Ramblings of the animal kind...

I find the wildlife here absolutely fascinating as it's so accessible, up-close and personal.

I've also become addicted to a BBC programme called Springwatch (it also has a sister series called Autumnwatch). It reminds me a little of Top Gear and with up to four presenters, it's chatty, informative, educational, entertaining and with its hidden webcams offers some stunning wildlife imagery. You can follow the webcams at http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/uk/

I am continuously coming across various animal rescue and welfare groups - there are hundreds all doing their bit to help.

And it's not just companion and farm animals that are being helped - there are groups that also help the diverse wildlife that live here and other groups that work to protect the natural environments these animals live in.

Without these species specific welfare groups such as the Parkgate Pony Sanctuary close to Heswall, the Wildlife trust and so many other groups, organisations like the RSPCA would struggle to contend with the vast numbers that need help. Charity shops are prolific in all the towns and cities - whether for animals or people - they are excellent sources of fundraising for these organisations.

Below are a few snippets of stories I've come across recently and some observations:

Bunnies hop to it in the showjumping arena

It must surely take off in NZ soon
and help boost adoption numbers too!

This is one of the latest crazes to come into Britain and originated in Sweden. Rabbits are apparently easily trained and there are websites dedicated to latest this sport. Check out these sites: http://www.rabbithopping-usa.webs.com/ & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE9OXATfF0o&feature=BFa&list=PLE679A790FA3477FD&index=2

Ducks suffer at the wheels of hit and run drivers

This mandarin duck is a regular visitor

to the Virginia Water garden

There has been an outcry from animal welfare organisations around the UK over drivers deliberately running over ducks and their ducklings - not only are they a target on the road but ducklings are also being stamped on and pelted with objects. Sadly, it doesn't matter where you go in the world, animals and birds suffer at the hands of some human beings.

It seems to me that education of the care, needs and rights of animals need to take highest priority in communities and schools.

While we haven't come across any ducks, we have had to slow down for a couple of large pheasants sauntering across the road. Apparently, they are well known for being a bit simple-minded and are solid enough to create quite a bit of damage to the front of your car. But all that aside, they are beautiful birds.

Woolley wigs for pigs?

A community newspaper featured an animal farm that is home to a large number of rare and unusual breeds. The story announces the farm's latest new residents - Mangalitsa pigs (pronounced MON-goleet-sa). These gorgeous curly-haired hogs look like pigs crossed with sheep. They were first bred in 1833 in Hungary. They grow a hairy fleece that looks like wool and were initially bred as a lard pig but are now classed as a rare breed.

I think they would fit perfectly into our New Zealand climate with their sheepish good looks. I want one!

Dry season affects birds
With the warmest spring in 250 years, the UK has been suffering a dry season with low rainfall. And it's because of the dry ground that worms burrow deeper into the soil thereby creating a gap in the food chain for blackbirds and other birds that dine on these slithery creatures. Blackbirds, when short of food, are known to raid other nests for tiny fledglings to feed to their own babies. People are encouraged to put food out for the birds to help them through a tough season.

I have noticed that feeding birds is a popular past-time in the UK with garden shops catering with all kinds of birds boxes, feeders and food.

As the crows fly

A jacdaw at the Virginia Water garden

There are several different types of crow that live here - choughs, jackdaws, magpies, rooks, carrion and hooded crows, and the big grand-daddy of them all - the raven. In late afternoon/early evening, fields of crows can be seen as hundreds of black specks on green canvases. They are everywhere and it's the tell-tale raucous cry that you often hear aloft that alerts you to their presence.

Someone once told me that the sound of a crow's call was that of a lost soul - a mournful sound. Now that I have heard and seen so many and watched their antics, I see them as cheeky, bold birds full of self confidence with an abrasive call. Crows are known for their excellent memories and apparently will not forget a face (human) and also bear grudges so it doesn't pay to cross them.

The raven is an extremely intelligent, playful bird and makes a good companion if you have the time and years to commit to them. We enjoyed experiencing this beautiful big bird at close quarters at the Tower of London.

Hedgerows for hedgehogs

According to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, diminshing hedgerows, in the countryside and in suburban gardens, is a key reason for the decline of these prickly little hogs. A lack of insects that usually live in these bushy environments means the the hedgehog have fewer food supply options. Being eaten by badgers and run over by cars are other threats to this harmless little creature.

I can't say that we have found a lack of hedgerows here as every country back, side or main road is usually lined with them, making it difficult to see ahead around the bends. Every now and then, though, you do get a peek through an open gateway of the beautiful countryside beyond.

Pretty in their tuxedos

NZ Magpie

Apart from their similar striking black and white plumage, magpies in the UK are quite different to the magpies of New Zealand. NZ magpies, with their flute-like call, originally came from Australia in the mid 1800s. They are stockier birds with either black, white or mixed back feathers, short tails, and crow-like heads. UK magpies are slender with long tails, iridescent blue, green and purple wings and bold white chests and bellies.







UK Magpie



One for sorrow, two for joy;
Three for a girl, four for a boy;
Five for silver, six for gold;
Seven for a secret, never to be told;
Eight for a wish, nine for a kiss;
Ten for a bird that's best to miss.

Cute little pied pipers, aren't they?

In my research I have also discovered the Magpie Duck, which originated in Wales!








Cats with thumbs

An ad I am enjoying over here advertising milk can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CcxJQq1x8











And did I mention skirrels?




This little fellow was happy to be approached and
photographed in Bournemouth



I cannot help but take any opportunity I can to capture these cute little creatures on camera. In some built up areas, parks, etc the grey squirrel is quite bold and will even come towards you looking for a handout of food. I've heard that greys' kill the red squirrels but my research tells me that they actually co-exist well together and that the reds suffered from a parapox virus, which is similar to myxomatosis in rabbits, in the early 1900s that destroyed many colonies. They were also extensively hunted around this time too, so it's not the greys' fault they are in decline.

The reds tend to stay high in the trees whereas the greys are happy to forage on the ground. They are a funny sight to see (if you're lucky) leaping about on the ground with their big fluffy tails flowing behind them. Many people while feeding the birds, usually without intention, end up feeding the squirrels too as these athletic little animals happily leap from backyard to backyard to find the best meal on offer.