tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post3918504140386845938..comments2024-03-26T11:42:04.114+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Folklore Notes and report back on Great British Garden Bird WatchHilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51845810466863695402010-04-14T07:14:31.704+01:002010-04-14T07:14:31.704+01:00Hi Mandy .. good to see you again. Thanks for the...Hi Mandy .. good to see you again. Thanks for these updates and letting us know about the decline in your East Anglia area of small birds, while different species are visiting. This RSPB and BBC site seems to bring bird life and nature into the schools around the country - which can only raise the outdoors a little. <br /><br />Hope you're getting over your travels and settling back in again - all the best - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-90849885421563403062010-04-13T22:47:47.724+01:002010-04-13T22:47:47.724+01:00Hi Hilary, having been an avid bird watcher and me...Hi Hilary, having been an avid bird watcher and member of the RSPB for some years I am always interested in the results of the garden bird surveys. This year I have noticed a decline in small birds in my garden, and also differences in the species of birds visiting.<br /><br />Enjoy the journey.<br /><br />MandyMandy Allenhttp://mandyallen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29547050132332364582010-04-13T07:25:13.511+01:002010-04-13T07:25:13.511+01:00Hi Patricia .. certainly our birds are singing hap...Hi Patricia .. certainly our birds are singing happily now that the weather has got warmer. Your drive sounds interesting .. being able to see the expanse of landscape with its falcons and hawks .. but this year only two ... unless they’ve gone further south and haven’t returned yet – or east .. because I gather the States’ weather in some places is warmer?<br /><br />Gosh I’d love to see hummingbirds nesting .. and finches, stubby little things, are always such fun to watch bobbing about .. blessings as you say.<br /><br />So pleased you enjoyed the small amount of folk lore and bird report back .. thanks for being here .. yes it’s good to see my mother better, and not ill ... have a good week - HilarHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-73490378556419150052010-04-12T21:07:44.837+01:002010-04-12T21:07:44.837+01:00I think our birds are suffering this years spring ...I think our birds are suffering this years spring is not doing it's part very well. I just drove across the state this weekend and I usually see the falcons and hawks out as the farmer's plow, but only saw 2 this trip. Lots of snow still in the passes, which made the trip even longer. We do have some nesting hummingbirds across the street and a few finches are blessing our trees. I hear more bird song in the morning.<br /><br />I so enjoyed learning all the folk lore and bird tales - thank you<br />Good news about you mumPatriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00649391137077220495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-86731390439450513102010-04-10T08:57:40.612+01:002010-04-10T08:57:40.612+01:00Hi Marinela .. many thanks for coming over - good ...Hi Marinela .. many thanks for coming over - good to meet you and glad you enjoy "my place" -<br /><br />I've popped over to your short poem space - wonderful that you've been writing for so long .. clever! <br /><br />Go well - have a good weekend - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-69589872639289638182010-04-10T08:45:05.387+01:002010-04-10T08:45:05.387+01:00It is so beautiful in your place Hilary :)
Marine...It is so beautiful in your place Hilary :)<br /><br />Marinela xShort Poemshttp://marinelareka.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-75259459939576147392010-04-10T07:19:28.042+01:002010-04-10T07:19:28.042+01:00Hi Paul ..I think Spring is catching up! Yes - th...Hi Paul ..I think Spring is catching up! Yes - the Masters usually has a wonderful display of the Azaleas and Rhododendrons - I'm hoping I can get my mother to watch a little .. she used to love it.<br /><br />Birds are amazing at how far they travel .. and how the hone in to their 'home' .. we have twitchers here, who dash everywhere .. <br /><br />Thanks for the chronicle of events .. a little of this and a little of that .. enjoy the coming of Spring in southern Ontario - with its Park.<br /><br />Lovely time of year .. all the best and enjoy the weekend - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-56828023146670581092010-04-09T22:55:09.094+01:002010-04-09T22:55:09.094+01:00Hilary,
Interesting that England is behind a bit a...Hilary,<br />Interesting that England is behind a bit as is the eastern North American regions. I was just watching the Master's golf tournament and their azaleas and rhododendrens are not quite in bloom as they usually are this time of year. Also your bird sightings spark a reference to the fever in southern Ontario, Canada where I live close to Point Pelee National Park. Thousands converge each year for the bird migration. You provide a wonderful chronicle of events.Paul Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01836602667355512504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-17561806669474494012010-04-09T15:48:19.297+01:002010-04-09T15:48:19.297+01:00Hi Paul .. thanks for coming by - good to see you....Hi Paul .. thanks for coming by - good to see you. You could well be right - we have masses of cats around here .. mostly they're fed - but they do like the odd chase. There are plenty of rats and mice too ..<br /><br />Let's hope the birds have a bumper breeding year and we'll do some catch up ..<br /><br />Have a peaceful weekend .. all the best HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-58270179646354967112010-04-09T15:40:19.180+01:002010-04-09T15:40:19.180+01:00I heard a report on the BBC a couple years ago. Do...I heard a report on the BBC a couple years ago. Don't recall the stats, only that a major factor in the decline of bird species is the house cat.Paul Maurice Martinhttp://www.originalfaith.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-24834968334849218692010-04-09T09:10:21.813+01:002010-04-09T09:10:21.813+01:00Hi Barbara .. the weather in the States seems '...Hi Barbara .. the weather in the States seems 'strange' .. some have had early Springs, Spring suddenly arriving - yet I hear of snow and cold crisp winds from others and you!<br /><br />Mind you it hit 60 degrees here and summer's arrived!!?? It was just over 64 yesterday in London - today will be warmer I think .. but here on the coast it's cooler because of the wind & then it's due to go down to 57 deg!<br /><br />Daisy chains are great .. just messing about on or in the grass .. watching the insects fly or meander busily around .. just being little!<br /><br />Thanks re the hugs for Mum .. she is brighter - so that's comforting .. go well - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-88533594583618329362010-04-09T07:14:43.940+01:002010-04-09T07:14:43.940+01:00Hi Hilary,
Seeing the birds and the flowers does...Hi Hilary, <br /><br />Seeing the birds and the flowers does remind me of Spring which has had difficultly coming to us. We've had days of 60 degrees only to have others with snow and a crisp wind coming off of the mountains. <br /><br />Your pictures of the daisies remind me of when I was a little girl, picking the wild ones out of the pastures of my grandparents farm. Oh what fun we had. And to this day, whenever I see a daisy those wonderful memories surface. <br /><br />It's good to here your mom is doing good. (((hugs))) to both of you.Barbara Swaffordhttp://bloggingwithoutablog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-46871774881155062422010-04-09T06:36:22.598+01:002010-04-09T06:36:22.598+01:00Hi Vered .. thanks so much, good to see you. Fort...Hi Vered .. thanks so much, good to see you. Fortunately it's warmer here - but only 60s! I'm always amazed how quickly the temperatures can vary in the States .. I remember being in NYC in the 70s .. at this time of year it went from freezing freezing and then into the 80s with very high humidity.<br /><br />Glad you enjoy CA with its warmer climate .. seasons are glorious, unless the winter (cold and grey) drags on too long!<br /><br />Thanks - have a good California Spring-Summer - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-14221970905393655072010-04-09T04:11:18.922+01:002010-04-09T04:11:18.922+01:00Today was warm and spring-like. I love Northern Ca...Today was warm and spring-like. I love Northern California. I have heard so many people say they don't like living in California becuase they like having four seasons, but I can't imagine living any where else.Veredhttp://momgrind.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-6484274524826502402010-04-08T13:39:20.309+01:002010-04-08T13:39:20.309+01:00Hi Liara .. thanks good to see you here. I'm ...Hi Liara .. thanks good to see you here. I'm amazed at the patience birdwatchers have .. we used to do it in South Africa - there it's relatively easy .. because it's warm! But even then little brown jobs (LBJs) defeated me!!<br /><br />Birds are amazing their mapping and ability to travel the world, yet come back to the same spot.<br /><br />Our seagulls are out and about, as are the pigeons .. there are a few others, but being so close to the sea .. means the seagulls, pigeons, magpies! and crows rule the roosts .. <br /><br />Have a good week - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-2203961294031619172010-04-08T13:03:16.051+01:002010-04-08T13:03:16.051+01:00The diversity and number of birds observed is incr...The diversity and number of birds observed is incredible. Springtime brings out the watchers in droves. Love what they teach us.Liara Coverthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209966352106820245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-2156755461355440122010-04-08T08:49:58.172+01:002010-04-08T08:49:58.172+01:00Hi Davina .. thank you .. isn't it wonderful t...Hi Davina .. thank you .. isn't it wonderful the greening up of our landscape - we'll be so surprised at how quickly it all bursts forth - the weather now is giving a quick boost ..so I think our Spring is well on its way. Wouldn't being able to sit in the garden and watch the birds, listen to their song be so wonderful - peaceful and with nature .. bliss .. Enjoy the bursting buds of Spring - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-59551632350080392642010-04-08T07:49:40.755+01:002010-04-08T07:49:40.755+01:00Hilary, I too am revved up for Spring after readin...Hilary, I too am revved up for Spring after reading this post -- lovely pictures and use of adjectives :-) Every day now I watch the tree outside my apartment... patiently waiting for the leaves to fully develop. Right now there is very early growth, but it looks promising. And yes... bird watching! I could SO do that.Davinahttp://www.shadesofcrimson.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-52710596300525364642010-04-07T18:19:09.999+01:002010-04-07T18:19:09.999+01:00Hi Stephen .. yes Southern CA is probably not too ...Hi Stephen .. yes Southern CA is probably not too seasonal as such .. but you get the wild flowers and those stretches of flowers before they're cut down! Amazing those swallows turning up the same day in March - are they really .. perhaps the change isn't affecting them on your side of the pond and continent?<br /><br />Spring is wonderful .. slightly damp here now .. but perhaps tomorrow will be sunny and slightly warmer - summer comes! Thanks for the visit .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89067085389296679572010-04-07T18:09:56.617+01:002010-04-07T18:09:56.617+01:00I love spring time. Growing up in Michigan I appre...I love spring time. Growing up in Michigan I appreciate the seasonal changes. I don't see much of this in Southern California, although we do have the swallows that show up on the same day every March. <br /><br />Stephen TrempAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-21062240823657439102010-04-07T18:02:38.775+01:002010-04-07T18:02:38.775+01:00Hi Terro .. good to see you and thank you for the ...Hi Terro .. good to see you and thank you for the joyful smiles - yes Spring does seem to make us step out in a lighter way.<br /><br />That's a good idea isn't it .. save us the headaches - I must remember that!!<br /><br />Go well - and as long as Mum is comfortable and at peace .. what more can I ask really?<br /><br />All the best and enjoy your Spring HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-77771452687436832772010-04-07T17:50:58.396+01:002010-04-07T17:50:58.396+01:00Everyone is so re-invorgorated by spring! I love ...Everyone is so re-invorgorated by spring! I love this happiness that's so universal. In a way, it gives purpose to winter. I'm glad it has brought smiles to your Mom and hope she continues to get better.<br /><br />I enjoyed learning more about the woodpecker. I'll think of him next time I feel like banging my head against a wall...and let him have the task. It will save headaches for sure!<br /><br />Keep on bringing us all joyful smiles!Terrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07223687969269060258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-3624246402578337232010-04-07T07:03:13.750+01:002010-04-07T07:03:13.750+01:00Hi Mark .. good to see you - isn't it a wonder...Hi Mark .. good to see you - isn't it a wonderful time .. and every day is so different, with more growth and the birds being so busy and noisy singing away.<br /><br />Have a lovely week ahead - all the best HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23717653709268307922010-04-07T07:00:30.302+01:002010-04-07T07:00:30.302+01:00Hi Betsy .. gosh .. shows us how the world is upsy...Hi Betsy .. gosh .. shows us how the world is upsy down .. you & Davina in Vancouver have had warm weather .. whereas here I reckon it has been colder than normal – or what I remember .. back to the days of the 60s. <br /><br />Interesting to hear about your counts .. I think we use nets sometimes .. this was a public (children and family) watch and count in our gardens mainly.<br /><br />You're both obviously great birdwatchers .. telling me about birds I don’t know about .. I love the name Oriole, the indigo bunting, a hairy woodpecker and sharpshinned hawk .. how wonderfully descriptive. Lovely seeing the eagle fly by .. it’s good that you’ve made your garden nature friendly.<br /><br />Perhaps one day you can get over .. it would be great to see you here – Spring is lovely. All the best for the week and Spring ahead - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-15732510524111570742010-04-06T21:06:36.475+01:002010-04-06T21:06:36.475+01:00This is a wonderful time of the year which is full...This is a wonderful time of the year which is full of possibilities and re-birth. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and all the knowledge that you gather.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08237538988856751173noreply@blogger.com