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| On Beachy Head, the Downs, looking over Eastbourne - wonderful place to soar above |
... I have my wires crossed I believe. I’ve been looking around this thing those humans call the internet – now I am a sea-gull ... the funny thing is they say I’m just a gull ... well my wires are crossed because I think I live in a birdbath.
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| Tresco, Scilly Isles |
I can understand how that human, who gives us fresh water in the bird bath, thinks I have my wires crossed ... I must think a little like her – except she can’t ... as John Masefield so eloquently wrote ..
.. ‘go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky’
She can’t fly, nor soar on the thermals as they brush with the land – my species tell me I can ... but I really feel the need to stay in the small part of Eastbourne where my blogging friend lives – she tells me it’s called that because bourne means small river – and the one coming off the Downs and Beachy Head is the westerly bourne.
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| The Bourne flowing through Motcombe Gardens |
I am confused and all spring and summer I have been confused ... my species live on the rooves around, they have produced off-spring ... those fledglings are invading my patch ... I am beginning to get worried.
My patch ... has an elderly neighbour, who likes to feed all wild creatures, but especially us bird ones ... I go and perch on her balcony – but I have to watch my beak, as it hits the window if I’m not careful, as I glide in to land ... and dare I say it “beg” for food.
It is a lot easier getting these humans to feed and water us ... feeding we don’t really need – those beings leave plenty of garbage around and this hand feeding is making me lazy ... but us birds were very grateful for the birdbaths full of water (rather than solid ice) this past winter - it was a bitterly cold time.
We have funny habits us gulls – the watchful blogger spots these things ... her eyes are open to the most extraordinary of worlds ... have you seen her blog? Oh! of course you have – you’re here. She’s constantly questioning, looking up and clarifying things ... I have a quiet look sometimes when I can land on a roof and connect to gull-web.
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| This is like 'my' bird bath! |
I haven’t been able to settle all summer – my desire to nest is thwarted by the bird bath being filled with water – doesn’t that blogger realise it’s my desired place for a nest ... it’s concave and just the right size and depth ... I’ve constantly added sticks and grass to it .. but she insists on topping it up with water.
It’s almost too late to nest now, I’ll have to wait til next year ... two of my fledgling relatives have arrived and that is irritating me – new competitors for the food source from my elderly feeder – they can fly away though (they learnt early .. so often those babies pad around at ground level, unable to lift off), they must go and find their own food source – we are scavengers, after all ... and there’s plenty around in human land.
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| Chick and egg on nest |
Before I go and tell you about my other wildlife neighbours in this small percentile of the urbanised Downland – I have been watching this blogger recently ... she’s been up that Down a lot more often ... spending more time with her mother, who I hear from my relatives up the hill is not at all well.
I soar above keeping an eye on this daughter ... and making sure she looks after herself by not getting too sad for a life well-lived ... ‘my’ wildlife friends down here keep her amused – I’ll start with the foxes ... there’s a few round here – but 3 visit the garden – one stands on his hindlegs and drinks from our larger birdbath – the cheat of it ... but another one is even more audacious ... it jumps up on to it to drink – foxes are too clever by far.
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| Red Fox |
Us birds make so much noise ... we wail and squawk at all hours of day and night ... heaven knows we must keep everyone awake ... but I don’t know why them humans complain ... because those blackbirds start singing before dawn – they must have sixth sense to know dawn is coming ... they don’t have those time things that humans look at.
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| A thief! |
My blogger friend loves the blackbird sound ... our noise resonates with the tennis fans – but that’s all – otherwise we’re nuisance birds ... we do thieve I’m afraid. Then there’s all those jackdaws ... my friend says she’s never seen them before – in her youth .. they weren’t garden birds; magpies too – as many as five or so ...
... the robins, house sparrows, wrens and tits hide from the jackdaws and magpies ... she calls them ‘her thugs’ ... they did manage to kill a pigeon the other day ... and certainly I’ve seen some of my sorts’ eggs on the ground.
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| Red Legs |
I’ve heard her say that I puddle ... I don’t! Ah..... she’s referring to some odd habits she’s seen me do with my web feet – funny having web feet when I live on the land. My feet sure are big ... I love puddles – when there’s lots of rain or melting snow ... I stand on the grass and ‘march on the spot’ ... I do this when it’s so cold ... I thought I was fooling her – but no ... she found out my trick ... it’s to bring the worms to the surface ... she thinks I’m doing my warming up exercises! She’s a funny old thing ... lots of ideas though.
So that’s my life here with this Blogger person ... I try and look after her, taking her mind off things, by keeping her amused with my antics – swooping in to land ... paddling around the lawn ... building my nest –I think she gets a little cross about that as she has to extract all my nesting materials and it’s a bit gungy ...
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| Swigging! |
... but I love the fresh water and like all the other birds I dip my beak in and take a big swig, raise my head (rather haughtily – as I know others can’t interrupt me in my imbibing) and slowly let the nectar of fresh clean water trickle down to quench my thirst.
So that’s it for now everyone when the wildlife changes I’ll be back to let you know – mind you she does that pretty well too ... my twin has arrived and we’re both paddling in our baths ... we do splash quite a lot of water out.
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| Collared Dove |
We all get along really by minding our own business – the pigeons and collared doves, the squirrels .. the magpies and jackdaws can fight .. usually for supremacy .. and I just muscle my way in ... I know my rights – she doesn’t though .. do wish she’d realise my desire for a dry nest and not a wet bath.
That’s all folks ... my first article for this blogging lady – I’m not sure she’ll allow me another wildlife chatter .. but I am keeping an eye on her ... cheers for now from this Herring Gull to give me my other name ... I must like herrings then – she hasn’t told me that!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
64 comments:
The end of your post reminded me of evenings in our road. There is usually a battle between the squirrels, owl, and dogs, over who can make the most noise. Sounds like a zoo sometimes!
I'll go empty my birdbath right now.
Hilary this is just wonderful, a blog from a birds eye point of view, so original and lovely to read. Well done on a most beautiful blog.
Yvonne.
Well, I for one, hope that Herring Gull pays another visit to your blog! A delightful post, I felt I was soaring and puddling and squawking along with your Gull friend. I have to confess though, that I love red foxes, they're so beautiful.
Lovely photos of the Gulls too!
Judy, South Africa
@ Ellie .. it's the early mornings here .. occasionally the foxes howl .. now an owl I haven't seen and thank goodness we don't have yapping/barking dogs. I can believe your road sounds like that .. unnecessarily jarring ..
@ Alex - oh ok .. can I send my gull over .. she might have to go round via China .. the westerlies coming this way over the Atlantic don't help ...
@ Yvonne .. so pleased you've enjoyed it - I've wanted to tell gull's story for a while - how? I thought as I drove up to Mum's perhaps I should have used Hardwick .. her 'dog' .. but so glad gull has met with approval!
@ Judy ... well they're all welcome here .. however I'm still not certain re the magpies and jackdaws (they are my thugs!) .. delighted you enjoy the light relief post!!
I was quite pleased I found such 'good' photos (via Wikipedia) to illuminate gull's post.
Thanks everyone .. Ellie, Alex, Yvonne and Judy .. I was a little anxious - so am chuffed you enjoyed gull's chitter chatter! Hilary
A guest poster - I love it! Herring Gull sees all, it seems, and probably rules the "roost".
Hi Helen ... Herring Gull certainly rules my visual roost! He seems to wait for my return .. oh well - it's fun .. yes = a guest rooster!
Cheers Hilary
I'm confused: is the herring gull looking after the elderly blogger or vice versa?
whichever way round it goes, the two certainly keep each other amused.
I like the perspective Hilary. Sending thoughts of support for your mum and you, and I'm so pleased the wildlife is doing their bit too! Sue
What a wonderful guest blogger!!!! (Very attractive too!)
Let's hear it for the birds! I like herring too--I like mine smoked or pickled.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Oh, Hilary, this is so delightful and has given me chuckles. Love it.
I love being entertained. You are one of my favorite blog entertainers!
A most enjoyable and entertaining post. I'm with Judy in hoping Herring Gull pays another visit here.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Freelance Editing By Mason
@ Friko - I think three of us poor souls are confussed now! As long as it brings a smile that's all that counts - not sure if Gull can smile, but I feel she must (not sure even if she's a he or a she!).
@ Bossy Betty - many thanks!
@ Lee - I'm very fond of herring too ..
@ Teresa - gosh - that's wonderful to hear .. chuffed and puffed up now!
@ Mason - thank you .. I suspect Herring Gull will be visiting again .. caught the habit!
Thanks everyone - lovely seeing you - have great weeks ..Hilary
@ Sue .. thanks! I forgot you?! But your email jogged my memory .. many thanks for your thoughts re my Mama .. Hardwick (her dog) keeps her company and consoles her - it's Herring Gull - she's lost her marbles I think! Cheers for now and have a good week -Hilary
Hello Gull! Glad you're looking after Hilary because she deserves it. She does a lot of looking after and she's always cheerful. I could never do that. So keep up the funny walks and the puddling and the swooping and all the rest of your gully antics!
Very fun post! I can just feel the indignation of the gull. Maybe you should him build that nest . . . ;)
@ Anne .. many thanks - good old Gull - thankfully I have the disposition of my name - Hilary = happy! Gull certainly looks like doing that for a while - just stood on the lawn watching me as drove up the hill today.
@ Janet - good to see you ... but NO I won't - Gull was in my bird bath - feet and all when I got home - the audicity of it .. having a good few sips though .. I wonder if the water is spiked - it needs a clean anyway!!
Thanks for coming by Anne and Janet - enjoy the week ahead .. Hilary
Your guest poster gave us a unique bird's eye view of life in the wilds of nature.
Sometimes at the beach there is one gull in the crowd who looks to be standing there just laughing his head off - probably at the person looking at him. They are so funny to watch.
Hilary,
I enjoyed this post by Gull, or Herring Gull, very much! I can't imagine having a gull in my birdbath. LOL that must have been a sight.
I am sorry about your mom's health. I hope as I write this, things have improved?
I encourage Gull to make sure the blogging lady takes very good care of herself. She special, you know!
What a delightful story. I'm never going to look at a gull the same way again. We have land gulls here and surprise-surprise, they seldom stop on their way by.
Looks like your guest has had quite an adventure and a lovely place to call home.
Love the pictures.
Sia McKye's Thoughts...OVER COFFEE
This post is so beautifully written that I went back and read it two more times. It is almost poetic and if read loudly sounds like it is the Gull talking. How true it is that different birds and squirrels can live in harmony by just minding their business. It is also true that I have seen bird baths getting frozen in New York Winter. My husband always uses a used and washed plastic disposable butter container to make sure birds get their warm water as the bird bath always sits far from the back door.
Thanks again for a great post. Cheers.
PS the bridge is in China and is called Qingdao Bridge and is 26.4 miles long.
Enjoyed the angle on this Hilary. You gave it so much personality!
Have a lovely week. Hope your mother is doing well.
Welcome, Herring Gull! I enjoyed hearing about Hilary from your point of view or POV as us writer types like to say. :)
Very much enjoyed this gull's eye view. Reminds me of Zorro's Blog, down in Australia, where often the point of view is that of the geese! I particularly enjoyed this gull's eye view of the blogger in question:
"She’s constantly questioning, looking up and clarifying things ... I have a quiet look sometimes when I can land on a roof and connect to gull-web."
We are all the lucky beneficiaries on our own gull-webs!
Ha, loved the post from the bird's point of view. (Psssst, I'm sure you'll be invited back.)
So much of what humans do change the lives of our beloved birds.
Fun post; I love the view from above!
I should say, it is really tweet ;D
@ Linda - my guest poster certainly has a unique view on life! They are cumbersome creatures and do a lot of standing - you're so right .. they're not frightened and so can be viewed at close quarters - and can make us laugh - til they swoop on the sandwich.
@ Sara - I don't know either - Gull or Herring Gull (M/F)! Poor old Gull - she (as she's nesting - or trying to) kept on bringing sticks in .. given up now! Just stands in water up to her webbed ankles and looks around forlornly!
Thanks - my mother is comfortable which is the main thing. I'll pass on your message to Gull - but am so grateful at your thought.
@ Joylene - sadly I think their species isn't going to stop thieving when it can - poor old Gull just begs! You haven't got enough rubbish at Cluculz to make landing worthwhile - I should keep it that way!
@ Sia - thanks .. Gull certainly seems settled - whether she'll fight for her right of ownership - I'm not sure .. so far no intent against the intruders .. her twin and the fledglings!
@ Munir - thank you - delighted you enjoyed it so much. Wish it was a little more harmonious - the jackdaws and magpies rule the roost, so to speak!
Keeping some thawed water around .. especially in the freezing cold of winter is essential for the birds. New York must be dreadful - freezing.
That bridge of yours is as long as a Marathon! It would cross our English Channel (22 miles) - but would take most of England in its feeder roads .. - no where left to live!
@ Karen - many thanks .. appreciate your comment - my mother is peaceful .. and the weather is being kind - dry and warm.
@ SusanJR - Gull's POV .. slightly different perspective - thanks.
@ SusanS - thank you - it made a change and I wanted to tell the story of the gull and the bird bath nest! I must look for Zorro's blog ..
.. let alone gull-web! We sure are lucky to have our own dry gull-webs!
@ Theresa - Gull says she's quite pleased she'll be asked back ..
You're so right - almost all of what we do changes the lives of 'beloved feathered friends' .. we need to remember this - I hope we do ..
@ Ella .. oh thank goodness - you're the only one (so far) that's made the tweet connection!!
Thanks everyone - Gull's quite pleased you're all enjoying her first guest post .. cheers for now - Hilary
A beautiful first picture. Really breathtaking aerial view!
Duncan In Kuantan
Popped in to say hi! I love your perspective on this!
Brilliant. I love this guest blogger with a twist. Wonder who's going to drop in on us next though!
What a wonderful post, Herring Gull! I can imagine how annoying those bird baths would be! Do you think you can pop round mine and say hi? I'll try to sort you out.
@ Duncan - many thanks .. when you're up on the Downs .. looking across the bay is incredible and seeing the whole town spread out in front of one - does provide a spectacular view.
@ The Blonde Duck - you sure are blonde! and good to see you here .. glad Herring Gull meets your Duck approval!!
@ Ros - great .. poor old Gull - mind you Talli wants her in London and she's going to sort Gull out -
So then I'll have to find a replacement guest blogger!!
@ Talli - you seriously want to give Gull a nest - she'd be delighted .. and she's still near the sea - and she could fly down to see us .. I'll have to write up a contract for her .. and see what she thinks!!
The funny thing is .. the birds love having baths .. even Herring Gull gives herself a rub down - apart from web-splashing everywhere !! Bath was topped up though!
Thanks Duncan, the Blonde Duck, Ros and Talli ... it's fun ..
What a fun blog post. I hope Hilary lets the bird come back again as a guest blogger. We don't have a birdbath, but my in-laws do. I wonder if I should tell them that some birds would prefer to use them to put their nests in?
Greetings Herring Gull,
Tis I, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star. Me thinks you are onto something here. Once again, proof positive that we in the animal world, can articulate to a level that no human could possibly achieve.
You are gifted and an excellent candidate for that must watched television show, 'Britain's Got Talons'. I know, what the flock am I barking about.
Penny :)
What a wonderful birds eye view. It would be fun to be a bird for real, if it weren't for the motion sickness. ;)
I like gulls, and crows, and magpies - all the annoying birds. Perhaps I see them as underdogs and I enjoy rooting for the underdog.
@ Susanne .. thanks .. I'm sure your in-laws will think us bloggers have gone stir-birds-nest-crazy - and perhaps even you! Interesting to hear what they'd have to say!
@ Penny (aka Gary)- how wonderful you can tear yourself away from your fans for a little while to comment here - I guess the wildlife caught your attention.
Ah - I hadn't thought about Gull entering "Britain's Got Talons" .. I have to check how she feels .. perhaps you are barking up a goodly tree!
@ Michelle - yes to soar away up on high and look down must be lovely .. not sure about the feelings though!
I'm not sure gulls, crows and magpies are underdogs anymore .. they certainly keep the other birds at bay. But I'm rather fond of Gull ..
Bye Susanne, Gary, Michelle - a fledgling is paddling and drinking with a ring of pigeons, magpies and jackdaws waiting their turn!! Such is bird life .. Hilary
I loved your creative tale narrated by Herring Gull! I'm sorry that you mother is not doing well. I will be sending positive thoughts out to both of you. Julie
Hilary....Thank you for hosting Herring Gull. A delightful post worthy of 2 reads. It made my day. Good thoughts to your Mum.
Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck
Hilary, I loved your bird's eye view - it was wonderful!
@ Julie .. delighted you enjoyed the read - Herring Gull enjoyed her day!! Thank you for positive thoughts - it's not easy for my mother .. but she's as comfortable as possible for now.
@ Manzinita .. great to hear you had two reads of it - Herring Gull is chuffed to know that! Thank you too for the thoughts re my Ma.
@ Talon .. thanks so much .. it was fun to write ..
Cheers Julie, Manzanita and Talon - lovely seeing you here .. Hilary
What a refreshing and fun read :)
This is great, Hilary. Your posts have a way of making me feel good...I love to laugh and your post made me giggle a bit as I imagined the gull's frustration at your filling up his nest with water! :) Hope your mom is feeling better, so glad she has you nearby. ~Scarlett
@ BK .. glad you enjoyed the Gull read .. and thanks for coming by.
@ Scarlett .. lovely to see you and am happy to hear Gull lifted your day! We all need to laugh or smile to ourselves as we read along ..
I'm lucky my mother is up the road, and being cared for .. so I get to see her often and with ease ..
Thanks Scarlett - appreciate the thought and your visit.
Cheers to you both - BK and Scarlett .. have a good rest of the week - Hilary
Hello Bird,
Nice to see you writing a guest post. I knew you were a good forager but I never knew that you could throw words together to paint such nice pictures.
Thanks for keeping an eye on Hilary too, that's her name by the way, that blogger lady.
Happy flights today and all days!
@ Chase .. Gull's disappeared for a while .. the ants or insects seemed to have hatched and we're all up there gorging!! I thought Gull did a pretty good job - she certainly knew the kinds of things Hilary's (you're right that is her name) readers like to hear about.
We're in heavenly flight land .. so many insects hatching .. yummy yummy .. quick before they all go.
@ Carol .. I sure will do - a pretty mottled pigeon variety was in 'my bird's nest bath' when she, that blogging lady, arrived back this evening.
Thanks Chase and Carol - Gull was pleased you commented ... enjoy Friday and the weekend .. Hilary
Hilary, why is it that pigeons can thrive in cities? I wish something like hummingbirds could instead. The little chickadees are adorable though.
I just loved the post. ONe of my favourite birds is the dove. There are many down here in Mexico. And they coo so lovely.
What a fun post! I love feeding sea gulls. :) Those photo of the doves face is beautiful!
@ Theresa .. possibly because they were a great food source years ago - and would have been caught with some escaping to settle with humans for ever more. They are very adaptable - hence they're always around the habitats we create ..
Tits (chickadees) too adapt ... pigeons breed very early in the season, sometimes having three broods ..
Hummingbirds would be glorious - wouldn't they - but we'd have to have lush flowers and warmer weather. Good thought though ..
@ Clarissa .. thanks - the doves are cooing in the background now .. it's a lovely sound I completely agree.
@ Sharon .. the post made a change .. feeding the gulls - I think of the film The Birds!! so I'm not so keen. Thanks - I was pleased to find the dove photo.
Cheers Theresa, Clarissa and Sharon - have good Friday's and the weekend .. Hilary
*Applause* I loved this post!
I tagged you on my blog, Hilary. :)
Hi Glynis .. many thanks delighted you enjoyed the post .. and thanks for the tag I'm on my way over ..
Hope the electrics hold up .. and have a good weekend .. Hilary
Delightful story, Ms. Hilary! One of the things I love most about your blog is the surprise that awaits me when I open it. It's like one of those pop-up books with treats inside. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
Herring Gull, you did a most interesting post. I hope you come back and post again, perhaps about your travels.
Thank you Hilary for hosting Herring Gull. You seem to have an amazing yard and gathering spot.
@ W2W .. many thanks .. this is such a lovely complement - you're so wonderful .. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the comment. Just love hearing that you take delight in being here .. if you love it as much as I do - then that's great!
@ Helen .. good to see you .. Gull enjoyed her brief spell at writing .. and appears to be content in her back yard ... it's quiet and there's a bit of green lawn space for all to land in .. a few trees and hedges - otherwise surrounded by relative quietness - luckily. She may well be back to do another blogging session ..
Thanks so much for coming by W2W and Helen .. enjoy your weekends .. Hilary
what a great post Hilary and I loved your guest poster here...very informative chap who dances and bathes!
After I ate my huge portion of raspberries today, I have been watering the yard as I am headed to my in-laws beach house for the weekend - we are having a foggy morning so I think it will be hot when then sun burns off the cover...and as I was moving the first hose - splat an old crow on the wire let loose - had been feasting on blueberries so made quite a mess, fortunately missed me.
We have been asked not to feed the birds this year because they are spreading something around...so the gulls are very desperate, as are the crows and squirrels..
Great post and thank you for your good words on my review
Thinking about you and your mum...some parts of the experience just go hard...and sad
Hilary,
Have a good weekend. I hope the weather is friendly and that your mom is doing okay:~)
@ Patricia .. many thanks ..
Boy - you've been busy in your garden .. how wonderful to have a beach-house to visit. Ah! bird splats .. good noise!! Ours get blackberry coloured soon .. they've eaten too many of the things!!
Shows you - how much animals can adapt to live amongst us humans ..
@ Sara .. thank you - it looks like it'll be warm and dry ..
Thanks Patricia and Sara .. Mum seems to be as comfortable as can be .. the staff look after her very well ..
You both have good weekends .. Hilary
You must have a wonderful "roost." From my office, I can see birds and squirrels and the occasional road runner, rabbit, cat, armadillo and fox.
Hi Hilary
Your wildlife chatter post was great and the photos are fantastic! :-)
Take care and have a nice weekend :-)
~Ron
@ Helen .. I think your view is better .. I don't see a road runner, nor rabbits and definitely not an armadillo .. now he'd make a good guest poster! The foxes usually stay hidden during the day, while the cats scurry around sometimes .. Your office view sounds rather better .. I might come over!
@ Ron - love your new avatar! So pleased Herring Gull's article amused .. - photos c/o Wikipedia: fortunately!
Thanks Helen and Ron - you both have wonderful weekends .. Hilary
Hi Hilary.
What a treat this was to read! I loved reading your story through the gulls eyes. Beautiful.
I like how he believes he is, in a way, taking care of you. Too bad he can't accept that the birdbath is not for a nest, lol. He is a determined little one.
I did not know they stand on the grass and ‘march on the spot.’ That's how they bring worms to the surface? Cool.
Hi Davina .. thank you! Poor Gull - she (I think as she wants to nest) is a bit fed up with the fledglings that aren't hers .. and all the cacophony of all the gulls around .. and paddling out her water! The fox still comes, stands on hind legs and drinks 'its' fill ..
I didn't know gulls did that either .. but they do outside on the sodden grass (at the front of the building) and I saw them do it in the snow ... then I heard that's why ... cool or strange!! Yes
Delighted you enjoyed the read .. good to see you .. Hilary
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