I don't get a great variety of birds in my garden. Plenty of herring gulls, and a family of charismatic crows. Hardly exciting stuff, though we do get ... ... green woodpeckers too. They are regular visitors, feeding mostly on the ants that live in our dry, chalky soil. But in comparison to the Priory, … Continue reading Birdwatching
Wildlife
Keeping Busy, Keeping Warm
The grounds of the Priory can be a scary place when the wind gets up. Even the largest trees twist and sway alarmingly; creaking, groaning and occasionally hurling down dead branches. Generally, I think of trees as benign stalwarts but in high winds, I keep a wary eye on them and avoid walking beneath those … Continue reading Keeping Busy, Keeping Warm
Wordless Wednesday
Here's a wheeze. Apparently, on Wednesdays some people post a photo without any .... damn.
Strangers On My Knapweed
Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) grows widely in the meadow. It flowers from June till September, is very popular with a wide range of insects and is usually abuzz with visitors. There are, of course, the usual bees and flies that feed on its nectar. But the other day there were three visitors that I didn't … Continue reading Strangers On My Knapweed
Swallows And The Kestrel
As buzzards will always remind me of the Priory, so kestrels will always make me think of the Old Forge. I see them hunting over the gardens and the surrounding fields almost every time I'm there. Today was no exception. And I saw one closer than usual ... ... as he perched on the house … Continue reading Swallows And The Kestrel
Bird Feeder
I am a self-employed gardener and that suits me just fine. But it does mean that I don't get certain benefits. No work pension. No sick pay. No holiday pay. No pay if I just feel like lying in bed, eating lemon bon-bons. And no work-chums. But hey, you weigh things up and you make … Continue reading Bird Feeder
Antwerp Zoo
On a recent visit to Antwerp, we managed to drain our glasses, rise from the comfort of a café and go to the zoo. I always like to visit a zoo on a city-break. An art gallery or two, a cathedral or castle, a museum, a botanical garden and a zoo. It is what I … Continue reading Antwerp Zoo
The Anxious Gardener 