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It's the weekend!
I've been out this aft' to find a lovely story.
I've just checked something online and now I'm crying. In a happy, good way. You might too, after this...
7 miles on a bike, a local legend, strangers united by squirrels, a bench, birds & #46 play a part.
THREAD
I've been out this aft' to find a lovely story.
I've just checked something online and now I'm crying. In a happy, good way. You might too, after this...
7 miles on a bike, a local legend, strangers united by squirrels, a bench, birds & #46 play a part.
THREAD
Second time out on my bike (now the 3" inch thick ice has gone from our back lanes). First time I saw snowdrops!
A greyhound peed on them as I approached so I kept cycling...circled back once it left, to gaze down & take pics (the dogwalker must have 'wondered' about me)
The M6
A greyhound peed on them as I approached so I kept cycling...circled back once it left, to gaze down & take pics (the dogwalker must have 'wondered' about me)
The M6
I think I may have found the start of a 'mole fortress'. They're a real thing. (Look it up!).
I was reminded of the 'true grit' as I passed @BendriggTrust an ace outdoor centre for youngsters (and acorns). I had to get off & push.
Hedges up the road were thronged with birds.
I was reminded of the 'true grit' as I passed @BendriggTrust an ace outdoor centre for youngsters (and acorns). I had to get off & push.
Hedges up the road were thronged with birds.
I was off to look for a bench my postman told me about.
It's in memory of his dad, a former soldier, florist, birder, photographer, hearse driver and true wildlife hero called Fred. Fred made me a birdwatcher.
He also built a tiny island for birds, known as "Fred's Folly".
Look
It's in memory of his dad, a former soldier, florist, birder, photographer, hearse driver and true wildlife hero called Fred. Fred made me a birdwatcher.
He also built a tiny island for birds, known as "Fred's Folly".
Look
Years ago, he'd been in the paper for climbing trees in the dark aged 67, to rescue a buzzard, trapped by a fallen tree. His volunteering had helped bring birdlife including Great Crested Grebes to the reservoir.
I saw seven lapwing on Fred's Folly today.
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/563205.buzzard-trapped-in-trees-during-storms/
I saw seven lapwing on Fred's Folly today.
https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/563205.buzzard-trapped-in-trees-during-storms/
I'd been told Fred's bench was behind a fastfood spot in a service station. Which didn't sound right. But I'd never been. What did I know? It took me a while to find.
They came & checked I wasn't looking in their bins.
Not many cyclists on the M6, I guess.
But when I did...woah.
They came & checked I wasn't looking in their bins.
Not many cyclists on the M6, I guess.
But when I did...woah.
This is what you see on and from Fred's bench, looking left to right...The Howgills & Fox's Pulpit, the Yorkshire Dales. I didn't look round as it's only the motorway (& the Lake District).
The dam was built 200 years ago to fill Tewitfield canal. (Tewit = lapwing by the way).
The dam was built 200 years ago to fill Tewitfield canal. (Tewit = lapwing by the way).
The service station is full of Westmorland stonework.
Hogg-holes & squeeze stiles
On the way home two women saw me slow-cycling looking up at trees. "We've seen a red squirrel" they cried.
I missed it with all their shouting (joke).
So here's one by @cainscrimgeour @WildIntrigue
Hogg-holes & squeeze stiles
On the way home two women saw me slow-cycling looking up at trees. "We've seen a red squirrel" they cried.
I missed it with all their shouting (joke).
So here's one by @cainscrimgeour @WildIntrigue
I took the scenic way home mainly as it was very steep. Gravity etc.
I'd got off & pushed five times so felt it was a strong contender for a #WalkInWinter too.
I passed my local farm where @JRfromStrickley is busy putting up owl boxes. We need more like him.
Jammy Meadow for tea.
I'd got off & pushed five times so felt it was a strong contender for a #WalkInWinter too.
I passed my local farm where @JRfromStrickley is busy putting up owl boxes. We need more like him.
Jammy Meadow for tea.
It's probably called Jammy Meadow for herons - that were once called "jammy cranes".
I'd had a great time. Only 7 miles there (and back). Oh, I forgot about the #46! 46 has had a good week.
As I left the bench I saw bat boxes galore.
Bet Fred was involved. Last one I saw was:
I'd had a great time. Only 7 miles there (and back). Oh, I forgot about the #46! 46 has had a good week.
As I left the bench I saw bat boxes galore.
Bet Fred was involved. Last one I saw was:
Fred's the first person I've called a legend.
And I've met Engelbert Humperdinck so, y'know.
Read Fred's story. Fred made me a birdwatcher. Which is more than enough for me.
But do read about Fred's fabulously wild life (starts page 4). You'll love it.
https://www.cumbriabirdclub.org.uk/sites/default/files/Spring%202018.pdf
And I've met Engelbert Humperdinck so, y'know.
Read Fred's story. Fred made me a birdwatcher. Which is more than enough for me.
But do read about Fred's fabulously wild life (starts page 4). You'll love it.
https://www.cumbriabirdclub.org.uk/sites/default/files/Spring%202018.pdf
PS Next week I'm back on telly (first time since '81).
Proper TV @BBCFOUR in the EPIC new film by @terrybnd
"Helvellyn Life of A Mountain" on Tues 9pm
And I'm teaching an hour-long "birdwatching for beginners" online course on Monday. Because of Fred.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birds-for-beginners-series-tickets-128522842281
Proper TV @BBCFOUR in the EPIC new film by @terrybnd
"Helvellyn Life of A Mountain" on Tues 9pm
And I'm teaching an hour-long "birdwatching for beginners" online course on Monday. Because of Fred.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/birds-for-beginners-series-tickets-128522842281
