Wildlife in February

As we only managed to be at home for about 9 days this month, we have probably (hopefully) had visitors that haven't made it onto the list. This is what we did see when we were here though:

Starlings
Blackbirds
Dunnock
Sparrows
Chaffinches
Blue Tits
Great Tits
Coal Tits
Siskin
Green Finch
Robin
Collared Doves
Gold Finches
Nuthatch
Long Tailed Tits
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Stock Doves
Bull Finch (male - just once)

****MOST EXCITING OF ALL****

While we were away, our lovely neighbour who was keeping the bird feeders topped up, saw a red Squirrel on our bird table! YIPEE!!

The Other Men in my life.

First thing on Saturday 21st we left the borders and headed down to Lincolnshire - via home for a quick change of luggage.
Arriving at our 'home' for the next 10 days; house sitting for friends who were off skiing in the morning. Little did they realise that we were bringing ideal skiing conditions with us. As they headed to Stanstead airport on Sunday morning, we were treated to another home from home outlook.

The main reason for us house sitting was so that I could indulge in the other men in my life. Bungle and Ferdy (seen in the snow in the picture above).
They are both absolutely gorgeous, but if I'm honest; Bungle and I have a bit of a special relationship!

Meet Bungle.....

Three months after having left the area, this was a great opportunity to catch up with family and friend. But first, Bungle and I had chance to get re-acquainted.

It was wonderful to be riding again, but I don't think Ferdy was so pleased to be left behind!

The great thing about looking after the boys this time (as opposed to when we lived just down the road from them), was being there day and night and being able to tuck them up last thing at night. There is something about a horse asleep that melts your heart.

Bungle wakes up as he hears me at the door.

Ferdy is the softy of the two of them. Whilst Bungle will jump up as soon as he realises you are there, Ferdy is more than happy for you to cuddle up with him for as long as you like. Yes. I did!

North of the Border

February has been a busy month. From 10th to 20th we have been up in Scotland to house; horse (4); dog (3) and Guinea Pig (1) sit for our friends on their farm in the Borders.

Home from home? The sun sets over the cattle sheds on our first evening.

Spaniels galore as Hattie settles down with Nip and Tug. Two of her companions for the time being.

'I love my dad' Tug snuggles up with his dad, Nip (nearest to the fire).

Four happy hounds. Nip (with the Cracker), Tug, Harry - in a rare moment of good humour - and Hattie get cosy by the Aga.


Some of Richards 800 ewes watch as we walk the dogs at the top farm. The Cheviots have a blanket of snow in the distance.

One of Richards many sheds of beef cattle at the home farm.

Spirit and Gabby - two of the four horses we are in charge of.....

What a lovely boy! Nip is very proud of his ball, and he's doing his best to make sure no-one else gets it.


Next stop; Lincolnshire................

Best Made Plans

The forecast last night was for cloudy, rainy and generally mucky weather. A perfect day to make curtains and watch the opening match of the RBS Six Nations. When we woke to a frost and clear blue skies, we did exactly what we moved here to do. We decided to change our plans and have a walk, so long as we were back in time for kick off!
Carrock Fell has long been one of our favourite weekend fells, because it is in one of the relatively undiscovered corners of the lakes. It is now one of our closest fells, just a few minutes drive and we are there, unless of course it's rush hour, Cumbrian style .............
The views of the fells open up as you reach higher ground

Hattie and Mrs B on the summit of Carrock Fell.

Snow topped Skiddaw from the summit

All that and we're not even on holiday;-)

This is why

68 Days and finally we made it. Our first 'proper' walk as a Cumbrian family! Something fairly gentle was required for Hatties sake (mainly) and something not too high and snowy as we are not into using Crampons and Ice axe.
Souther Fell fits the bill, with it's proximity to Blencathra, the views are pretty impressive. Also, not forgetting the fact, that it is just 'over the hill' from home!! Blencathra comes into view..

Wrapped up against the cold.

Wildlife in January

All of the usual birds have appeared this month with one or two additions....

Sparrow hawk (briefly)
Brambling
Reed Bunting (once)
Starlings
Either a Mistle Thrush or a very fluffed up song thrush, we never did decide!
Pied Wagtail
Fieldfare
Hen Pheasant
Woodpecker
Nuthatch
Tree Creeper (once)
Collared Doves
Blue Tits
Coal Tits
Great Tits
Chaffinches
Blackbirds
house sparrows
Dunnocks
Siskin
Long Tailed Tits
Green Finches
Robins

In the field behind.....

Rooks galore
Hen and Cock pheasant
Fox
Murphy the Jack Russell from the farm!

In the woods up the road.....

Roe Deer (2)
Woodcock
Squirrel
Fox

The Frozen North

It's a hard life when this is the view as you walk the dog!
I think some people wondered why we wanted to move to the 'frozen North'. Just to prove them right, this is Gilcambon Tarn, quite close to our house, on 28th January. It must have been like this since the middle of December


But it's not all hard work! There is still time to sit in the departure Lounge and watch the birds. This chap made a fleeting visit today. Lets hope he's back over the weekend for the RSPB Garden bird count

Sunset #3

Husband had a feeling we were in for a sunset this evening. The most amazing bank of cloud billowed it's way down the valley behind us. The picture doesn't show just how bright the sky above the cloud bank really was.

As usual, Husband was right, we were in for a treat of a sunset.

Even the moon was showing off this evening, with a bright, colourful halo.

More new arrivals

Two fleeting visits today, firstly this lovely family of Long Tailed Tits

followed soon after by a Tree Creeper who was far to quick for the camera man.

This afternoon has involved a bit of hanging

One window done, Many more to do

New visitors and new arrivals.

Sadly not on camera, but we had the delight this morning of watching our resident Charlie fox sitting on the wall at the far end of the top field behind the house. This field is obviously his regular haunt.
We seem to be in the middle of a Goldfinch frenzy. The last few days have seen numbers jump from about 4 at any one time to over a dozen at a time. Too many to count given the speed at which they move. They have decided that they like ALL bird food now. Niger, sunflowers, mixed seed, nuts. Anything and everything.

Today they brought some friends along too. First we saw a Siskin on the nuts, then she went on the niger, then another arrived, then another! You can just make out two on the right handside of this niger feeder (right hand feeder).

Another new arrival today. The blinds have arrived for the departure lounge - and been expertly fitted too!

As I sit and type, it feels much warmer with something at the window!

Because we can.

The days of chosing between a few dull, local dog walks are officially over. Today we decided that Hattie's 'Get Fit' campaign was ready for the hills - albeit gentle ones! So for our local walk of the day, we chose the Caldbeck fells.
This part of Cumbria is home to a wild herd of Fell ponies, which can be found grazing contentedly whenever you happen to pass this way.



This is why we moved to Cumbria. All that space and not a soul in site.

I may be some time.........

For about a week, we have had various swatches of fabric pinned to the curtains, trying to decide which we like best. Although we have curtains at every window that needs them, none of them (bar the landing) fit, match the other window in the room, or match the decor and or furniture.
It came down to two fabrics - Husband liked one best, Mrs B liked the other. Finally an agreement was made. Mrs B's choice would go in the sitting room (well she is making them!) and Husbands would go in the bedroom.
After a trip to Cummersdale Mill shop this morning, the delightful task of joining lengths of fabric together has begun. Starting with the sitting room curtains....

The Big Thaw.

Friday night brought rain, all night and most of Saturday morning. By the end of the day most of the snow had gone, What is left on the higher ground makes the fells stand out more clearly than ever. This is the High Street range as viewed from the departure lounge.

Walking up in the local forest, we were suprised by how much snow was still left today, even though the temperature has been above freezing for the last couple of days.

As we neared the end of the walk, we were rewarded with the sight of this little chap/chapess high in the trees above us. We saw one in exactly the same spot on our last visit here, on New Years Day. You'll need to double click on the photo to find him!

Home Improvements #2

The departure lounge has been somewhat lacking on the comfort front. Beach chairs (complete with Mogs Eye sand) are OK for a while, but they somehow didn't quite do justice to the room. Mind you the Human tripod fits in quite nicely (photo taken on New Years day).

So today saw the delivery of some new(ish) furniture. Luckily for us Hayes in Ambleside were selling off their displays in preparation for the new season.

Feathers and Footsteps

Two visitors in the garden today who have both been before, but not when I have had camera to hand.
This Nuthatch is becoming a frequent visitor

Another fleeting visit by one of the local Great Spotted Woodpeckers


Another fresh covering of snow overnight and a dog walk from home, gave us the opportunity to track some of the wildlife in the village.
Hattie and her Dad 'enjoying' the snowy conditions

Roe Deer are abundant in the local forest.

This little Red Squirrel was behind me! Unfortunatley, by the time we realised, he had scampered off.

Two new visitors

The continuous covering of snow is obviously making it difficult for birds to find food. Today has seen two new visitors to the garden. Firstly a Hen Pheasant, who has spent most of the afternoon stocking up.

Moments after I had put the camera down, a Fieldfare flew into the garden and hopped up the path outside the Departure Lounge window.

Vince has reappeared to dig the hole for nextdoor's klargester. He really has picked a cold, miserable day. It's been around freezing all day, but has felt way colder. His digger has been parked up in the field through all the cold weather, but seems to have started without fuss this morning. He is obviously expecting to get down to bedrock - he's brought his skidsteer with a pecker on it. This picture is for Brother-in-Law!

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

Well, Ok, not 4 and 20, but 9. Nine, all in the garden at one time - and quite a small area of the garden. I couldn't get them all in one shot, but if you look closely, you can count quite a few.


It's been thawing again today, but still it's pretty well white over.