tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post2036529300874807144..comments2024-03-19T08:54:41.693+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Great Britain and its wildlifeHilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23005694663502438572012-02-03T17:30:43.435+00:002012-02-03T17:30:43.435+00:00@ Blonde Duck .. it's surprising how much when...@ Blonde Duck .. it's surprising how much when we look - glad you enjoyed seeing some of wildlife.<br /><br />@ Steve - good to meet you here - and I'll be interested to see your postings and photography ... <br /><br />Thanks - yes the invasives now are in all directions - I know the grey squirrels are eliminating our native red squirrel - <br /><br />I love the names of the wildflowers you list here .. and as you say carried here, or transported as Americans opened up their huge land.<br /><br />Thanks BD and Steve - good to see you both - have good weekends .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-4090373377264762152012-02-03T17:02:17.309+00:002012-02-03T17:02:17.309+00:00The threat from invasives goes in both directions....The threat from invasives goes in both directions. I've read that squirrels from America have greatly reduced the numbers of the native British species. At the same time, when I look at the wildflowers that are proliferating at this early time of year in Texas, I find dandelions, yellow sour clover, white sweet clover, pin clover, shepherd's purse, bastard cabbage, and sow thistle—all are invasives carried here inadvertently from Europe.Steven Schwartzmanhttp://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-85412681999217432372012-02-03T12:54:16.936+00:002012-02-03T12:54:16.936+00:00I would have never known there was so much eco-div...I would have never known there was so much eco-diversity!The Blonde Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00085499120024055465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-24187761575385895752012-02-03T11:00:54.611+00:002012-02-03T11:00:54.611+00:00Hi Talli .. Blogger has just eaten my long reply! ...Hi Talli .. Blogger has just eaten my long reply! On my own blog = irritation!!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the links .. the newspapers over the years have had some useful guides and I refer to them all the time. I picked up a few plasticated fold-up guides at the local Seven Sisters/Beachy Head environment shop .. for the kids (and me!) ... <br /><br />Now let me try and post my own comment ... <br /><br />Hope Mr TRs homeland comes right - enjoy the Siberian weather at the weekend .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-70469651932336046632012-02-03T10:37:46.526+00:002012-02-03T10:37:46.526+00:00Wow! Interesting, as always, Hilary. I'd love ...Wow! Interesting, as always, Hilary. I'd love to learn more about the birds here in the UK, particularly the ones that are different from North America. Thank you for all the links.Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-49257509104972011692012-02-03T07:49:59.625+00:002012-02-03T07:49:59.625+00:00Hi Marja .. that's great to read - and that yo...Hi Marja .. that's great to read - and that you're enjoying the documentary. At least you've seen a little of the country - perhaps one day you'll come back .. <br /><br />The Dutch too - we seemed to follow each other round the world, colonising places .. and thankfully live harmoniously together.<br /><br />@ Ella - thank you - it would be wonderful to have you here .. it's fun writing about Britain and learning more as I post.<br /><br />Delighted to see you both - Marja and Ella .. thanks so much for visiting and your comments .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29132092182074284722012-02-03T05:12:05.665+00:002012-02-03T05:12:05.665+00:00As always Hilary you are filled with fascinating i...As always Hilary you are filled with fascinating info. I loved seeing things I have read about. I would so love to visit your area!<br />YOU are a natural teacher! I love nature~ Thank you!Ellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06070952447277684613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-43611255568065265592012-02-03T00:31:43.670+00:002012-02-03T00:31:43.670+00:00There is just a documentary on TV here about the b...There is just a documentary on TV here about the british islands with Martin Clunes. I just loved it. Beautiful islands, beautiful country. I wish I had discovered more of it when I lived closeby. I only went to London and Oxford for a couple of days. Most people living here are descendents from brittain. <br />The birdies in your post are beautifulMarjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17458942200244031009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-40402619406306164052012-02-02T08:34:05.050+00:002012-02-02T08:34:05.050+00:00@ Ann - I'm just glad you so enjoyed the posti...@ Ann - I'm just glad you so enjoyed the posting .. the simple ways of life, if we take time to look.<br /><br />I'd love to have you here and take you on a tour .. perhaps one day, let's hope. If you can have a 'wee' break by reading these posts ... that gives me great pleasure to know.<br /><br />@ Amy - well you certainly would love it .. families, groupings and schools get involved and submit a survey.<br /><br />I think there've been a lot of changes - there are lots of little tits around and young seagulls already .. I hope they survive our period of Siberian weather that's arrived.<br /><br />We've got introduced birds too - and I know a few centuries ago ships travelled with livestock and birds ... which have caused challenges as they've increased their numbers. I agree the whirls and synchronicity of the flocks of birds are wonderful to see ..<br /><br />I had to look up Flicker - a woodpecker .. as you say he is very pretty ..<br /><br />I so appreciate your comments Ann and Amy - always lovely to see you here .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-9627973458159619342012-02-02T08:15:48.330+00:002012-02-02T08:15:48.330+00:00@ Linda .. too often we forget that our life is bl...@ Linda .. too often we forget that our life is blessed wherever we are. So pleased I put the owl in .. I love owls too but try and include different flora and fauna, so I don't duplicate information.<br /><br />@ Miranda .. lovely to see you here - and you'll enjoy my A - Z posts then as you're an outdoor person - Florida has much to offer too and I love visiting others' blogs which tell me about their part of the world.<br /><br />Looking forward to reading more of your posts and the A - Z ones .. <br /><br />@ Gary - oh yes .. I can easily see your eyes glazing towards all the pigeons around! Late nights sound a little challenging around your place! I'll stay safely here - with my award which Penny has so kindly given me.<br /><br />I'll enjoy your acerbic commenting on my A-Z posts .. there's going to be a lot of us .. and I'll get across to read and comment on your cynical, satirical posts too.<br /><br />Glad to read you enjoyed the post - I aim to please! but I learn too.<br /><br />Groundhog Day - I did that as a post for the last 2 years - I just remembered it's today - so no I'm not posting about them! They'll be very confused this year ... the weather is all over the place. And hedgehogs have got a look in too ..<br /><br />Penny - you're a star giver - delighted to have an award from the internet star .. I shall quietly acknowledge it on your site later on .. and be very chuffed - I'll have to whisper it in Hardwick's ear .. so he can tell my mother!<br /><br />Wonderful to see you here Gary - the flying crow with the award is welcomed to my little patch .. and I hope the other birds and critters behave and accept him.<br /><br />Cheers Linda, Miranda and Gary - good to see you all .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-21686404145574080322012-02-02T01:16:43.900+00:002012-02-02T01:16:43.900+00:00I would love to be involved with something like th...I would love to be involved with something like this. Birds fascinate me. We have starlings around our house. Of course they're not native to this area -- someone introduced them here and now they've taken over and are a plague to farmers -- but they are so beautiful flying in their formations. We also had a flicker pecking at our house the other day. THAT was interesting! He had the most beautiful orange underside.<br /><br />Thanks for the lovely post. I so enjoy reading your work.A.L. Sonnichsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11358456786727534289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89176513483121292902012-02-01T22:36:05.416+00:002012-02-01T22:36:05.416+00:00I think this is one of my most favorite posts of a...I think this is one of my most favorite posts of all your wonderful posts, Hilary! "Forests, fields, meadows and hedgerows, rivers, estuaries, lakes and marshes, mountains, moors and heaths, coasts and islands." Oh how I would love to live near all of this and not just experience it through great literature and movies. I would LOVE to visit England, and YOU!<br /><a href="http://annbestblog.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow"><i>Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs</i></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-15989981775590550342012-02-01T22:31:24.192+00:002012-02-01T22:31:24.192+00:00Hello Hilary,
When I first glanced upon your title...Hello Hilary,<br />When I first glanced upon your title, I thought it had something to do with the wildlife you see in any city, town or village in Britain on a Friday or Saturday night. You know, a combination of a bit too much beer and the remnants of a kebab lying forlornly on the pavement. <br />Yet, oh how wrong I was! Note the exclamation mark for dramatic impact! Just like those gosh darn lovable folks who set up the 'A to Z Blogging Challenge!' Something I would not partake in. Although, I may write the occasional cynical, satirical posting about it. <br />Anyway, you have given a lot of facts about this 'green and pleasant land'. I, for one, am truly grateful for your ongoing informative postings. <br />I'm looking forward to 'Hedgehog Day', the British film version of 'Groundhog Day'. I'm looking forward to 'Hedgehog Day', the British film version of 'Groundhog Day'.....<br />Now then, before I go. It is only fair that I inform you that Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, has bestowed an award upon your good self. She has also told me that you do not need to acknowledge said award and do with it as you so wish. <br />Cheers Hilary and take very good care.<br />Kind wishes and a flying crow, your way, Gary :)klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45893357044948958202012-02-01T22:28:13.444+00:002012-02-01T22:28:13.444+00:00Hi Hilary!
I'm an avid outdoor person, often...Hi Hilary! <br /><br />I'm an avid outdoor person, often visiting our local wildlife refuge. Of course, the wildlife here in South Florida differs greatly from your area. I love reading about the wildlife every where. <br /><br />Glad we connected through the A-Z blog. I look forward to your posts.Miranda Hardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17880449368013410349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-26796013848750181122012-02-01T21:47:00.603+00:002012-02-01T21:47:00.603+00:00Most interesting facts about your island home. It...Most interesting facts about your island home. It seems you are blessed to have such access to the sea and all the lovely birds that inhabit the area. I particularly love the picture of the owl. I've only seen owls in zoos and wild bird rehab places.Lindahttp://www.roses2rainbows.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-48487942089245895622012-02-01T08:22:40.082+00:002012-02-01T08:22:40.082+00:00@ Marinela .. glad you enjoyed it - the photos do ...@ Marinela .. glad you enjoyed it - the photos do show us what things look like - so glad you enjoyed seeing the birds.<br /><br />@ Friko .. the date palms are in Tresco Abbey Gardens on the Isles of Scilly. <br /><br />2ndly - I can't answer that - and you're right .. still there's a fair amount we can walk around. I think many landowners are good stewards of their land .. better than the public appears to be.<br /><br />@ Richard .. many thanks indeed - thankfully Wikipedia is around to tempt me in other directions and I enjoy the weaving wrapped up into posting.<br /><br />@ Stephen .. I'm sure it's exactly as you say - and the forests over the centuries have been cleared for building 1,000 years ago, ship building after that, pit props and industrialisation 18th C on up to the 20th century .. now we're starting to look after them - there are still ancient woodlands and forests - even those urbanisation/ or civilisation is encroaching upon.<br /><br />Glad you enjoyed the geography lesson .. together with our history - we're lucky to live in this era.<br /><br />Great to see you Marinela, Friko, Richard and Stephen .. have good rest of the weeks ..HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32585799769186055102012-02-01T04:10:02.421+00:002012-02-01T04:10:02.421+00:00I always thought the British Isles were far more f...I always thought the British Isles were far more forested. Maybe this is because the childhood stories I read that were set there had woods and forests in them.<br /><br />Thanks for the geography lesson. Lots of great history the English have to offer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-7125288968560824382012-01-31T23:19:50.379+00:002012-01-31T23:19:50.379+00:00You have an encyclopedic memory. And you write wel...You have an encyclopedic memory. And you write well, too. What a combination.writing and living by Richard P Hugheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814139767151989286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23761597995051461982012-01-31T23:10:47.322+00:002012-01-31T23:10:47.322+00:00two questions: where are the date palms?
and how m...two questions: where are the date palms?<br />and how much access do we have to large tracts of land which are in private hands?Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-53371114270181437282012-01-31T21:25:59.217+00:002012-01-31T21:25:59.217+00:00Just beautiful,I love the pretty birds. Amazing po...Just beautiful,I love the pretty birds. Amazing post, thanks for sharing with us :)<br /><br />warmly<br />MarinelaShort poemshttp://www.marinelareka.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23570771192690696212012-01-31T20:21:40.081+00:002012-01-31T20:21:40.081+00:00@ Sara - I'll be over to check out your birds ...@ Sara - I'll be over to check out your birds .. I just wanted to make it a little different.<br /><br />You know this little island - and as you say it's very easy to get off the beaten track and onto the local lanes - which are fun to drive along, but quite challenging at times. The beautiful old hedges or stone walls are gorgeous to look - artistically as well as their flora and fauna ..<br /><br />Yes we have three snakes and three lizards .. these are Adders - our only poisonous one ...<br /><br />Delighted you enjoyed the post .. and perhaps we might meet when you're over .. Mum is quiet and peaceful - thankfully ..<br /><br />@ Susanne - glad you enjoyed the post - and I am looking forward to seeing old friends and new ones during the A - Z Challenge ..<br /><br />Cheers Sara and Susanne - have good weeks - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-145350463817646422012-01-31T18:45:11.368+00:002012-01-31T18:45:11.368+00:00Interesting post. I look forward to stopping by t...Interesting post. I look forward to stopping by to visit during the A - Z blog challenge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51606529110814562212012-01-31T17:21:28.369+00:002012-01-31T17:21:28.369+00:00Hilary -- Wow. We both wrote about birds this time...Hilary -- Wow. We both wrote about birds this time. I liked your post because it talked about more than just birds.<br /><br />Having a child living in England has taught to appreciate the country. It is amazing how different the driving distances are...then again the roads aren't quite the same as they are in the States. <br /><br />In England, it's very easy to find yourself on a narrow two-lane road with giant hedges on each side. I always found that very challenging:~)<br /><br />I didn't think England had snakes! Or is just not dangerous snakes?<br /><br />Thanks for teaching me more about England. I'll be visiting my daughter soon. We may take a trip to Ireland or Scotland.<br /><br />I hope your mom is doing okay?Sarahttp://www.sarahealy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-48696234226485004862012-01-31T16:21:22.615+00:002012-01-31T16:21:22.615+00:00@ Birdie .. do you love snakes - I'm not so su...@ Birdie .. do you love snakes - I'm not so sure!! You need to read Liesl's blog post re a snake .. <br />http://alittleafricanmagic.blogspot.com/2011/12/dear-lordplease-can-we.html - it's a wonderful read!<br /><br />I have to say I'm not that keen on crows .. I've described them as my thugs ... but love the tits that are dancing around ... Your park must be a lovely place to have a walk in .. enjoy the Spring a-coming.<br /><br />@ Michelle - glad you enjoyed it .. it's not ordinary to us - if only we look!! - but delighted to show you our sites ..<br /><br />You too - Michelle have a good week .. and you Birdie - cheers for now .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29810519012856164952012-01-31T15:35:45.511+00:002012-01-31T15:35:45.511+00:00Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I imagine t...Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I imagine the wildlife and scenery may seem ordinary to those who live there, but it's unique to me in the US. :)<br /><br />Have a lovely week, Hilary!MTeacresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00381461599028233499noreply@blogger.com