I did nothing special today, just simply enjoyed the hot weather and nature in all of its majestic glory!
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Monday, 29 June 2015
30 Days Wild #29
Blistering hot today, though I've heard Wednesday will be the hottest day yet with temperatures over 30'c!
The weather did not stop me though! I planted out my Strawberry Sweetcorn plants (have you worked out what their common food name is yet?!) into my diddy raised bed, then watered the entire garden. Even the plants around the pond!
After, I created a tongue for a cat ornament we have over my cats grave. He was put to sleep too, just like Milly, a year and 2 months ago on Friday. I still miss him so this post his for him.
Here is the image of my wonderful Dicky cat with his tongue stuck out
This is the inspiration for what I created next...
The weather did not stop me though! I planted out my Strawberry Sweetcorn plants (have you worked out what their common food name is yet?!) into my diddy raised bed, then watered the entire garden. Even the plants around the pond!
After, I created a tongue for a cat ornament we have over my cats grave. He was put to sleep too, just like Milly, a year and 2 months ago on Friday. I still miss him so this post his for him.
Here is the image of my wonderful Dicky cat with his tongue stuck out
This is the inspiration for what I created next...
Sunday, 28 June 2015
30 Days Wild #28
Day 28 of all things Wild and magnificent!
I strimmed the lawn and dug a hole for all the wrong reasons today.
Then again, the lawn needed doing. It hadn't been done since last summer and most of the grass underneath what was green was brown and possibly dead...
So strimming it almost right down to the ground will allow the rain (If we get any all all!) to thoroughly water the area and hopefully giving the grass a chance to grow new shoots.
I doubt we'll have a hale storm like we did earlier this year but imagine the good it would do to the ground!
I strimmed the lawn and dug a hole for all the wrong reasons today.
Then again, the lawn needed doing. It hadn't been done since last summer and most of the grass underneath what was green was brown and possibly dead...
So strimming it almost right down to the ground will allow the rain (If we get any all all!) to thoroughly water the area and hopefully giving the grass a chance to grow new shoots.
I doubt we'll have a hale storm like we did earlier this year but imagine the good it would do to the ground!
Saturday, 27 June 2015
30 Days Wild #27
A relaxed day but still in need of distractions.
In the end I went through a female Bull Finch's remains and picked out all the bones.
I haven't taken pictures because it is still quite grisly and I don't want to be responsible for putting you off of your tea!
The skull on the other hand is pretty amazing; it still has it's beak sheaf!
In the end I went through a female Bull Finch's remains and picked out all the bones.
I haven't taken pictures because it is still quite grisly and I don't want to be responsible for putting you off of your tea!
The skull on the other hand is pretty amazing; it still has it's beak sheaf!
Friday, 26 June 2015
30 Days Wild #26
Today was filled with distractions, I needed them though as one of our 15 year old cats was put down. It really is not the best way to start a holiday off work but life goes on and as did my 30 Days Wild.
As a distraction in the afternoon, I planted lettuce and did alot of watering, I mean alot!
After all, Milly played with water. She never fully immersed herself in it but where there was a tray full of it, she would be there running round it dabbing her paws into it.
This post is for Milly, you beautiful cat!
As a distraction in the afternoon, I planted lettuce and did alot of watering, I mean alot!
After all, Milly played with water. She never fully immersed herself in it but where there was a tray full of it, she would be there running round it dabbing her paws into it.
This post is for Milly, you beautiful cat!
Thursday, 25 June 2015
30 Days Wild #25
Again, I rescued more tadpoles from the green stringy stuff we left in a bucket after yesterdays pond cleaning. There were actually quite a few!
On the other hand, I don't have a picture relating to today so here is the beginnings of the pond. The shallow area I mentioned is the niggly bit pointing upwards on the right. As a scale bar, there are a couple of bog standard bricks holding the pond liner down.
It looks nothing like that now!
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
30 Days Wild #24
Today, I did a small amount of pond cleaning and tadpole rescuing. There was ALOT of the green stringy algae that really needed to be removed so I did just that. Except the tadpoles were getting caught up in it...
Funny really, we had well over 25 clumps of frogs spawn and now the tadpoles are impossible to spot! Here are SOME of those clumps...
Our pond is made up of 2 sections, the large deep section for the fish and a much more shallow area for other creatures such as newts. The shallow area is perfect for newts to lay their eggs. It is full of leafy plants and there is a plant pot and pebble wall preventing the fish from swimming across.
As you can well see in the picture above, the shallow are is full to bursting with frogs spawn!
Funny really, we had well over 25 clumps of frogs spawn and now the tadpoles are impossible to spot! Here are SOME of those clumps...
Our pond is made up of 2 sections, the large deep section for the fish and a much more shallow area for other creatures such as newts. The shallow area is perfect for newts to lay their eggs. It is full of leafy plants and there is a plant pot and pebble wall preventing the fish from swimming across.
As you can well see in the picture above, the shallow are is full to bursting with frogs spawn!
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
30 Days Wild #23
I love York for all sorts of reasons; the history, the niggly streets with independent shops, the scenery and the wildlife.
Such diversity! You don't notice everything around you until you really stop and look. Listen too, there are so many birds that can be heard and found if you follow their song.
Or droppings in this gosling's case!
Such diversity! You don't notice everything around you until you really stop and look. Listen too, there are so many birds that can be heard and found if you follow their song.
Or droppings in this gosling's case!
Monday, 22 June 2015
30 Days Wild #22
As I walked home from work on an evening, I walk over a bridge. This time, I stayed a couple of minutes to watch the ducks.
This small activity I haven't done properly since I was 10, it has been over 11 years and all my childhood memories came flooding back to me! We used to have geese on the river too, they're not so common on my stretch of the river now. They are in York however!
Why did I ever stop?!
This small activity I haven't done properly since I was 10, it has been over 11 years and all my childhood memories came flooding back to me! We used to have geese on the river too, they're not so common on my stretch of the river now. They are in York however!
Why did I ever stop?!
Sunday, 21 June 2015
30 Days Wild #21
I don't celebrate it but happy Fathers Day to all the fathers and to Spineless Si!
Keep Fanning!
Saturday, 20 June 2015
Friday, 19 June 2015
30 Days Wild #19
Funny day today, absolutely exhausted but I still had the energy of a child to carry on working and doing what I do!
Though when I went out to the bins, I watched 4 Swallow fledglings being fed. They had stumpy tails and I just wanted to squeeze them for their cuteness but I couldn't because they were on the roof and I may have crushed them...
It's not the best picture in the world but you can see which are the young birds as their tails do not have the fully grown streamer. This wasn't even at work...This was on a bike ride near York!
Though when I went out to the bins, I watched 4 Swallow fledglings being fed. They had stumpy tails and I just wanted to squeeze them for their cuteness but I couldn't because they were on the roof and I may have crushed them...
It's not the best picture in the world but you can see which are the young birds as their tails do not have the fully grown streamer. This wasn't even at work...This was on a bike ride near York!
Thursday, 18 June 2015
30 Days Wild #18
I was simply too tired to do anything and as a result, I almost fell asleep as soon as I sat down!
On the other hand, listening to the birds singing their little hearts out was worth staying awake for.
I'm not sure where they get the energy from but their voices can sure drown out any other noises around them!
Keep singing and brighten up everyone's day everyday!
On the other hand, listening to the birds singing their little hearts out was worth staying awake for.
I'm not sure where they get the energy from but their voices can sure drown out any other noises around them!
Keep singing and brighten up everyone's day everyday!
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
30 Days Wild #17
Having a job can be a problem at times but it doesn't stop me from enjoying the outdoors and taking some time away from everyday life.
After a productive day at work, I spent time identifying the wildlife outside my bedroom window.
I found 3 individual Tree Bumblebee nests all within a couple of houses from one another.
The Tree Bumblebee itself does not bother me. Bumblebees are fantastic pollinators but where these nests are, bother me. 2 of the nests are under the roofs where House Sparrows once nested. Under 1 roof, this is the first year the Sparrows have been unable to nest in their usual spot. And after Springwatch releasing an S.O.S (Save Our Species) for House Sparrows, the invasion of Tree Bumblebees is a growing problem.
Support your local House Sparrows and build a nest box!
http://www.beautifulbritain.co.uk/htm/wildlife_gardening/sparrow_terrace_plans.htm
After a productive day at work, I spent time identifying the wildlife outside my bedroom window.
I found 3 individual Tree Bumblebee nests all within a couple of houses from one another.
The Tree Bumblebee itself does not bother me. Bumblebees are fantastic pollinators but where these nests are, bother me. 2 of the nests are under the roofs where House Sparrows once nested. Under 1 roof, this is the first year the Sparrows have been unable to nest in their usual spot. And after Springwatch releasing an S.O.S (Save Our Species) for House Sparrows, the invasion of Tree Bumblebees is a growing problem.
Support your local House Sparrows and build a nest box!
http://www.beautifulbritain.co.uk/htm/wildlife_gardening/sparrow_terrace_plans.htm
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
30 Days Wild #16
Over halfway through and I'm loving it!
I worked outside in the sun all day today and I have never felt so good!
I even planned a bit more of the mini wild flower meadow with my mum. I requested to have a small patch of nettles for the insects and butterflies that require them, such as the Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock and Comma.
Thank you Springwatch for telling me how wonderful Nettles can be!
Pictured above is a Comma butterfly. As you can see from the top picture, it gets its name from the white comma mark on the under wing.
I worked outside in the sun all day today and I have never felt so good!
I even planned a bit more of the mini wild flower meadow with my mum. I requested to have a small patch of nettles for the insects and butterflies that require them, such as the Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock and Comma.
Thank you Springwatch for telling me how wonderful Nettles can be!
Pictured above is a Comma butterfly. As you can see from the top picture, it gets its name from the white comma mark on the under wing.
Monday, 15 June 2015
30 Days Wild #15
Well, the weather has certainly changed!
Though try as I might to take a picture of the new seedling, the camera insisted on focusing on the compost!
However, that did not stop me! I had lunch on a nice sunny bench whilst watching the wildlife that lives alongside the main road going through the centre of town. I saw a couple of rats too and whilst most people moved to get away from them, I admired their braveness to even come out into the open.
This evening, I checked up on my mums vegetable garden, the mini animal grave yard I seem to have going and the seedlings I'm encouraging to grow. Look at them, they're so adorable!
Sunday, 14 June 2015
30 Days Wild #14
I once again relaxed and listened to the birds and checked up on Spineless Si to see if there were any updates on the Springwatch facebook page.
Keep fanning!
Saturday, 13 June 2015
30 Days Wild #13
Day 13, not even halfway and I'm pretty sure I'm 100% wild!
I did ALOT today; I went for a walk with my mad eccentric boyfriend down a lane which the locals call... wait for it... 'The Lane', which basically explains what it is! It's a lane which parallels a fields, some with sheep, and takes you to the entrance of Rufforth carboot.
HOWEVER! It's the fields we're more interested in. Owls, mainly Barn owls, hunt around those fields and in previous months, we have found owl pellets which are incredible little disgusting parcels which contain alot of information. Don't get me wrong, they are fascinating to go through. These Shrew skulls were found in a pellet, along with many more Shrews, Voles, birds, mice and beetles.
In the field, we found our very first vole nest. All pink and blind and very tiny. We found that completely by chance and it was very well hidden!
Lastly, I climbed a tree and admired the view over the fields. Most were full of buttercups, a yellow shimmering sea of yellow, lovely! I haven't climbed a tree in years but I'm glad I did, it was good to feel like a child again!
I did ALOT today; I went for a walk with my mad eccentric boyfriend down a lane which the locals call... wait for it... 'The Lane', which basically explains what it is! It's a lane which parallels a fields, some with sheep, and takes you to the entrance of Rufforth carboot.
HOWEVER! It's the fields we're more interested in. Owls, mainly Barn owls, hunt around those fields and in previous months, we have found owl pellets which are incredible little disgusting parcels which contain alot of information. Don't get me wrong, they are fascinating to go through. These Shrew skulls were found in a pellet, along with many more Shrews, Voles, birds, mice and beetles.
In the field, we found our very first vole nest. All pink and blind and very tiny. We found that completely by chance and it was very well hidden!
Lastly, I climbed a tree and admired the view over the fields. Most were full of buttercups, a yellow shimmering sea of yellow, lovely! I haven't climbed a tree in years but I'm glad I did, it was good to feel like a child again!
Friday, 12 June 2015
30 Days Wild #12
Other than enjoying the outside which I do alot anyway, I admired a tree.
Just one tree.
I know that sounds weird but looking up at this tree and seeing how thick and robust its branches were, overwhelmed me with a sudden appreciation for them.
They are giant living organisms which can live far longer than anything else on this planet. They provide us with so much from something little such as shade from the sun to the most important of providing us with oxygen.
So trees, this post is for you.
Thank you!
Just one tree.
I know that sounds weird but looking up at this tree and seeing how thick and robust its branches were, overwhelmed me with a sudden appreciation for them.
They are giant living organisms which can live far longer than anything else on this planet. They provide us with so much from something little such as shade from the sun to the most important of providing us with oxygen.
So trees, this post is for you.
Thank you!
Thursday, 11 June 2015
30 Days Wild #11
Today I watched Springwatch Extra at 7am on the red button, Springwatch at 8pm on BBC2 followed by Unsprung on the red button again and now I'm watching the live camera's.
This little fellow is amazing!
Keep fanning!
This little fellow is amazing!
Keep fanning!
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
30 Days Wild #10
We're into the double figures!
Other than that, my Day Wild, lets get down to business!
I did the very simple things of just sitting in the sun. It was lovely. I enjoyed watching the pond wildlife and of course the birds singing their hearts out!
I even tried to do some flower photography on my phone... not brilliant but it's not bad!
Other than that, my Day Wild, lets get down to business!
I did the very simple things of just sitting in the sun. It was lovely. I enjoyed watching the pond wildlife and of course the birds singing their hearts out!
I even tried to do some flower photography on my phone... not brilliant but it's not bad!
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
30 Days Wild #9
So this morning, I was woken up around 3.15. I could get back to sleep and I'm glad I didn't all that quickly because just after 3.30, I heard the very first note of the dawn chorus.
Bird song is something that most people take for granted or either just don't hear. It becomes part of our everyday background noises so most of the time, we don't notice it unless we choose to listen.
Keep singing birds, there are people out there who appreciate you songs!
Bird song is something that most people take for granted or either just don't hear. It becomes part of our everyday background noises so most of the time, we don't notice it unless we choose to listen.
Keep singing birds, there are people out there who appreciate you songs!
Monday, 8 June 2015
30 Days Wild #8
I did the simple thing of looking up and watching the clouds, seeing what shapes I could pick out from the clouds themselves and patches of blue skies between.
It gives you time to clear your mind, relax and to just listen to the birds.
Lovely!
It gives you time to clear your mind, relax and to just listen to the birds.
Lovely!
Sunday, 7 June 2015
30 Days Wild #7
I did even more gardening today, couldn't help myself!
I planted up 3 Gardeners Delight cherry tomato plants, a green and red cabbage, and a cucumber plant.
Look how cute the tomato plants are!
I planted up 3 Gardeners Delight cherry tomato plants, a green and red cabbage, and a cucumber plant.
Look how cute the tomato plants are!
Saturday, 6 June 2015
30 Days Wild #6
I went somewhere I had never been before!
I've known about this walk for most of my life but I was never bothered to walk it until today.
As you can see by the map, my mad eccentric boyfriend and I were walking parallel to the A1M. It's not quite a woodland walk (the woods were fenced off) but it was still very pleasant. It's amazing how much wildlife thrives from that side of the wall, whilst on the other side is a raging motorway.
I passed 2 woods, didn't even realise there were 2 woods there and I've learnt the names; Crow Wood and Beilby Wood.
Well they do say you learn something new everyday!
I've known about this walk for most of my life but I was never bothered to walk it until today.
As you can see by the map, my mad eccentric boyfriend and I were walking parallel to the A1M. It's not quite a woodland walk (the woods were fenced off) but it was still very pleasant. It's amazing how much wildlife thrives from that side of the wall, whilst on the other side is a raging motorway.
I passed 2 woods, didn't even realise there were 2 woods there and I've learnt the names; Crow Wood and Beilby Wood.
Well they do say you learn something new everyday!
Friday, 5 June 2015
30 Days Wild #5
Day 5 of my Days Wild, I did a spot of gardening!
There is a small section of the garden which will be turned into a mini wild flower meadow. I've always wanted to make an insect/animal hotel and luckily for me, I'll be able to make one at long last!
These are a couple of the flowers which will help create the mini meadow. I don't think they're wild... but they look pretty and I wanted to share them with you!
Buddleia will be included also, to encourage more butterflies back into the garden.
Next up, designing the mini beasts hotel!
There is a small section of the garden which will be turned into a mini wild flower meadow. I've always wanted to make an insect/animal hotel and luckily for me, I'll be able to make one at long last!
These are a couple of the flowers which will help create the mini meadow. I don't think they're wild... but they look pretty and I wanted to share them with you!
Buddleia will be included also, to encourage more butterflies back into the garden.
Next up, designing the mini beasts hotel!
Thursday, 4 June 2015
30 Days Wild #4
For day 4 of my Days Wild, I stood out in the garden and admired it and all the wildlife which calls it home for me and for themselves!
The Southern Hawker wasn't taken today but last year. It was fantastic seeing a newly emerged dragon fly that I'm hoping more will emerge this year!
Fingers crossed!
The Southern Hawker wasn't taken today but last year. It was fantastic seeing a newly emerged dragon fly that I'm hoping more will emerge this year!
Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, 3 June 2015
30 Days Wild #3
For the third day, I went for an even longer walk! Along the way, I saw 3 Buzzards, definitely 1 Red kite, possibly 2 and 1 Kestrel. I'm certainly impressed with myself about that!
When I got home from work, I fed the birds bird sead and meal worms soaked in water (still soaking in fact!) and even gave them fresh water.
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
30 Days Wild #2
Today, I managed to identify a bird skull my mad eccentric boyfriend found. Well, I like to think so!
I now believe it to be a duck skull going by some of the pictures that came up on google!
Though if you have any other idea's or you know what it is, I would love to hear from you!
It's a shame it no longer has the bill if it is a duck.
This does seem like a strange way to connect with wildlife but it is an interesting way to learn how the animals work. Plus, I find plenty of natural treasures whilst out walking.
Give it a go, see what you can find.
I now believe it to be a duck skull going by some of the pictures that came up on google!
Though if you have any other idea's or you know what it is, I would love to hear from you!
As you can see, the (duck) skull is incredibly square in comparison to the corvid skull on the right.
It's a shame it no longer has the bill if it is a duck.
This does seem like a strange way to connect with wildlife but it is an interesting way to learn how the animals work. Plus, I find plenty of natural treasures whilst out walking.
Give it a go, see what you can find.
Monday, 1 June 2015
30 Days Wild #1
This June, The Wildlife Trust is doing an event called '30 Days wild'. They are encouraging everyone to do something which connects us with wildlife. This could be anything; a woodland walk, a 2 minute beach clean and even tree hugging!
Though June has already started, it is never too late to join in! I signed up to receive idea's and a funky wall chart. It's free to join and it's a great way to feel part of the big wildlife picture!
This is where to go:
http://action.wildlifetrusts.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1823&ea.campaign.id=37961
For day 1 of my 30 Days Wild, I endured the wind and odd splutters of rain and went for a walk, I even did the odd swirl. You could say I did a spot of dancing!
It's that simple!
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