A beautiful little white duck which someone had dumped in the ford at Rufford Country park.The other ducks used to bully her so she just stayed in the ford. How can people do that??
This is heather, from a distance I thought it was an Azalea. You can just see the back end of Max sniffing around. Elsie.
Fuschias. Lindsay.
A Racoon came out at dusk this week- I had left some 'Weetabix' on the fence and it loved it- scooped it up with its 'hands' Anjela, Connecticut.
Photo I took at the airport last week. The field in the foreground had dozens of rabbits leaping around - as though they were welcoming the day!! I tried to photograph them but they could only be seen in highly pixelated magnifications! Julia.
The Gander was missing this morning. Some thing happened in the night at about 3.25am. I had the cameras recording during the night to try to find out what may have taken the Gosling the night before. For some reason the Geese did not return to the Island last night as they had since the Goslings had hatched. It could have been that what did take the Gosling, had taken it from the Island. It is only a guess but something had stopped them returning to the island.
Going by the recording at 3.25pm a Fox stopped by the spot on the bank near to the camera. He had a drink and went out of view of the camera. The Geese had been resting at the spot until about half an hour before the Fox arrived. The other lake camera I had left so that the whole of the Lake was in view, but very little of either side of the banks of the Lake. A little while after the Fox had gone from view of the other camera, the Goose returned to the Lake from the stream side of the Lake. The Gander was not seen on the recording from then on.
I walked around the Lake at about 7.30pm, other than a couple of feathers near where the Fox had drank there was no sign of the Gander. The couple of feathers would have not been caused by a Fox attack, and there was no other evidence that a Foxed had taken the Gander. I thought, I think that I probably hoped that the Gander had flown off and would return later in the day.
Later I got one of my Lads to walk around the Lake in case I had missed anything. Unfortunately I had, for in the bushes in an area that the Geese would not have gone, he found the remains of the Gander. With the Goose with her Goslings going onto the Lake on the right hand side at the time that the Gander would have been taken, I cant imagine why he would have been on the opposite bank in the bushes that he was found in. I can only imagine that Gander had faced up to the Fox instead of getting back into the Lake, and that the Fox had chased him to where he was killed. The way that the Gander would guard the Goose and Goslings, he seemed a bit cleverer that previous Ganders
I was going to try to get the Geese to return to the island before I went to bed, but if they had made up their mind to stay on the bank they would only had returned when I left. I don't hold out a lot of hope that the three gosling will survive more than a day or so, the Goose may also be taken. I will put up an electric fence from the direction that the Fox came from, and try to get the Goose with the Goslings to return to the island, but I am sure that I will be wasting my time.
6:42 Thu 08 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one. Nearly out of photographs so I will have to start showing only three a night.
A Goldfinch on my Feeder. Judy.
Banksy is a part of Bristol culture - this one is opposite the Bristol Royal Infirmary. The Child is "popping" a paper bag behind the Police Marksman!; Julia.
My Welsh slate water feature awaiting connection to water pump. Im not using the stone around the bottom as the kids have just put that there [little rogues]. Karen.
These Geese were running towards us hissing. Elsie.
Maddi's village.
Unfortunately there was a Gosling missing this morning. We can only guess what happened to it. I thought that this year especially after four of them surviving for over a week that they may make it through to a size that they would fly off of the Lake. Again like every year we don't know what has taken the Gosling, but I should think more than likely it is a Magpie or Crow. What ever it was for sure it will return for another. This week we have had Holiday Guests that have been fishing on the Lake, making it unlikely that any thing would take the Gosling whilst they are fishing. It is early morning that they are vulnerable when the Magpies and Crows are first looking for food for their nestlings. I will put the recorder on tonight to see what is threatening the Geese.
After I had fed the Badger last night I checked on the valley camera. There were three Roe Deer grazing. One was an adult Doe whose belly was moving very noticeably, as do Horse when the Foal is moving inside of them. If it wasn't a Kid making her belly move, she must have had a severe belly rumbling going on.
On Tuesday we turned Emmi and Sox out into the Horse field. I put the camera on for you to see. Sox had a quick bucking session and they both grazed for a while. Yesterday we let Lady out with them. Emmi was not best pleased being on her own with Sox the day before. She was a lot more settled with Lady in the field with her. Both Emmi and Lady seemed to want to spend more time waiting at the gate. I guess in the hope that we would put Breeze and Arnie in with them as they could see them in the small paddock opposite the Horse field. With Breeze wanting to be boss that would not have been wise as for sure there would have been a kicking session. We have been putting Breeze and Arnie in the Horse field of a night and in the small paddock during the day.
Elaine, I am not sure if the Badger who is waiting for the feed of a night, is one of last years Cubs. It is not a very large Badger, so it could well be.
7:06 Wed 07 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. Nearly out of photographs.
Just after sunrise. Julia.
A Pair of Crested Grebe. They were displaying just before this photo was taken. Judy.
Mixture of tulips in my front borders. Karen.
I told one of you about this clematis called Pixie, well here it is in bloom but not fully grown yet. Elsie.
MY SWEET LITTLE CAT TIGGS WHO WE LOST A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SHE WAS REALLY TINY AND VERY AFRAID OF EVERYTHING APART FROM US . LYNNE
Thornton went missing yesterday. We spent a good two hours looking for him. We thought that he may have gone down the valley on his own and spent a while looking for him down there.
For the past three to four days we have been letting Thornton out of the Farm House to free roam around the Farm. Gradually he has been. getting adventurous and going out of sight from where we can see him, but he could always be found close by, often returning when called. On a number of occasions before we have let him free roam, we have taken Thornton to the Sheep pen. He was not made welcome by the Ewes. He never went into the pen but the Ewes would try to butt him through the bars. The other Lambs would avoid him when he attempted to mix with them. We looked around the Lake and in the Stream, passing the Sheep pen on the way. It was only by chance that we stopped to look at the Lambs in the Sheep pen on the way back. It was there that we found him,. sitting in between a couple of Lambs, as if this had been his life since being born.
We called Thornton's name expecting him to follow us back to the Farm House. It was well past his feed time so he must have been wanting his bottle, but other than as quick glance our way we were completely ignored. We returned to the Sheep pen with his feed. By this time he was out of the pen grazing with the other Lambs. He came straight to his bottle, drinking the milk down in double quick time. There was no stopping him from going into the Sheep pen where the Lambs had returned to when we approached with Thornton's milk. One of the Ewes went up to him to see who it was. That was the only contact. It was if she was acknowledging his return. Thornton followed the Lambs around the pen, settling whey they did.
We had already decided that we were going to Minehead for some fish and chips. As Thornton looked settled in the Sheep pen we decided that we would leave him there until we returned. On returning, we found Thornton waiting by the Farm House door. He came straight into the Farm House and crashed out on one of the Dog beds that he has made his own, where he was so worn out. We are wondering if Thornton will eventually go back to being a Sheep. He didn't wonder off today, but when we went to the Sheep pen went inside. As the day before one of the Ewes acknowledged him, and Thornton walked around with the other Lambs.
9:24 Tue 06 May 08
Sorry I have just got in, fed the Badgers and I now need to answer some important emails. I will do the photographs and Diary tomorrow with a nice story about Thornton.
7:31 Mon 05 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six. Nearly out of photographs.
These are pots recovered in the Lost Gardens of Heligan.I presume they were used to "force" the rhubarb! Lindsay.
Pair of ducks pictured at Savil Gardens. Bec.
The Cows are out in Barrow Gurney. Julia.
Woodpecker on my feeder in Connecticut. Anjela.
I took this picture of this unusual tree root at Savil Gardens in Surrey. Bec.
Sorry no Diary tonight.
7:15 Sun 04 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
Azalias at Llanhydrock in Cornwall. Lindsay.
BABY BLUE TIT. LYNNE.
Wintertime in Woking. Bec.
All that swimming tires you out! Jacqui.
View from Maddi's kitchen.
The Wrens nest got raided by a Magpie this morning. I saw the Magpie leaving as I went to see why the nest was not there. I thought at first that it may have been the Lambs that had knocked the nest off of where it had been built. It wasn't built in the best place, that's for sure. It was facing Southwest where we get the wind and driving rain from, and it was so obvious that I was surprised that it hadn't been had by a Magpie before. I nearly moved it around to a slightly different position last night, but the bale of hay was facing the wrong way. The intention today was to build a few bales in front of the bale with the nest on, to then move it around about nine inches over a couple of days, then the Wren would not have noticed. It is to late now.
It was the first time that we had the opportunity to show a Wrens nest on the webcams. For years a Wren use to build it nest just above head height out side the Farm House Kitchen door, but the entrance hole was to small to allow us to get a camera into it. We have moved the camera to the other end of the haystack to where a Robin is nesting. The nest is getting on for a foot inside of the hay, between two bales, so it is difficult to see right into the nest. Hopefully it is far into the bale so that the Magpie doesn't see it. I don't know how long that the Chicks have been hatched, so that may well fledge at any time. As it gets darker, although it will be in black and white the infra red lamp should make easier to see into the nest. The reason I was showing the Wrens nest was that the eggs had not hatched, so we would have been able to see them for a good time.
I cant believe just how dumb the Geese are. This Morning as we were feeding the Horses we saw them walking towards the Observatory. It is not particularly far, but in between is the sand school. Why they would want to cross it I cant imagine. Once in the sand school, he area in between to the Observatory is where Branston and Lady graze. Not the safest place for Goslings. After I had a cup of coffee I went to see where the Geese and Gosling were. I found them near the Observatory trying to get into my neighbors field. There is a wire fence in between the wooden rails. The Gosling could have got through, but no way were the Geese going to, as much as they were trying, unless they had found a gap to go underneath. The problem would then have been they would never of had found their way back through. The only way then that they would have got back to the Lake was to cross the stream. With six foot banks either side of the stream it would have been a little difficult for the Goslings. At least the Goslings managed to make it through to another day. It is the longest that any have survived. Going back onto the island of a night must have a lot to do with it.
9:48 Sat 03 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
Inside the caves at Wookie Hole. Bec.
MY FAT CAT SMUDGE STRIKING A POSE !!! LYNNE.
Pineapples growing at the Eden project. Lindsay.
This rose was given to us on our Wedding Day last May. Its called Lovers Knot. It's a climbing rose apparently suitable for a container. The size it has grown to already I think I am going to have to put it in the gound!Jacqui.
I was driving down through Burrington Coombe last evening and came across these goats - they were grazing on the roadside but scarpered when I parked the car! I'm glad they did scarper though because a few moments later a couple of "Boy Racers" came tearing down the gorge. I dread to think what might have happened! I often see the goats high on the rockface and find it difficult to look up at them! How they stay there is beyond me! I was very pleased to see them so close last night. Julia.
The Gosling have managed to survive another night. Every morning the honking of the Geese wake me. I quickly run down and check the cameras to see if they are all there. This morning I couldn't see them, but there were a pair of Tufted Duck on the Lake. I don't know how long that had been there. They flew away just after I had turn the camera on. We use to have a few pairs nest on the Lake a few year back, since then I hadn't seen any until this morning. The other pair of Geese are still on the Lake. It looks as if they may well stay.
Now that the weather has warmed up the Fish are spawning. As the Geese were getting out of the water onto the bank yesterday, there were a few that were mating right underneath the Goslings. There is quite a frenzy when a female is ready to spawn. You would be surprised just how many male fish chase the spawning females. Last year we lost a very large Crucian Carp who must have died died from exhaustion after being chased around the Lake. Fish normally spawn in the reeds on the water edge, so when they are spawning you can often see them. If I see any I will put the camera on them for you to see.
6:39 Fri 02 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
Whitby harbour,I think the sea speaks for itself. Lindsay.
I had to share this beautiful bloom. It's called a Maypop Passion Vine. I purchased this vine for my Zebra Butterflies. The caterpillars eat this type of vine. Karen, Florida (USA)
I took this picture of this unusual looking tree at Savil Gardens in Surrey. Bec.
A BLUE TIT HAVING A GOOD MEAL. LYNNE.
Sun flower I like to grow these for the seeds which the Birds love. CH.
The Gosling did survive the night, but they had a lucky escape this afternoon. I thought that last night the Geese were not going to the safety of the island. A couple of times it looked as if they were going there, but they turned away at the last moment. It wasnt until it was nearly dark that they eventually settled on the island, with the Gander keeping watch. Every time that I checked the webcam he was standing upright like a guard.
Around about 3.pm this afternoon I returned to the Farm, after a quick dash to get some plumbing parts. The Geese suddenly started to call out just after I had caught sight of Kye coming from the direction of the calling. I found the Geese in the sand school. On approaching them to see if the Goslings were with them, they flew away, landing in my neighbours next door field. There were no Gosling to be found. I must admit that I thought that Kye had killed them. I heard the other pair of Geese calling from the Lake. When I went to investigate one of the missing Gosling was with them, but they were trying to keep away. I called one of my Lads to help me look for the Goslings. As he came to join me he caught site of one of the missing Gosling in the stream, by the side of the Lake. He jumped down the six foot bank to rescue it. When down there he caught sight of another of the Goslings being swept away by the running stream. It went out of sight, so he climbed back out of the stream so that he could help me follow it. When we eventually caught sight of the Gosling again the last missing one was with it. We managed to stop the Gosling from swept down the stream and put them back on the Lake. All four were following the other pair of Geese while the parent were watching from the next field. Soon after my Lad and myself were out of sight of the Lake, the Geese returned to reunited with the Goslings.
I should think that it was Kye chasing the Geese that caused the problem. It would have been the first time that she had seen Geese. Fortunately it finished without loosing the Goslings, but we will need to watch Kye, especially as the Geese have started to graze with the Goslings on the cottage lawn. Since the Gosling have hatched the geese have been wandering all around the Farm. This morning we found them waddling along the Farm drive, looking very much as they were leaving. Fortunately they tuned around before reaching the Lane. But it is nice to see them and I am sure that our Holiday Guest will enjoy them.
We purchased our Telescope from the oldest telescope suppliers in the World called Telescope House. They have been in business since 1785 and are the main stockist for many brands, and they were the cheapest to purchase from. They have just opened a new business called Buzzoptics www.buzzoptics.com selling optical equipment that is used for as well as others, watching wildlife, Yesterday they offered to give us some sponsorship, not money I am sad to tell. They are supplying us initially with Binoculars and Scopes for our Holiday Guest to use for watching our Wildlife. We are putting a few links on the website. If they see that they are receiving sales from the links they will give us financial support. If you are considering buying any Binocular or Scopes please give them the opportunity to give you a price. I have found them very competitive and helpful when I have needed advice. Mention Denbury Farm and they will give you an extra discount. We may also get much needed sponsorship.
6:45 Thu 01 May 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
Sunrise over St Michael's Mount,Cornwall. Lindsay.
FUCHSIAS IN OUR GARDEN. LYNNE.
Pair of ducks pictured at Savil Gardens. Bec.
Heavy horses taken at the Bloxham Steam Rally near Banbury. CH.
Black Pheasant. Maddi.
The Geese managed to loose one of their Goslings by this morning. You can only guess why, but there is a chance that some thing has taken it. The Goslings also got quite wet in the showers that we had here yesterday. A Veterinary told me some time ago that although Ducks and Geese spend a lot of time in water, their chicks can die if they get wet through with rain. I am worried that they will survive tonight. As you have seen there are now another pair of Geese on the Lake. After a little bit of squabbling they seemed to have been getting on with each other through the day, but the new pair look as if they are going to nest. This morning they made their self comfortable on the island. If they get on the Island before the Chicks tonight, I don't hold out a lot of hope that they will be alive in the morning. All four Geese and the Gosling have been grazing on the Holiday cottages lawn for part of the day quite close to the Farm House.
We have moved the Sheep and Fillies camera onto the Wrens nest today. The Wren has had her head looking out for a lot of the time. I am going to try over the weekend to position the camera to be able to look right into the nest. If I can find the right place, the eggs will be clearly visible. We also found a bit of time to put the cable into the barn for a Swallow nest. They are in and out of the Barns all day tidying up last years nests. I will get that camera working over the next couple of days.
Thank you for reminding us of Willows Birthday, and Elsie for her email card to Willow. Unfortunately she wont be having a party.
9:09 Wed 30 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. Getting very low on photographs.
Hello Mr. Farmer, I have only posted on the forum once, but I read the diary everyday..Thank you for your web site. I am the executive director for homeless and domestic violence services in rural North Carolina. When things get really hectic and crazy around here I take a peek at the cameras and it really help me refocus! I have pasted a picture of our cat Kentucky. We lived next door to cloistered Domenican Nuns before we moved here from New Jersey last year. Kentucky used to climb over the wall to visit the nuns and he helped us become friends. I pasted the picture from their web site, but they let us use the pictures before. Cathy.
A beautiful rose called Handel which grows in my garden. Lindsay.
A picture of Leeds Castle. Bec.
FIREWORKS. LYNNE.
These were interesting.The bee hives were made of whicker basket weave and housed in that building.There is a building like this at a farm in Westerdale,North Yorkshire. Lindsay.
I was quite sure that the Goslings had hatched yesterday by the way the Geese were acting. I cant remember other Geese having five Goslings before on the Lake, I think the most was four. What I am pleased to see is that the Geese with the Gosling look as if they are going to stay on the island overnight, so it looks as if the ramp was the right thing to put up. With a bit of luck the Gosling may survive this year. When I saw them this morning we all got working and made a scarecrow within half an hour, just in case it is birds that have been taking the Gosling in previous years. I don't know if the scarecrow will help, but it was worth a try. We will move it tomorrow morning to another place on the Lake, so that the Rooks and Crows don't get use to it. There have been another pair of Geese on the Lake for part of the day, but they didn't seem to bother the nesting pair as they did when they were sitting on the eggs.
I didn't get time to put the camera up to watch the nesting bird in the haystack. I will try to do it tomorrow. The good news is that we saw a Wren come out of the nest that has eggs in it at the other end of the stack.
If you scroll down the thumbnail page you will find a new thumbnail of the USA Osprey nest that is now live. There needs to be a couple of adjustment to get the screen the same size as the other webcams. I will get that done over the next few days. The Osprey is sitting on eggs and I am quite sure that the eggs were laid about a week before the Lock of the Lowe's Ospreys. There are difference in the USA and Scottish Osprey, I will get Peter to tell you what. After about a week after the eggs have hatched, the USA Peter will have to put the camera up a little higher, zoom it out a bit and adjust the focus, or we could just be seeing the twigs of the nest. The night time pictures are not great at the moment because of the focus. It will be put right soon.
5:20 Tue 29 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six. Getting very low on photographs.
A picture of Thornbury (I actually stayed for 2 nights here last year it's brilliant and quite an experience!!) Bec.
LADYBOWER RESOVOIR WALL, VERY SPECTACULAR IF THE WATER IS COMING OVER THE TOP . LYNNE.
The second one was captured from one of my cameras last night (Sunday) The cat sure was curious as to what the hoggy is eating but not stupid enough to get too close. Liz ( North Yorkshire )
Photo of a nuthatch taken at Markeaton Park in Derby. Vicky.
Shelduck. This photograph was sent to me by Barry at Rye Harbour. It was sent for other reasons than the Photo page. I hope he does not mind.
With the amount of work that we seem somehow to be doing this spring I have not had a lot of time to look for nest site around the Farm. Because of the obscure places that the Birds other than the Swallows manage to find to nest, nest can be difficult to find. By accident this afternoon we found three in the main Barn. Two are in a haystack that we have started to use to feed the animals with. We will need to use the hay in the stack but we will now have to be very careful to make sure that we do not disturb any of the nests. I have positioned the Sheep camera on the hay stack where a Robin is going in and out to feed her chicks. The nest is about nine inches into the stack and I will try tomorrow to put a miniature camera close to the entrance. I wont promise that we will see much of the chicks, but we will do the best we can. At the other end of the stack is what looks as if it maybe a Wrens nest. We will watch to see if we are right when we are in the Barn. Also in the Barn roof but it is unfortunately to high for the camera, is a Blackbird nest.
Lindsay mentioned in her entry on the Forum last night that one of the Badgers was waiting for the feed before before I had time to turn around. For the past week it has been waiting very close to the path that I take to get to the Sett. It follows me just out of view of the webcams below the lower part of the webcam. I have been trying to stop it as I really don't want pet Badgers, this one is becoming far to brave. Last year I managed to stop it.
I received the email below from Simon this morning. If all goes well we will get the webcam on the website quite quickly.
Hi, I have good news as I have been checking the nest several times and I was there yesterday putting the panel in place and running the wires down from the nest where the chick sits happily. The parents have been returning regularly so today I have to focus the camera, Gerry down in the house will tell me via the mobile while I am in the nest. I will be in the mountains all day so I will send you an email before I leave Gerry's House at the end of the day and then you can check out the nest. Cheers Simon
9:41 Mon 28 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
The first one was taken from our balcony in Innsbruck last week. My hubby took me away to celebrate my 50th birthday. The views were stunning. You can just see the ski jump in the distance. Liz (North Yorkshire)
Photo of a Swan on her nest at Markeaton Park in Derby. Vicky.
MY SWEET LITTLE CAT TIGGS WHO WE LOST A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, SHE WAS REALLY TINY AND VERY AFRAID OF EVERYTHING APART FROM US. LYNNE.
Waterfall at Wookie Hole. Bec.
The Lizard was on a pile of ash from my bonefire not alight luckily. It looks too green for a common Lizard and is unlikely to be a sand Lizard, any ideas? CH.
I have only just finished work, so there will only be an update on Bliss and Misty. I spoke to the trainer earlier today. Both are training well. Bliss is still throwing her riders off. She gets very excited when working and spins around, dumping her riders onto the ground. The trainer is not that worried about it and feels that she will get out of it.
Misty may well have a breathing problem called Soft Pallet. It causes course breathing in Horses. and could well be a problem when she is working hard. I will tell you more about the condition tomorrow.
5:50 Sun 27 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
Peacock at Leeds Castle. Bec.
The Admiral Benbow in Chapel Street Penzance. CH.
A BEGONIA IN OUR GARDEN LAST YEAR. LYNNE.
This was taken last year in Warsaw, it is a model of Big Ben and apart from the clock face it is made from Tyskie (lager) cans. Val.
Compos house from Last of The Summer Wine. Karen.
Below is an article Elsie emailed to me.
Cop arrested for interfering with badger sett
A POLICE officer was arrested for allegedly interfering with a badger sett at the same time his force was targeting the cruel sport of badger baiting.
The man has since quit the force and is still being investigated by his former colleagues.
In the past two years, Northumbria Police - working with the RSPCA - has carried out a series of operations to smash badger baiting rings operating in the region.
Chief Supt Chris Machell, head of the force's Professional Standards department, said: "A police officer based in Newcastle area command was arrested in February on suspicion of interference with a badger sett.
"He was released on police bail pending further enquiries. The officer was suspended but subsequently tendered his resignation. This was accepted. The investigation continues.
"Northumbria Police will always robustly investigate any allegation of wrongdoing by employees."
The officer - who comes from the Westerhope area of Newcastle - has not been named.
He was arrested after a badger sett in Hepscott, Northumberland, was found to have been disturbed.
Sophie Corless, RSPCA spokeswoman, said: "The RSPCA is investigating alleged offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006."
7:55 Sat 26 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
Wild Mute Swans over wintering near Glastonbury. Lindsay.
The Old Blacksmiths Shop. Gretna Green. Scotland Grey Mares Tail Waterfall. Queen. Judy.
Beeny and fuzz watching a film show in a mock old Cinema at the Lowry Art Gallery in Salford. Angela Kent.
The greenhouse at Leeds castle. Bec.
MY FRIEND IN AUSTRALIA WHO RESCUES KANGAROOS SENT ME THIS. LYNNE.
The Swallows that have been arriving for the past few days are chasing each other all around the Farm Yard, it must be some sort of courtship. For sure when they are doing it we know that Summer warm days are not far away. We haven't done anything during the Winter that would stop them from using their nests from last year. We had intended to finish a barn conversation during the Winter, that just didn't seem to happen. We wont do anything to it that would disturb them during the Swallows nesting period.
We had hoped this year to have had a Sand Martin nesting colony on the webcams. If you remember we were talking to people who I would not disclose who they were. It was the Crown Estates that we were talking to, but although I sent a camera and all the equipment for them to try I haven't heard from them, and I must admit I had been to busy to pursue it. I will talk to them on Monday, but I shouldn't think that any thing will happen for a while. The Crown Estates do a lot of work on their Estates for Wildlife and the Sand Martin nesting site is one that they made.
We did send last week a camera to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, for their visitors centre in Scotland. It will be used to show a Swallows nest in their visitors centre. They like our webcam site. If they can convince their powers to be at their monthly get together, the site is a possibility. Keep your fingers crossed.
This morning the weather was quite warm and we made the decision to go to Minehead this evening for fish and chips. We could well regret that decision as it is turning a bit chilly. That is why Elsie you wont see Tass, Kye and Thornton on their walk today. It is mostly after 3.30 and before 5.30pm depending on what time we decide to finish off feeding the Animals. Today we let Thornton out for the first time whilst we mucked out the Horses. He normally stays close to us in the Farm House and on our the walks. He didn't when we were working. To be honest he was a nuisance. He just kept disappearing causing us to have to keep looking for him in case a car came down the drive. Thornton having no road sense would have been liable to have been run over. I wouldn't have mined if he had made a visit to his family, but he kept right away from the Sheep. It took double the time to muck out, it wont be happening tomorrow.
9:09 Fri 25 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one. A few photographs were sent in today so we are able to put five on tonight.
A PARAKEET THAT HAS VISITED OUR GARDEN A FEW TIMES LYNNE.
The Italian Chapel made by the Italian prisoners of war at Scapa Flow on the island of Orkney. It was made from a nissen hut and concrete used to build the Churchill barriers on Scapa Flow. Lindsay.
Newquay Harbour. Wales. Judy.
I've seen these sheep several times and thought they had similar markings to Thornton. Usually I don't have a camera or am unable to stop the car. Today, however, Chris was driving and I DID have the camera! I'd always thought that only Rams had horns, but now I find that in some breeds Ewes also have them. I was going to ask whether Thornton's Mum had ever been to Barrow Gurney where these were photographed. (I remembered that you were unsure of Thornton's paternity!!!)Julia.
I took this picture of this unusual looking tree at Savil Gardens in Surrey. Bec.
We saw our first Swallow of the year yesterday evening. As I went into the Barn to get the Badger food, one flew out. It must have missed hitting me by a whisker, It frightened the life out out of me. A few years ago before I did the webcams one hit me in the side of the head. It didn't do either of us a lot of good. The Swallow fell to the ground, I thought that it had killed itself. I picked it up, after a minute or so it flew away. I will try to get the camera working in the Barn why they are building their nest.
We have had another pair of Geese hanging about around the Lake for most of the day. The two pairs have been honking awasy all day long. The new pair landed on the Lake a couple of times, that put the resident Gander on the war path. Other than the Moorhens and Coots he chases off everything that he sees, including Tass and Kye, so with a bit of luck and the Ganders aggression the Gosling when they hatch may survive this year.
5:59 Thu 24 Apr 08
There are three new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven..
We have only been able to put three photographs on the Photo page tonight. We have only got a few photographs left, other than ones that have been sent in by the same people, but different poses.
Hi this is a photograph of Oink the Water Buffalo, he is called Oink because he grew up with pigs and believes himself to be a pig. He lives in a field in derby which he calls his home. He has been there for a very long time being well looked after by his owner. Vicky ~ Derby.
Kirkwall Lifeboat and the harbour, Kirkwall, the island of Orkney. Lindsay.
Elizabeth Drive. Galloway. Scotland. Judy.
Looking at Lady this evening, It looks as if she cant be far from Foaling. I will be checking her before I go top bed. If the Foaling look imminent I will put it on the Forum.
We lost our Bird and Badger feed sponsors at the beginning of this month. Yesterday we managed to get another supplier, Jacobi Jane to give our website a three month trial. They will be supplying the same feed as our last sponsor. If they can see that a link from our website to Jacobi Jane is bringing more visitors to their website, and extra sales of their products they will extend the trial. If any of our viewer use Jacobi Jane let them know that you watch our webcams. If any of you would consider changing your supplier of Bird Product, it would help us to continue broadcasting the webcams. The cost of the feed we use it over £150 per month, that is not including the bread and spreads that cost another £30 per month.
We will be putting the USA Osprey webcam on the website next week. We were waiting for Peter in Delaware to move the camera a little higher, as it wont be long until all that can be seen is the side of the nest. There are eggs in the nest that will hatch about the same time as the Osprey at the Lock of the Lowe's. Once the eggs have hatched Peter will be able to move the camera. We are in the process of sending Peter a moving camera so that you can see the other Wildlife at Indian River Bay.
Elsie sent in this Newspaper article. A lot better reading than the one Elsie sent in about the Gamekeepers.
Birds of prey will fly free in aviary scheme By Gavin Engelbrecht.
WORK has started on one of the UK's largest birds of prey centres in the grounds of a North-East estate.
Visitors to Beamish Hall County House Hotel, near Stanley, County Durham, will be able to see a variety of birds in a simulation of their environment, with aviaries blending in with surrounding woodland.
Among dozens of birds on display will be bald headed eagles, golden eagles, Russian steppe eagles and African white-backed vultures.
Derwentside District Council's development control committee agreed to change the use of existing woodland to form the centre, along with a ticket office, observation deck and car park.
Permission was also granted for a rope activity course.
Beamish Hall owner and managing director David Craggs said: "We are hoping to be open by the end of June and will be holding a national marketing campaign.
"This will be one of the largest centres of its kind in the country - and it will be quite unique in the way we imitate the bird's natural environment.
"We will build 32 aviaries of varying sizes, using netting and natural materials to blend in with the woodland."
The centre will be run by Stuart Morris, who has worked with birds of prey for 25 years. He said: "I am very excited. It's a dream come true."
Mr Morris said the birds would be able to fly around inside their aviaries, while some will soar freely around the grounds using falconry techniques.
The centre will also feature a breeding programme that will link in with other projects throughout the world.
Schools and community groups will be encouraged to visit.
He said: "The whole purpose will be to provide education about the conservation of birds of prey worldwide. It won't be a falconry centre."
The rope adventure centre will include aerial walks, where people are suspended by safety harnesses.
The scheme has the backing of One Northeast, North East Chamber of Commerce and neighbouring Beamish Museum.
6:33 Wed 23 Apr 08
There are three new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
We have only been able to put three photographs on the Photo page tonight. We have only got a few photographs left, other than ones that have been sent in by the same people, but different poses.
Bluebells in my garden. Lindsay.
Here is a picture of Schumi our rabbit who died last year, she is about to have a nibble of the wallpaper, she was a little ****** for doing that. Val
This morning as I was leaving for work there was a flock of Ibis across the street feeding. They have long skinny beaks looking for insects. There were about 20 of them. We also have a pair of nesting Ospreys a couple of streets in back of us. I'm trying to get pictures of them to send. Karen, Florida (USA)
4x photographs from Simon. two of the Chick and two of the location. The white dot shows the spot.
There is better news from Anderlucia and the Griffon Vulture webcam. I had another site in mind for the equipment that I had sent Simon. Last week I told Simon that the location seemed to be giving problems and that I would be able top use the equipment that he had. I received the email below this morning.
I have a new site the camera is in it, it will be attached to the cables soon, so please read this email look at the images attached, and just try to realise what I am up against. Also I did not do all this dangerous climbing to view nothing. Secondly I told you I would look for another site which is what I have been doing in every second of my spare time. I found one yesterday and it is on a ledge higher and further back on another face along the chain than the other one and just as dangerous to reach but I managed to climb in. The ledge contains 2 nests one with an egg and 6 ft away another nest with a chick in it, ( image attached ) This location as you will see from the 4 jpgs I have attached is in a somewhat serious location. I CLIMBED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM TWICE, plus I had to get the camera and battery from the old location up there, so just imagine the weight of the battery in my pack add to that the 80 degree plus heat and the extreme difficulty of the rock and loose shit that makes up this mountain, and you can imagine what I am up against. The camera is in the nest, the battery is 50 to 60 ft below, now I am going t wait until I AM 100% CERTAIN that both sets of adults return to the nest before I go anywhere near it. All of the cable is up there near the battery and all that remains is to get the panel across and hook it up. Gerry does not have a problem with the computer being on if there is something to see. I told you this was possible and I have not busted my XXXXX and nearly killed myself to give up and send all this gear back now. As I said we are not dealing with nesting boxes on the side of an Oak tree, badger sets, Ospreys on handy little platforms in someones garden, this is as hard as it gets. We lost the other site because of a lack of patience, I am not going to make the same mistake again, surely you can understand that. The weather was xxxx for over a week and it was impossible to get up there. I appreciate you have another use for the gear in Scotland but after all the ball breaking work my end I think it fair that this little project is seen through to its conclusion. Just let me go at my pace and all will be well. Have a look at the jpegs and you will see why it takes time. Gerry will call me later today and let me know about the nest activity with regards to the adults coming and going, I will check again in the coming days, and then I can climb up hook it up and we are in business. The welfare of these birds is paramount, so please be patient and all will be well. I will let know when the gear is hooked up. Kind regards. Simon
6:06 Tue 22 Apr 08
There are three new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
We have only been able to put three photographs on the Photo page tonight. We have only got a few photographs left, other than ones that have been sent in by the same people, but different poses.
The Major Oak, Sherwood Forest. Believed to be over 800 years old. Judy.
Inside the Italian Chapel.This was decorated by one of the prisoners of war.It really is beautiful and unique.The Orcadians are very proud of it and really do look after it. Lindsay.
A red squirrel at Formby point seen at Easter. Angela (Merseyside)
Elsie sent in this article. You know my feelings on Game Shooting and Gamekeepers, this is why. Although there would be a lot less Pheasants, Grouse, Guinea Fowl and other so called Game Birds, Game Shooting should be banned.
Birds of prey ‘at risk from gamekeepers’
By Andy Walker
HUGE numbers of birds of prey are being illegally killed in the region, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reveals today.
The charity says birds such as golden eagles, hen harriers, buzzards and peregrine falcons are at risk in the Yorkshire Dales and the North Y o r k Moors, as well as on country estates.
The charity is today launching a campaign to boost the number of birds in these areas.
Dr Mark Avery, the charity's conservation director, said: "It is outrageous that birds of prey are still being killed illegally and that these fantastic birds are destroyed before they can cast their shadows on some of our most beautiful wild places.
"The skies are owned by no one, but a callous few want to deprive the nation of some of our most charismatic wildlife."
The RSPB has not revealed the exact number of birds being killed, but its blames gamekeepers and people who shoot for sport for "systematically wiping out" the species.
It says the killing will stop golden eagles from recolonising in southern Scotland and northern England, and is putting the hen harrier at risk.
Only 14 pairs of hen harriers bred successfully in the UK last year, and the charity wants this to rise to at least 40 by 2010. It is estimated Britain has suitable habitat for more than 200 pairs.
Mr Avery said: "Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors national parks would rightly expect to see a diversity of birds of prey, but our initial evidence shows these birds are being targeted before the birds can establish themselves.
"We are calling on shooting estates to allow birds of prey to nest successfully."
Those most at risk are eagles, peregrine falcons and hen harriers, which nest in upland areas that are prime sites for grouse shooting.
In February, two gamekeepers working on the Snilesworth Estate, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were fined and a third given a conditional discharge after they admitted a range of charges relating to the use of traps to take birds of prey.
Earlier this month, a hot line was set up for people to report sightings in the region of hen harriers. Reports should include the date, location and, where possible, a six-figure grid reference.
Call 0845-460-0121 or email hen harriers@rspb.org.uk
9:29 Mon 21 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. Getting low on photographs again.
Kynance cove in Cornwall. Lindsay.
Butterfly feeding on fruit taken at Longleat. Bec.
The osprey nest at the Loch of the Lowes, taken last year from the hide. I hope you can see the osprey on the tallest tree in the middle of the picture. Carol Wolves.
Looking down from the glass floor in the viewing platform at about 330 feet above sea-level, good job there were no holes in my socks! CH.
Old Oak tree , Sherwood Forest. Judy.
We have moved Lady back into her old stable so that we can see her through the night, now that she is getting near to Foaling. Her udder is quite large. I should think that she will not be to late from the date she is due.
I put the webcam on the Rabbits this evening so the you can see just how many there are in such small areas. On a walk around the Farm today, I was a little shocked to see just how many that are about. I cant remember seeing the amount that I did before. All the Farms around Denbury seemed to be have the same problem. The mild Winter hasn't helped. The amount of Rabbit that there are about do eat a lot of grass, it is surprising just how much one Rabbit will eat. Very often when there is large amount of Rabbits in one year we often see Myxomatosis.
Myxomatosis is not as nice disease, it causes the Rabbits to have crusty sores around the Rabbits eyes, noses and lesions on their skin. Very often the Rabbit cant see. Not many survive the virus. I is spread by flies, mites etc and contact with other Rabbits.
The virus was deliberately introduced in Australia to control that amount of Rabbits that they had. It came to the UK from Europe where it was introduce there. As you know we don't have shooting at Denbury,. but we will need to control the Rabbits.
6:51 Sun 20 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six. Getting low on photographs again.
Another picture of my new visitor to my garden. Bec.
Wild Mute Swans over wintering near Glastonbury. Lindsay.
Fred about to chase the Sparrows from my bird feeders up the garden. Karen.
THE OLDER TWO FELL DOWN OUT OF A NEST ONTO SOMEONES GARAGE ROOF THEY WERE VERY COLD AND SKINNY SO I THINK THEY WERE PROBABLY TRYING TO FIND MUM WHO WAS MISSING.THEY ARE JUST ABOUT EATING ON THEIR OWN BUT ARE STILL NEEDING MILK. Lynne.
The Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, well worth a visit. CH.
Some of you managed to see the camera going on Donald the remote controlled Duck. The picture was not as good as we had got in the Farm House, when we tried it before putting it on the Lake, then it was very good. We had to get a very small wireless camera so that it could be fitted into the Ducks head. The only place where we could get one was from China. I will try later in the week to get the picture better. It could well be with messing about with it we could get it a lot better. It will then be worth showing it on the web site. When we were trying it one of the Dogs decided she would have a swim. The Gander wasn't best pleased, it was only by making sure that she came out of the water, that she was not attacked buy the Gander. The Gander was then watching every thing, including Donald. I ordered a decoy Goose in the week to make that remote controlled. Being a lot bigger we, or Jack and his friend, I should say will be able to use better equipment to make it.
With it being cold for the past few weeks the grass is well behind growing to what it is in other years. We always try to let the Horses out in to the main Horse field by the 1st of May. The way it is looking we wont be doing that this year. Fortunately we have ample hay to feed them, but it does mean that we will have to mucking out the stables for longer. This afternoon it did get quite warm. We have got to hope it carries on so that the ground warms up, then the grass will grow.
We are very lucky at Denbury. We don't need to use fertiliser to get a good crop of hay. Mind you the price of fertiliser has rocketed up in price. As fertilizer is used on many crops it will mean food will be even more expensive than it has been getting over the past few months. I don't no where they get these inflation figures from. Our Horse feed has gone up over 15% with price rises that there have been in cereals. You must have noticed it in the price that your bread has gone up. The cheep bread that we use for the Badgers has gone up 30%.
Thornton went down well with our friends over the past couple of days. No one who sees him can believe how tame he is. Our Holiday Guests last week loved seeing him. He is acting more like a Dog each day. Earlier today he was seen playing with a ball with his front feet, and he seems to be getting a little more playful with Tass and Kye. When we call him most of the time he come straight back to us as do Tass and Kye.
6:42 Sat 19 Apr 08
Sorry there will be no Photograghs or Diary tonight as we are transferring all the data from my old computer to a new one. As long as Jack does it correctly there will be tomorrow. We stand a chance, as it was Jack who made Donald the remote controlled Duck.
8:23 Fri 18 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one. Getting low on photographs again.
A good surfing sea.Scarborough,South Bay.North Yorkshire.Lindsay.
A picture I took while out in the Aylesbury countryside. Bec.
Tree taken in Christchurch Meadows Oxford. CH
MY SONS FRIEND IS IN THE RAF AND THEY HAD AN
OPEN DAY FOR FAMILY AND FRIEND.THEY GOT TO SEE THE PLANES AND HAD AN AIR DISPLAY. LYNNE.
Here as promised are the first photos of the new puppy. His name is Jet and he is just 7 weeks old but already he knows who is boss..Sue.
Cant do a Diary for a couple of days as we have friends staying. Below is an email from Simon about the Griffon Vulture. After all the hype by Simon when he first contacted me, I now dont see it happening.
Hi, It has been blowing a gale up in the mountains around Casares and Gaucin for the last couple of days and today the Antenna in Gaucin the village Gerry gets his internet from was damaged so they are off line. I am in Seviile working but I am going up again on Monday weather permitting and hopefully it will be repaired. Gerry said they have still not returned to the nest, so I shall try to locate another site, but I dont think jerry will be too happy to leave his computer and internet on 24/7 for an empty nest, you can see his point. As I said I will check for a new site,close to Gerrys we may get lucky. I am also going to visit the owners of a house a couple of kilometres from gerrys house who I might be able to convince to let me use their internet facilities , I have no idea who they are but it is worth a shot. I will need another patch as I think it is a few hundred metres more in distance. The nest has an Egg in it and is very easy to acceess I was in it a week ago and the adults are around. Again dont get your hopes too high as it all depends on the owners at the new house, Cheers Simon.
6:50 Thu 17 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. Getting low on photographs again, because of from tomorrow I will only be able to put three new photographs on the Photo page each day.
Picture of my two cats Chloe and Claudie. Bec.
To my surprise sat looking at me when I opened my compost bin last night not sure how it got there or how long it has been in there. Elaine.
This is Strav. She is in foal, she is off to the stud this week to prepare for the birth. Karen.
Charlestown Harbour near St Austell in Cornwall. CH.
Maze at Longleat. Bec.
The Barn Owl Trust nest webcam computer developed a fault last night. I believe that it had to be replaced today. It was a bit of a journey back to Cornwall for the Trust to fix the problem, but it was worth the trouble to see the Nesting Barn Owls. There are many reasons for the webcams to stop working. Believe me none of us in the main would want them not to be broadcasting. I get a few problems with my broadband connection temporally going down for a few seconds. Then the webcam broadcasting point have to be restarted. Another problem that occurs is that a broadband connection is slow making the webcam to stop. Cameras also breakdown. The worse one I had was last year when my Denbury Farm URL address got lost in the system and my website could not be accessed for nearly two weeks. Although it was nothing to do with me, I had to pay for it to be found.
We have started to knock down the Tree House in the main Horse field. It was put up nearly fifteen years ago. My two Lads when aged about seven wanted a Tree House, but were frightened for it to be in the Woods, so we built one for them up at the top of the hill in the field. They only ever used it once to sleep in, and that was when our friends stayed in it with the Lads.
We are going to rebuild the Tree House come Wildlife Watching hide, as last year a number of our Holiday Guest especially Children said that they would have liked to have used it. Arnie had made it to dangerous for it to be used. When it is hot he stands under the Tree House, but every time he put his head up he would cause a little bit of damage. The little bits have now become major. The rebuild is going to make the Tree House usable again, so that it can be used by our Holiday Guest or their Children, as a Wild Life Watching hide, or just for an adventure for the Children.
7:00 Wed 16 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six. Getting low on photographs again.
Penguins at Birdworld. Bec.
THIS IS ONE OF TWO THAT FELL DOWN OUT OF A NEST ONTO SOMEONES GARAGE ROOF THEY WERE VERY COLD AND SKINNY SO I THINK THEY WERE PROBABLY TRYING TO FIND MUM WHO WAS MISSING.THEY ARE JUST ABOUT EATING ON THEIR OWN BUT ARE STILL NEEDING MILK. Lynne.
Donkey took at Markeaton park in Derby. Vicky.
For Sue know how she loves these. Elaine.
This is the fist snow Ally has seen. He didn't quite know what to make of it. Jacqui.
The new Barn Owl Nest Box webcam is now live. You may have noticed there is one egg in the nest. It was only laid today. The Barn cam will be going as soon a possible. We did not preview the webcam for very long before going live so the camera will be adjusted over the next few days, to get the best picture.
I have been trying to get a Barn Owl nest on the webcams for a couple of years. The ideal people to do it with were the Barn Owl Trust. They found the right location last year. Since then the Trust has been working on the project to have it running this year. We supplied all the equipment for the webcams. I didn't realise that there would be as much light in the nest box or I would have supplied a colour and night camera. Installing a new camera now would possibly disturb the Barn Owls. We did have another location that wanted us to put their Barn Owls on our website, but it was right to do as we have.
We have been allowing Thornton to have more time out of his home in the washroom. He has found a spot under the kitchen table to lie when he is not running around with Tass and Kye. This afternoon we had the kitchen door open. Tass and Kye come in and out as they want when ever it is left open. Thornton did the same, and I must admit we did forget about him. Tass and Kye normally stay close to the Farm House and never leave the Farm Yard. This afternoon when we realised about Thornton, we called out for Tass and Kye, knowing that Thornton would be close behind when they came in. None of them came at all. A few minutes after shouting loud to Tass and Kye all three came running back to the Farm House from the direction of the Valley field. Obviously Thornton had decided after being taken for his walks in the valley, that he was going to make his own way there. Tass and Kye must have decided to follow. It makes a good story and we did laugh, but of course the serious part is how far would they have got if we had not realised that all three were missing.
8:59 Tue 15 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
Herons at Birdworld. Bec.
From yesterdays paper. Elsie.
Horses at markeaton park in derby. Vicky.
MY SONS FRIEND IS IN THE RAF AND THEY HAD AN OPEN DAY FOR FAMILY AND FRIEND.THEY GOT TO SEE THE PLANES AND HAD AN AIR DISPLAY. LYNNE.
Here as promised are the first photos of the new puppy. His name is Jet and he is just 7 weeks old but already he knows who is boss. Sue.
The new Barn Owl Trust nest camera is now working and we hope to have it on the web site within a day or two. The camera where you will be able to see the Barn Owls going into the nest box we hope will be working soon. When you see the webcam you may think that it is very light in the nest box. It is in fact very dark, and it is only possible to see the Barn Owls by using an infra red lamp.
We are also going to put the Osprey nest site from Delaware in the USA within the next week. Peter has got to raise the camera a little and he also needs to focus the camera slightly. I will be sending Peter a Pan Tilt and Zoom camera so that we are able to see more of the wildlife in Indian River Bay.
I am waiting to hear from Simon in Andalucia about the Griffon Vulture webcam. A new ariel was sent to him last week, as the distance was more than we allowed for with the wireless signal from the mountain range to the computer.
We put up an infra red light in place for the new Lake camera, to overlook the Island at night and to see what may be lurking about that may be a threat to the Goslings when they hatch. The Valley infra red lamps bulbs failed a few night ago. We replace the bulbs today.
At 8.15pm there was a very pregnant Red Deer Hind in the Valley. She wouldn't have long to go before she gives birth.
6:57 Mon 14 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
I SAID THAT APRIL NEEDED SOME FRIENDS !!! THE FOUR TINY BABIES ARRIVED IN A NEST THAT WE THINK SOMEONE HAD REMOVED FROM A LOFT. THEY ARE VERY SMALL BUT ARE DOING QUITE WELL.
Levant near St Just in Cornwall owned by the National Trust, has a working steam engine. CH.
These little cuties are in the field opposite my house and they have been keeping us amused for most of the week. They have mad half hours when they run around the field chasing and jumping up and down as thought they are on springs.
Parrots at Birdworld. Bec.
Compos house from Last of The Summer Wine. Karen.
For those of you who have asked, Ewy is still about. I do show her now and then on the webcam in the Horse field. She has been in the field for most of the Winter, only going into the woods and valley now and then, very rarely coming near to the field gate. We were only talking about her last night, we reckon it could well be because of when the Sheep were chased last year by a Riders Dog who passed through the Farm. Since Breeze and Arnie have been in the small paddock opposite the Horse field, she has got a little braver. If we left the Horses out of a night I am sure she would join Breeze in the paddock, but of a daytime she only has to see a human or the Dogs and she is gone like a bat out of hell. The grass has started to grow and If we get a bit of warmth in the ground the grass should have it away, so that we can turn the Horses out into the Horse field on the 1st of May. Ewy will no doubt then hang out with Breeze.
I have just had a few words with the Manager of the Stud that Emmi went to, when she was mated with a Stallion. Emmi and Sox arrived back to Denbury late in the evening, last Friday. We really didn't look to closely at her until on the Saturday I noticed that Emmi was a little lame. On checking her over we notice that she had six kick hoof marks on her. Four on her nearside rear leg, one on her nearside rear quarter and another on her offside shoulder. It was the kicks to her leg that were making her lame. It will heal itself within a few days.
I had warned the Manager of the Stud before Emmi went that although I had not had any experiences of Emmi being a madam, I thought that with strange Horses she may well throw out a kick. It seems that the Manager did not heed my words, for she most definitely had been kicked, being her or other Horses starting it it doesn't matter. The Manager of the Stud wasn't best pleased with me telling him, mostly he denied it, tough for him. Mares with Foals are protective. How many Mares and Foals were together in their paddocks together, I guess I will never know. When Horses have a kicking session with Foals at foot, they tend to get very close to the Foals, thinking that they are protecting them, but of course it puts the Foals in danger. One good kick and a Foal could be severely injured or killed. I wont be using that Stud again.
6:46 Sun 13 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
APRIL HAS COME ON IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS THIS WEEK. SHE HAS GROWN SO MUCH AND OPENED HER EYES YESTERDAY. LYNNE.
These little cuties are in the field opposite my house and they have been keeping us amused for most of the week. They have mad half hours when they run around the field chasing and jumping up and down as thought they are on springs. Liz.
Here is a broom in my next door neighbours garden. Sue.
Duck on the thames at Iffley near Oxford, any idea what species it is? CH.
Snowy scene taken in Woking. Bec.
Donald the remote controlled Duck did go well and the battery lasted longer than I had thought it would, it would have gone on for longer, but I got fed up after a while. I didn't realise that I was working it for so long until I got told off by the camera operator. It would have gone from one end of the Lake without me moving. I was tempted to go closer to the Geese but the Gander chases the Ducks when they get to close. Real Ducks can fly away, Donald would have stood no chance if the Gander had attacked him. I reckon that he would have finished up at the bottom of the Lake. I will try to get the camera working in the week. I am hoping the camera will be alright. There was not a lot of choice as I want a colour and mono camera so that it can be used at night with the infra red lights that are now on the Lake. If the camera doesn't work that well I will get a remote Goose made so that I can fit a high quality camera. Jack who made Donald was unable to see it working today, as he went out for lunch. He may be coming to the Farm next weekend, so I may let him have a little go at working Donald, if he is lucky.
I hope more than a few of you managed to see Thornton on his first walk with Tass and Kye, I am sorry but it was a last minute decision so I was unable to let you know on the Forum. I will next time.. I must admit it was magic watching them. I was operating the camera, but by all accounts walking to the valley field he walked to heel as Tass and Kye do. As soon as he got into the field away he went off with Tass and Kye. Kye by what I saw was the instigator, but I still would not trust her to be alone with Thornton. Thornton wouldn't cross the stream as Tass and Kye, but I don't think that he did bad for his first outing. On the way back from the walk he walked at heel to the Farm House. This morning we tried to introduce him to the other Sheep, but he wasn't that interested. He had a little sniff around the other Lambs who now are exploring out side of the Sheep pen. He preferred running mad on the grass and exploring all the plants. He is now lying out in the kitchen with Tass and Kye, exhausted
7:06 Sat 12 Apr 08
There are five new photograps on the Photo page, starting from number one. Getting low on photographs again.
Thornton.
Blarney Castle,Southern Ireland. Lindsay.
View from opposite the stone wheel at The Peak National Park in The Peak District. Karen.
My latest addition to my garden lovely grey squirrel. Bec.
This is Strav. She is in foal, she is off to the stud this week to prepare for the birth. Karen.
As you can see by the photograph Thornton is settling in well and getting on with Tass and Kye. We still wouldn't trust the Dogs to be on their own for to long with the lamb, or we could well find a pile of bones instead of Thornton. On saying that, Tass jumps into the blocked of area we have made for Thornton as she did with her Puppies, to make sure he is alright. We hope it is for that reason and not sizing him up for a meal.
Thornton has the same blocked off area in our washroom as did Tass when she had the Puppies. We let him out for part of the day to run around with Tass and Kye, they will soon get use to him. Thornton has got use the Dogs, he reckons hes a dog and not a Sheep. Other than the the first day he hasn't seen any Sheep, his only experience of them was being butted away when he tried to feed from his Mother. We may try to let him run with the other Lambs one day next week to see how he gets on with them. I don't think that he will be accepted, but what ever he will have to come back in to the Farm House for his bottle feeds.
Thornton, Tass and Kye were running around together the Farm Yard this afternoon, when our new Holiday Guest saw him, they all liked him. One Lady asked if we are going to eat him. We wont do that, we are sure that he will finish up being a pet Lamb and will go for walks down the valley with Tass and Kye.
8:23 Fri 11 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
The Waverley Paddle Steamer in the Solent,Hampshire.Lindsay.
Male Mallard duck swimming with Coy Carp. Bec.
My dog Fred having a stretch after cocking his leg up my bags of compost. Naughty Boy! Karen, Stoke.
A Moorhen. Judy.
Tulips opened full out in the sun. Elsie.
Sorry, this week has been manic and have not had time to do a Diary today. Every thing should be back to normal next week.
As you can see Emmi and Sox came back today. We didn't know until the horse box turned up. It is good to have them here again.
I thought you might like to share this little joke, sent to make me smile; From Judy.
After the Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday a young farm boy thought he would play a little prank. He carefully replaced every egg in the Chicken coop with a bright painted one.
After a short while the Rooster returned to the Coop. After seeing the eggs he stormed outside and beat up the Peacock. From Judy.
8:29 Thu 10 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
Spring at Thorp Perrow.Lindsay.
This was taken coming back from Blackpool on Sunday, you can see the snow on the hills. Elsie.
Stone wheel at the entrance to The Peak National Park in the Peak District. Karen, Stoke.
Baby goats resting in the sunshine at Birdworld. Bec.
Were They waiting for a Bus?? Lovely Statue at Rufford Country Park. Judy.
The Barn Owl Trust have been monitoring a Barn Owl nest site in Cornwall, since October last year, so that this year we could broadcast a nesting site. Barn Owls have nested in a nest box supplied by the Trust in a Barn at the location for a number of years. They have used one Barn to nest in during the nesting season and another close by during the Autumn and Winter.
A new bespoke nest box was constructed by the Trust fitted with an infra red camera, to give the best possible views inside the new nest box. All the wiring and the new nest box were installed into the nesting barn in the Autumn of last year, so that the Barn Owls could hopefully get use to seeing it and hopefully accept it for this years nesting.
The was always the chance that the Barn Owls would not use the new nest box. I don't know about the Barn Owl Trust, but I was getting a little concerned that they may not like the new box and decide go else where to nest. Last week I got a phone call from the Trust telling me that the Barn Owls had started to use the the new nest box and were seen mating.
On Tuesday next we are hoping to start broadcasting from the nest site on our internal system to make sure that all is working as it should. If it is we should be live on the website within a week.
There will be two cameras at the nest site location. One in the nest box and one outside so that we can see the Barn Owls going back and forward to feed the Owlets when they hatch. A lot of work has gone in to this new project by the Barn Owl Trust and the owner of the property that the webcam will be broadcasting from. As long as all goes as it promises to be a great new webcam.
7:04 Wed 09 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
Nice photograph where is it? from. Bec.
Cafe from Last of the Summer Wine.{can you spot Compo} Karen, Stoke.
Cherry Blossom at Thorp Perrow Arboretum.Lindsay.
We woke to this on Sunday morning. Where has Spring gone? Friday
afternoon I was walking about in a t-shirt outside is was lovely now look at
it! I will never get my spuds in at this rate! Jacqui.
Pasque Flowers which normally flower at Easter. Elsie.
Sorry I have just not got the time to do a Diary tonight, but I have got some good news about a webcam that I will let you know about tomorrow.
8:20 Tue 08 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
Dragonfly on the pond.Perhaps somebody can identify it properly!Lindsay.
This is pyscho-pathic Chester. Loves nothing more than to run me. He is pure evil, he does not like me. Karen, Stoke.
Swans on the lake and nest in the snow this weekend (there are 2 eggs in the nest) Bec.
SNOW CAN JUST BE SEEN ON THE EXMOOR HILLS TAKEN FROM NORTH HILL IN MINEHEAD. MARIE.
First Ducklings I have seen this year. There were lots more , but they all swam to Mum and hid. Judy.
We finally got the new Lake camera working today. It has been a nightmare getting it going. We have never had problems like we have had before. What has made it worse is that the telegraph pole we have attached it to is along the Farm driveway. None of us can stand heights so we have had to put a scaffold tower up to put the camera in place. You can guarantee that every time we put the tower up, someone came along the driveway making us have to move it. The Geese where not best pleased with us looking over them. The Gander was swimming up and down in front of us as if to tell us, keep away.
I must admit I am always a little cautious of Geese and Swans. Twice as a Boy I was attacked. Once by a Goose and the other by a Swan. The Swan did give me a good hiding. My School had a large Lake in front of it. Every year the Swans would produce Cygnets and I would sit on the bank watching. On one occasion one of the Swans for no reason flew at me, skimming across the top of the water, so fast that it was on the bank attacking me before I could get fully to my feet. It was stretching itself as high as I was, trying to peck my face and flapping its wing around my thighs and backside. That Swan did hurt me.
I cant remember where it was that the Goose attacked me. I was very young, but I remember that I ran into a pond to get away from it. Not the wisest place to take refuge. Where I lived in London there were a number of premises that had Geese guarding their property. I remember seeing a documentary about a Whisky Distillers in Scotland who also had their premises guarded by Geese.
Whilst we were putting the new camera up we heard a bit of a commotion on the Lake with the Gander flapping its wings and flying back and forth on the Lake, that was when he wasn't stalking us in front of us working on the new camera, but we didn't see anything. When we got back to the Farm House I noticed on one of the cameras, two Geese in the Field where we show our neighbours Sheep. They must have landed on the Lake whilst we were working and we hadn't seen them. They were in the same place as last years Geese would land. If I had seen them earlier I would have put a floating island on the Pond. If they are there tomorrow morning I will. They will need to watch out for the Fox if they stay in the field over night.
8:15 Mon 07 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
Gannets on Bempton Cliffs,Flamborough,North Yorks.Lindsay.
Squirrel taken near the Castle Mill Stream in Oxford CH.
ONE LONELY SHEEP PEEPING THROUGH A GATE ON EXMOOR, MARIE.
The view from opposite the stone wheel at The Peak National Park in The Peak District. Karen, Stoke.
Sisco has seen it all before through and decided bed was the best place
whilst the silly puppy Ally was outside in the cold white stuff.
Emmi and Sox will be returning to Denbury by the end of the week. Emmi went to the Stallion yesterday and all went well. In three weeks we will have her scanned by the Veterinary to make sure that she is in Foal.
Our Mare in Ireland also went to a Stallion yesterday. Unfortunately she did not take to our first choice Stallion, although she was covered by him three times. If she does not get into Foal by the second choice Stallion I will not put her in Foal this year and leave her until early next year.
Checking back on the Diary, Lady is due to Foal in three weeks time. I will be leaving her camera on every night from next week. For the past two years she has been very late Foaling. I think she was getting on for a month late last year. I know that I was keeping watch every night for about two months. I wont be wanting that this year. With a bit of luck she may be early.
9:04 Sun 06 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
Morning all, just to let you see what we woke up to this morning, I know its not a lot, but, the weatherman said last night that it would miss us !! Jan (herts)
Otters at a Sanctuary near St Ives in Cornwall.Lindsay.
Sparrow which was taken in my garden. Vicky from Derby
Here is another picture of Beryl, this was taken through the kitchen window. Val.
I didn't get time to get the new Lake webcam going today. I will try to find time tomorrow. I want to see it going, as it would be interesting to see the Pond beyond the Lake. I will also be able to see when any Herons land on the Pond. When we stocked the Lake with Fish we didn't put any in the Pond, but over the years the Fry must have gone through the pipe that connects the Lake and Pond, now there are some good sized Fish in it. The Herons that land on the Lake must have got wise to me chasing them off, as we rarely see them on the Lake. We do see them on the Pond when we drive down our driveway. They wouldn't be my favorite birds especially when I see them fishing on the water.
Other than a few snow flurries today, it really is looking Spingyfied on the Farm. Lots of yellow with the Daffodils, Primroses and around the Lake the Marsh Marigold. The Blackthorn has started to flower. We have a lot of Blackthorn around the Farm, when in flower it is one of my favorite scrubs, maybe because when it flowers you know that the warmer days are nearly here. It has been one of the best Autumn and Winters for the weather that we have had since we have been at Denbury. It hasn't been to cold or over wet. With the weather being so good we managed to be able to keep the Horses out in the field, up to a few days before Christmas, a big bonus for us. We still have to muck the stables out every day, but we are not clearing up after the Horses all day long. We would have if we had needed to keep them in around the yard. For nearly a month we have also been able to let Breeze and Arnie out in the small paddock, that is in view when we put the Sheep pen webcam on. The ground of the paddock is a little poached, but not as much as other years. As long as we get a bit of rain and a lot of warm sun we will be able to turn all of the Horses out on the 1st of May for the Summer.
7:16 Sat 05 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven.
Little Egret,Bantry Bay,Southern Ireland.Lindsay.
As you see the collared doves continue to get more trusting. GJ.
I know you've met Sam before but this made me smile when I opened my e-mails on my Birthday. CH.
Hi this is a Photo of a Pochard that was taken as Straws Bridge nature reserve in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Vicky.
The Cascade at Hestacombe Gardens A restored Garden 2 miles from Taunton. Marie.
I spoke to the French Trainer last night, Both Bliss and Misty are doing well and enjoying their work. Bliss seems to be training better and she does look promising. Bliss thinks that the training is play. She has dumped her rider twice when she has turned around when she was meant to be going straight. To try to stop her she is cantering with a horse by her side to keep her straight. It is nothing to worry about, a lot of Horses do it. It was good to here that she thinks that it is play. Misty is making noises in her throat when she is working. Again it is nothing to worry about. It is something to do with her tongue. She will probably have to have her tongue strapped when training or racing. All of Woody's off spring have a habit of playing with their tongues, I should think it is something to do with that.
We tried to get the new Lake camera working today. I had needed to use a different wire than normal, and had wrote the colours of the wires down on the inside cover of my 2008 Diary. Whilst up the pole fitting the camera I phoned the Farm House to ask what the wiring was written down in the 2008 diary. I wont say who but the person who answered the phone looked in the 2007 diary. The telemetry boxed went bang. I wasn't best pleased I can tell you. I may have also damaged the camera so I will have to fit a new camera and telemetry box just in case. If I get time I will do it tomorrow, but it could well be Monday before I get to do it.
6:29 Fri 04 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six.
There are not sufficient amount of photographs for tomorrow Photo page.
This is my first baby of this year.
She was found yesterday in the middle of a road.
She is about 10 days old and is fine apart from a tiny wound on her leg, I presume from whatever took her out of the nest. I have called her April !! Lynne.
This is a photo i took of a Egyptian Goose at Attenborough Nature Reserve in Nottinghamshire.
Vicky from Derby.
Here is a photo of Beryl the blackbird sat in her nest, I was quite a way from her when I took it so it has turned out ok. Val.
A boiling sea in the Shetland Islands.Island of Unst.Lindsay.
Unfortunately Minty's Lamb died last night. We think that it had got water into it lungs when it was in the stream. How it got there we are not sure. Over the past few days a Buzzard has been flying above the barn. There is a possibility that it may have tried to take the Lamb, and dropped it as it was to heavy to carry.
There were another two single Lambs born in the night. When we went to feed this morning we thought that one Ewe have given birth to twins, but the Ewe was butting one of the Lambs away. At the far end of the Sheep pen we noticed another Ewe that was down, on checking her she had obviously just given birth, but her Lamb was no where to be seen. We then realised that the Lamb being butted was the missing Lamb of the Ewe that was down. We penned the Ewe and Lamb on their own so that they could bond.
As we can see that Thornton is going to finish up being a pet, we thought that it would be wise to have him castrated, as he may butt people when he is older. We cant have him butting our holiday guests. He could also start to butt Tass and Kye. Castrating Ram Lambs is any relatively easy procedure, with not cutting and at Thornton's age, no pain. Just an elasticated ring is used. Until about ten years ago nearly all Ram Lambs destined for meat, were castrated. It was then found that castration slowed the growth of Lambs so a lot a Sheep Farmers have stopped the practice.
9:04 Thu 03 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one.
There are not sufficent ammount of photographs for tomorrow Photo page.
A GREAT TIT AT A BIRD FEEDING AREA AT BOLTON ABBEY LYNNE
A pair of ducks at Savil Gardens in Surrey. Bec.
These Collared Doves are getting quite tame. GJ.
The red Squirrel at Formby. Angela.
A sign at formby. Angela.
We managed to get the new Lake camera working this afternoon. I even put it on webcam two, but for for some reason it stopped working. I think that I may know what the problem is, and as long as I can get a few jobs finished early tomorrow I will try to get it going.
We have located it on a current telegraph pole along the Farm drive. We may get a bit of grief from BT, we will just have to wait and see. The camera is very well situated overlooking the Lake. We are able to get right into the island to watch the Goose on her nest. Yes she is nesting and by the look over the past couple of days she is incubating the eggs. The Gander quite often sits with the Goose on the island. We have never seen that before on the Lake. They also use the ramp to get on and off of the island. Hopefully you will be able to see it tomorrow. The new camera is also able to see the Pond that is out of view of the current Lake camera, just behind the Lake. The new camera will also be a good security camera for the Farm, as we are able to see most of our drive. I think that it is going to be an interesting webcam.
An Electrician who was putting the electric to the new camera saw one of the Lambs in the stream by the side of the Lake. How it got there we will never know. It is the Minty's Lamb, the last Lamb that was born. If the Electrician had not seen it in the stream it would now be dead. As it is the Lamb is not very well and we are unsure if it will survive. We have had to bring it into the Farm House to keep it warm and to dry it out. Minty has been calling for it. If it does survive I am not sure if Minty will accept it back.
Thornton is doing very well. With us putting him on to the Ewe when we found him, to hopefully get some colostrum must have worked. Bottle feeding him is making him grow a little quicker than his twin. Tass and Kye are intrigued by Thornton and wont leave him alone, but the Lamb is managing. We wouldn't leave Thornton on his own with the dogs as we are sure that they would finish up killing him, whilst what they would think as playing.
7:33 Wed 02 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. I am sure that there must be some good photographers who have not yet sent any photographs in for the Photo page.
statue is at the visitor centre,Grizedale Forest, Cumbria. Carol.
I am not a gardener so dont know what this is called there was lots of the trees at formby Angela.
These mallards were snapped in Monmouth today. G.J.
Needs no introduction, Fluffed up Robin waiting for food. Judy.
A TREE WITH VERY WET ROOTS !!! LYNNE.
I thought that you may like to see a couple of emails from Simon in Anderlucia, who is installing the camera for the Griffon Vulture webcam.
Hi, I climbed today with matt but we could not get the camera in the spot we wanted, simple reason, it was the last 6ft that we could not get across, the limestone is all fractured and loose and all 3 of the safety anchors we put in would fail under any pressure from a fall, we could not go any further. We decided to move away from the nest across the face and slightly above which is where we put the bracket I made for the camera, it is the only option. We fixed safety lines for me as I have to return tomorrow and place the camera to the bracket, and drop the power and signal cable down the face to the panel and battery which I also have to carry up tomorrow. I shall get Nyhal the computer man up there the day after to sit in Gerrys house and check the focus while I am at the camera. There may be a small and I stress SMALL chance I can work my way a few metres closer to the nest once it is up and running but we shall think about that later there is plenty of time, the chick is stuck there for months, I shall obviously set the focus to be as sharp as possible but for now the distance to the nest is what it is, so we shall see the result very soon. I have had a heavy cold for 5 days I have no voice and a blocked nose and today was dangerous hard work, ontop of that I am sunburnt and scratched to xxxx from thorns and stinging nettles so , I am out of contact and in bed until sunrise tomorow. I will e,mail you tomorrow night and confirm all the wires have been connected to the to the panel and battery etc etc. Nyhal will then help as I said before and then it will be up and running.
Cheers. Simon.
Hi. I hauled up the battery and panel yesterday and connected the wires. My computer guy is coming with me tomorrow to sit at the computeer while I climb up and set the focus. I will email you from Gerrys house when it is done. We could not pre set the focus because we had no idea where the camera was going to be and yesterday the computer guy was not available so tomorrow it is. Just so as you know Matt and I spent 7 hours climbing 5 of those hanging on ropes from a vertical face, and yesterday was 4 hours alone on the face, over 80 degrees farenheit, with no shade, threading the cable to the panel and battery.The face is full of thorns and vegetation so you cant throw the cable or it would be snagged in a hundred places. Cheers Simon.
7:52 Tue 01 Apr 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number six. I am sure that there must be some good photographers who have not yet sent any photographs in for the Photo page.
The osprey nest at the Loch of the Lowes, taken last year from the hide. I hope you can see the osprey on the tallest tree in the middle of the picture. Carol.
Dave has bought a new telephoto lens for his fancy camera here is one of the first results !!
Lynne.
A Coot trying to cross the Frozen Lake at Rufford. I called this one "Dancing On Ice". Judy.
The Daffs at Formby. Angela.
Meet Mr Beany and Miss Fuzz,they are well travelled bears.Beany has just come back from Killinmanjarna Tanzania and Kenya,He loves going on Safari He comes from Whitworth,this was Taken last year when fuzz was on a visit up from Kent they were going to the Northern war musuem In Salford in the Lowrey Centre Its not the first time they have been searchedboth have been through the x-ray machines in airports (Fuzzes owner) Angela.
Sorry there will be no Diary for a couple of days unless something interesting happens. But Peter at the Lock has made an entry on the Forum.
Thornton is back at Denbury as he nearly made a meal for a dog where he was staying.
9:23 Mon 31 Mar 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number one. I am sure that there must be some good photographers who have not yet sent any photographs in for the Photo page.
Dave has bought a new telephoto lens for his fancy camera here is one of the first results !!
Lynne.
Another mishap and they were as surprised as you when Thornton was born. Elsie.
This thrush came to visit me yesterday, he is eating cooked pastry. PM.
Goats? on the North Cornwall coast path near Crackington Haven. CH.
A red squirrel at Formby point seen at easter Angela (Merseyside)
Emmi has not returned home as she has not come into season yet. Mares normally cycle 21 days after their foaling heat. Some Mare may go longer. If she is not ready to go to the Stallion in another day or so she will be given an injection to bring her in season. I don't like the Horses to be away from the Farm any longer than need to be.
Minty gave birth to a Lamb yesterday. We looked all around the barn just in case she had given birth to twins, and that one had gone astray as Thornton.
I have not been able to show the Geese very much for the last few days, as for most of the time other than today they have been out of view on the Island. Other than them flying around the Lake every now and then they have been on the Lake for four or five days. I don't know why the disappeared this morning. The way they have been acting they should nest on the Island.
7:25 Sun 30 Mar 08
There are five new photographs on the Photo page, starting from number eleven. I am sure that there must be some good photographers who have not yet sent any photographs in for the Photo page.
WATER FEATURES OUTSIDE SHEFFIELD RAILWAY STATION. WHEN THEY ARE LIT UP AT NIGHT THE COLOURS KEEP CHANGING. LYNNE.
You may not be interested, but these Collared Doves are getting quite tame. GJ.
Frosty trees at Rufford Country Park. Judy.
A very rough sea At formby ,Robin will know you dont see the sea further along the coast at Southport this was taken Easter this year. Angela.
I will use Peters press release on the return of the Female Osprey to The Lock of the Lowes today for tonight Diary.
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate use: 30 March 2008
First osprey returns to the Lowes
The Scottish Wildlife Trust [SWT] is delighted to announce that today (30 March 2008) the original female osprey has returned to her summer home at Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld. Once the first egg is laid, staff and nearly 70 volunteers will take it in turns to man the round-the-clock watch to safeguard these magnificent creatures.
The female osprey arrived at 2pm this afternoon and has already been joined by, and mated with, a male osprey with a yellow ring. The resident male has not yet been seen but can arrive some time after his partner, when he will attempt to chase any interloper away and take over the breeding process.
Once a common species in Britain by 1916 ospreys were all but extinct. Thanks to tremendous conservation efforts ospreys are once again an established part of Scotland’s rich wildlife. The first pair to return to the Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve was in 1969 when they were only the fifth known pair in Scotland.
As Peter Ferns, Visitor Centre Manager at Loch of the Lowes said, this is an exciting year at the reserve. If the pair do breed successfully again, it will be a major achievement “If the female lays yet another clutch of eggs this year we could be celebrating a 50th egg here at the reserve. Its amazing that just one pair of birds can play such a significant role in the survival of their species. As she is now getting on in years, whether sadly this may be her last contribution to Scotland’s osprey population before a younger female takes her place we will just have to wait and see. Our state of the art, high definition screen in the visitor centre, offers stunning views of the nest and close up pictures of the bird make you feel as though you can just reach out and touch her ”
Ospreys are just one of many wildlife attractions at the reserve. This year for the first time the visitor centre will open all year round giving visitors unrivalled access to the wild action. As Peter continued, “Loch of the Lowes has become famous for its ospreys but there is so much more – it is a real magnet for some of Scotland iconic creatures. Red squirrels and pine martens are regularly seen along with woodland birds of all types and sizes. Thanks to programmes such as Springwatch more and more people are enjoying the diversity of species we have here in the UK. This year we will also be offering visitors the chance to watch pine martens from the comfort of the visitor centre over a number of evenings later in the season.”
Once settled, the female osprey will lay between two and four eggs during the first part of April, six weeks later the chicks will hatch. Thanks to the wonders