warm sunshine.

Please comment on your first joyful summer moments.

Blind mice check: Tube was empty when I lifted it, obviously rescued and a pleasing moment – though slightly offset by next door telling me he’d caught 4 in his shed this last week. Oh no, but course they hadn’t been my mice ;-), nature certainly requires an awful lot of give and take.

Blue tits are doing very well indeed, though one of the adults has a dodgy claw which hasn’t hindered its industrious spirit & anticipate fledging will happen next week (19/20 days post hatch). Mightn’t be long either before I find Collard Dove chicks pecking my sweetcorn!

At last the UK BBC Springwatch starts 31st May, whereupon many of us will be substantially entertained, enthralled and energised; justification alone for the BBC licence fee imo.

Fare thee well Tulips - TPH

The Political Side of Gardening...

2010-05-07T13:00:00.034+01:00

Listen!

Bluebells are now firmly in ascendancy, pushing tired reddy rhododendron blooms into second, with wilting yellow daffodils in third (they gave it their best) and not forgetting that First Green Shoot. That's our political garden for you!

My second year planting garden veggies and I already harbour failures, favourites & fantasies. Gardening is a continuous adventure with little respect for historic measures of success, it’s all about the present and governing future elemental uncertainties. Remind you of anything?

This year, I wanted to keep my efforts to a minimum, keep it LEAN, with one piece flow I'd cut-out wasteful repetition potting-on here & then. My attempt to focus on value of time meant all nine vegetables, mostly from seed, would all be sown within one day; survive or die, flourish or fail.

Sown in 4 foot drills; Parsnip, Carrot, Spring Onion, Cauliflower, Swede, Red Onion, Peas and Brussels sprout, I lastly added Sweetcorn at two feet intervals around my postage stamp plot. It all took around three hours (not including moosie duty).

During soil preparation, I inadvertently disturbed a Wood Mouse nest, and though obliged time to time to trap the odd ‘moose loose aboot the hoose’ as pictured, this required Rabbie Burns like intervention. I may yet rue such care, waking up to nibbled shoots!

There they were swimming in the soil perhaps several days old, who when born resemble pink pencil-top rubbers, now tiny-weeny baby elephants by comparison. Survival of these potential orphans depended on common sense & creativity. I cut an open-ended cardboard tube about 7” long, added a hole on two sides, plugged the bottom with straw to prevent them falling out and stuffed it with their uncovered bedding topped with hay from last seasons hedgehog box. A perfect wood-mouse house makeover.

Add 5 blind mice, plug top with hay, return to oven (terra-firma - not gas); buried at 45 degrees roughly where they'd been unearthed, left the top just below ground level to let mousy smell permeate the air, yet prevent predation or suffocation. I then loosely filled the gap below with hay then backfilled earth. Sure sign next morning confirmed all was well, with an active burrow heading down the side of the tube.

Robert Burns – “Tae A Moose” [Original Rendition c/w English Translation]
http://www.worldburnsclub.com/poems/translations/554.htm

This years Blue tits AKA "chickadees" or "titmice" in the US, have recently hatched (counted at least six, though there could easily be another six). My first brood of blackbirds fledged a week ago from my evergreen clematis and anticipate another brood will follow-on soon. Robin's Nest also fledging.
Please share your garden tales with us.

I’ll leave you with one last spring-like political thought provoking rhyme:

The cuckoo comes in April,
Sings a song in May,
Then in June another tune,
And then she flies away. - TPH

Cherry, Damson & May - have it your way!

2010-04-24T00:57:00.023+01:00

Listen!

Ne'er cast a clout till May be out

Whether you accept the saying as referring to Hawthorn blossom AKA 'May' (as I do) or trust it to mean the month of May, which can at times still be a wee bit chilly depending on your region. For example, in the North East of Scotland, due to the difference in temperature, it can be as late as June before it's oot! However, what is obvious, Spring is certainly being chased by summer, and so it's fairly safe to cast off your thermals and open a few windows!

Bees and butterflies are finally showing face and wing, while blackbirds and robins are frenetically feeding their first of two or three broods. I suspect they're working a little harder this year to make up for many of their kin that didn't make it through the harshest winter endured in these parts, in decades.

Ecology of nature is interesting. The Lapwings arriving from Northern Europe didn't stay near me this January/February; when they first arrived, but were chased further south due to more snow and freezing weeks than they were normally accustomed. But I'm pleased to see they've crept back to familiar nesting sites care of a warmer Southerly wind. What farmland would be the same without their showy flights or cries; peewit, peewit!

Amazing ecosystems surround us. Sparrow-hawks fly into my garden every so often to gorge on a smorgasbord of smaller birds, attracted by my feeders, which can sometimes be a little disturbing and annoying, BUT spell-binding and awesome to watch. Then again, I need several species in good numbers at this time, to clean my plants, shrubs and trees, of bugs, larvae and aphids. More on this as we proceed throughout the year.

For now, I encourage you to take a little time to enjoy all the outdoor energy you can take in: Calling, chasing, courting, pairing, mating, nesting, laying, hatching, begging, feeding, flapping, fledging, flying [and breathe], occasionally interrupted here and there with a little dying.

Please share your favourite aspect of this time of year. TPH

Easter Sunday with Prince William

2010-04-10T14:10:00.030+01:00

Easter Sunday with Prince William (mp3)

Rare sightings in The Cumbrian Lake District - Givers get! Updated 22Nov11

View from Hartside Pass, Cumbria

Here I was, jogging up one more steep access to deliver a local copy of the Yellow Pages – Yell.com. One of several hundred directories my friend had committed himself to delivering, during this Easter weekend in and around The Lakes. Driving up and down the valleys in his tired blue Nissan Micra, we dropped them into every cottage, croft, house, farm or estate in our designated areas.

My friend from County Durham in the NE, had been called upon to help a colleague with a few rounds in the West. In-turn, he invited me to help with navigation and delivery, knowing I enjoyed 'new ground' and loved the countryside; besides providing an opportunity for us to catch-up, and take my mind off redundancy.

We had been up mountains, down dales, through river roads; called becks – nothing to do with David Beckham. Stopped, from crossing roads by fords too deep for our wee Micra; bogged down in fields our SatNav suggested we take; bounced up miles of pot-holed farm roads - and back again; and to quarries and caravan sites. Every type of building; from Gated Estate, where I suspect Sting probably lived, to But 'n Bens; where The Broons and Oor Wullie go on holiday.

Anyway, halfway through day three, I had just run up this rough steep drive, leaving my friend to drive-on to properties further up the dead-end road.

Spectacular Spring view of Cumbrian Mountains and Valley

Now breathless, I approached a surprised looking recipient standing at the top. There he was, standing on his own in front of one of two new Range Rovers, playing with a stick and two friendly Black Labrador dogs. Picture MY astonishment as I gradually realise, I am face to face with a member of the royal family!

I had just handed a telephone directory to His Royal Highness - Prince William of Wales - OMG!

Oh, my Liege!! It really wiz Oor Wullie!!!

Needless to say, he was equally surprised to see me, not because I'm all that famous of course, but as this was Easter Sunday, and he proceeded to casually engage in conversation, inquiring as to how we'd ended up with this task on the holiday weekend.

We probably conversed for little more than two or three minutes, and as I prepared to leave I shook his hand, jokingly assuring him, that though my camera was in the car I wouldn’t be returning for photos, at least, not unless my friend doubted me! He took this as lightly as intended, and doubt he would’ve objected even if I had returned. As I headed back, I offered my own royal wave in acknowledgement of his greeting: “Happy Easter!”

Ahhh, my new best friend! I was grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat, and the banter for the rest of the day, and beyond, hardly stopped.

I maybe regret not being chattier - but that might have been impertinent and I was mindful of his right to privacy. However, the magnitude of the event even several months on surprised me.

What would you have said or asked His Royal Highness, second in line to our throne? Add your comment, but mind you keep it clean, he may be watching!

That Goatee belies one very happy bunny

'The Lakes', is a very beautiful area of Britain indeed, though the link may be tenuous, spotting Black Grouse in the Cumbrian moors is just about as rare as meeting royalty. Six years ago I watched Blackcock Grouse Lekking in Norway and hope you enjoyed my Boo rendition and YouTube illustration from The Cairngorms in Scotland.

Keep a clear heed folks, yer eyes peeled, camera and binoculars close at hand, 'cause you never know what rare event, creatures or persons, you may see in this amazing countryside of ours.

Happy Easter! TPH

Blackcock Grouse a Lekking!

2010-04-09T20:52:00.007+01:00

Blackcock Grouse a Lekking! (mp3)

Originally recorded 9th April 2010 - Updated 21st November 2011

Much larger than their cousins; red, late April/May on mountaintops, they're out to make display. All cocks of certain age; vie daily for the best of spots, and fight like boisterous girls or queens in drag. Occasionally it ends in bloodshed; otherwise it’s mostly hollering, pouting, flapping wings - handbags at ten paces kind of thing.

Unto this spot, we too set-off, short-drive, and then on foot with backpacks filled; tent, sleeping bags, elk skins, and plenty spare warm clothing - it could be minus ten! A half-hour hike, up-higher on mountaintop we had arrived, to a spot we’d earlier seen their signs - mostly plenty poo!

Crisp deep snow, due to freezing cold, crunched beneath our feet, but held our weight, which during daylight hours the day before, needed skis to cross. And there beneath a moonless night, yet star-filled sky, we pitched our two-man tent. One lamp ensured we got it right; we snuggled down, just after two.

Our dozing slumber was disturbed soon after 4am, by sounds of flapping wings - our party guests had started to arrive. Although too dark to see, we listened to their calls, which sounded, as best I dare describe; like chickens on speed imitating cooing doves, with intermittent screech.

We too had come prepared; a CD with their call, just to egg them on a bitty, that blared out just as loudly, from speakers by our hide.

Another snooze, when all around lay still - sporadic silence. Then with daylight breaking - mesmerizing displays!

Beating wings we heard more frequently, pointing and whispering: "just over… there", "now there", "here too". We played again to draw them in, as sunlight pierced through dawn, revealing haunting eager cries with leaps, Blackcock vying for their territorial rights. Wherein, toward the end of May, they'd have their mating-way with several Greyhens; reward indeed for this sterling and spectacular behavior.

Just within our vision, in four to six foot leaps; frenzied flapping, feathered displays with chatter. One proud Cock flew near to sit in yonder treetop, from us not more than 30 feet. Replying and displaying to all around; and two he never knew!

Then the climax we had come for; three, four, five, dancing round in circles with well-staged postured pose. Tribal dancers; blue-black wings held low, necks stretched forth, bright white tails fanned high. Magnificent! Screaming each had rights to this here land: “bog-off and find your own!” Crowing, crowning glory, rising in midair; “one last warning or I'll dare...” And so it went on here and there… until a falcon flew by, and temporarily hushed the air.

Half hour later, we heard some more, but the best had passed, so we headed home gone nine. Just before the snow gave way; defrosting in late-winter’s warming sun - spring was close!

Smiling ear to ear, delighted, avowing we’d return. TPH

Who's BEEn Eating My Garden Porridge?

2010-03-27T15:25:00.015Z

Most gardeners are just grateful, it wasn't Papa bear!

The trade-off between ruling kingdoms of life in our planet are at times challenging. So there's a constant need to continually appreciate, understand and respect nature in all its forms. Such knowledge limits the damaging effect we have upon our battle ridden earth, and causes us to rethink past actions, like sanitising our gardens with insecticide. And perhaps adopt more beneficial behaviours, as I was inspired last year, to create some 'bijoux' real estate for a few of our 200+ native solitary bee species.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking look out my kitchen window in pregnant expectation, anticipating the timely arrival of my first emerging 'beebies'. I can hardly contain the contractions of excitement, coincidently nine months have nearly passed!

At the beginning of July, I erected my post; cut in three, joined together, with holes between 2-12mm in diameter, for a wider variety of solitary bee. The majority of leaseholders in my high-rise were Leafcutter bees, one of the more common species attracted by such cosy holes, who took ownership within days of positioning.

They lined their cells with leaves of Wisteria, Buddleia & Rose. Before adding pollen ball and nectar - equating to a Farleys rusk & milk? This was what impending larvae would gorge itself on, before hibernating for the winter - nothing like sleeping off a good feast.

Once the female lays her egg, or more depending on space, she seals the cell with more blended leaf, creating a protective plug. Occasionally, just as our own human species, there's one snobby bee who just has to finish hers in white petal. Doesn't half create a buzz between the neighbours!

Spellbinding to watch, photo and film, I was entertained well into September by these busy sting-less bees. And whose doily creativity, being so snap-worthy, made it easy to forgive their foliage transgression.

Right now, I imagine warm spring weather has already woken most dormant larvae, who after another bite to eat will enter the last phase of pupation. Upon completion they'll chomp their way through the plug to emerge as adult bees. They'll probably do a fly over or two before heading to my cherry blossom and damson for some rewarding pollination.

Definitely one of my better investments. TPH

Spring officially arrives 20th March - Why?

2010-03-20T15:19:00.004Z

Saturday 20th March 2010 = Spring!

A timely moment to start my first blog and post on The Plucky Haggis.

At precisely 17:32 today, this year, the sun will be vertically above the equator - hence the spring equinox (yeah it's Latin), basically equal night times all round the equator resulting in equivalent periods of day & night.

This planetary twist edges the northern hemisphere into Spring and the southeren hemisphere into Autumn - Hello Australia!

Lambs will be making the most of Spring & Summer grazing, though they'll have to mature a little before they make tasty haggis. Gardeners preparing energy guzzling lawn mowers, should perhaps be renting a lamb or two :-)

Think the black lamb has a plan? Clean caption comments welcome.

To tie in with this change, clocks 'spring' forward one hour on Sunday 28th March @ 1am here in the UK, moving from GMT to BST (British Summer Time) or GMT +1hour. Losing an hour (or trading) until October, when we'll 'Fall' back again. A small personal inconvenience to pay for elongating lighter and warmer days, eventually leading to balmy summer evenings sipping Pimms (even a Celt has to concede sometimes).

Calendar wise the months of March, April & May are seen as those belonging to Spring, with June, July & August - Summer. However, as this 2010 certainly bucked the national global warming trend, we're desperate and excited for spring to flourish, and it will, any day now, honest!

So get ready to go out there and enjoy this fantastic countryside of ours; picnics, jogs, walks, cycling, chariots and wheelchairs, whatever motivates you - soak in and enjoy the abundance outdoors has to offer. TPH