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Just been out walking today, and spotted these in an hedgerow. I live in Lancashire, North-West England, and this seems early for daffodils to be in flower. Has anybody seen Dafs in flower earlier than this ?
There are 9000 species of bird on earth. Let's keep it that way.
Some interesting random thoughts Blackbird. I know you can still see these farmland birds if you know where to look.For instance, I can see Corn Bunting not more than half a mile away from where I live.What concerns me is that these birds are in serious decline, and i would like to see the likes of the RSPB etc doing more to protect their habitat. I suppose you will have read about their work at Hope Farm, which is great, but lets see more of that type of reserve, and let us members go and look around such sites.
A B said: Hi Sparrow. Have you seen the Eagle Owls near Dunsop Bridge? They have been breeding there now for a couple of years I believe. Massive birds they are !!!
Hi Sparrow. Have you seen the Eagle Owls near Dunsop Bridge? They have been breeding there now for a couple of years I believe. Massive birds they are !!!
Hey Budgie
Have you not heard my adventure with a Dunsop Bridge Eagle Owl?
I used to be a Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteer and went on many walks/expeditions with young people.
I was walking the footpath from Dunsop Bridge with a mountain rescue guy with a dog. Suddenly the dog was hit by an enormous bird, swooping down. It then perched on a nearby tree and glared at us. My colleague said "Is it an Eagle?" I suddenly remembered a programme I had recently seen about escaped Eagle Owls and, indeed, it looked more like an Owl than an Eagle but it was at least 3 feet tall!!!
We decided to leave the area and were hurrying on when suddenly I felt a huge bump on my rucksack. The EO was attacking me! We started to run but the EO attacked again, hitting the back of my neck. You didn't hear a thing until it hit!! Luckily we must have reached the end of its territory because it then disappeared into the trees. Later on we met a couple who's dog had been attacked too. The man had puncture marks where he had tried to protect his dog. My rucksack had deep talon marks in it too.
The next year we were back at Dunsop Bridge and the footpath had been closed for the breeding season!
I have since researched the EOs at Dunsop Bridge and have discovered they are a well established breeding pair. I reckon it was just protecting its nest.
They are magnificent birds with yellow eyes the size of saucers!!
I've dined out on this story for the last 5 or so years! They have been there for 6 or 7 years, Budgie, so I believe.
Phew!!
Pipit
What an amazing story. I had heard about peoples dogs getting attacked, but I didn't think they would attack humans.
These are some of the pictures we took when we went to see them at Dunsop Bridge. The footpath was closed when we went, so we had to walk up onto the fells nearby. They had 2 chicks.
What a Bird eh.
Thanks Budgie
I am in total awe of these birds.
I'm sure the Owl wasn't attacking me really but probably going for the dog. I was a teeny bit scared though!!!
What fabulous photos you have captured!!!!! I was a little bit otherwise occupied (running away) to manage a photo :)
Isn't it a lovely part of the world round there. I have waited for DoE groups at that lovely little bridge just before the climb up to the ridge. Perfect.
Pipit x
That must have been a very scarey moment, Pipit. He could have done some real damage - huge talons.
Great photos Budgie, but maybe you should start a new thread - so the others will read about them.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Thanks Pipit. Yeah it's a great part of the UK. I do a lot of walking in that area. I also have a friend who works for the Bowland Mountain Rescue team at Smelt Mill, just up the road for there. You probably know it.
Hi Sparrow. Maybe having a enior moment here. How do you mean. If I start a new thread, how do I get Pipits fascinating story and my pics on it?
Sorry for acting thick
You start a new thread, post your pics again, and hope Pipit sees it and tells her story!
Hi Budgie
Thank you for your kind comments about my random thoughts
Just been watching the programme about snakes so I have not answered straight away - anyway so here I am now {big smile}. Back to what I was saying here.
The answer to you question here is that I have heard of Hope Farm and it is a very interesting project indeed - great blogs to read and an eye opener to what is going on in today's environment. it is a great example of what we should be doing in out reserves now. There needs to be more flexibility going on to suit all types of wildlife - not certain birds over other bird species
The thing is with Corn Buntings they are doing well in Menorca and there is no shortage of them there. Everywhere you turn there is one sitting on a utility pole calling its heart out. The Spainish Climate is so different to the UK and a lot more dryer - maybe that is what the problems is that the UK is a lot wetter for the birds survival.
I am for supporting Reserves where there are a lack of inland birds, and Marston Vale is one for a start - It is just knowing where to go and find that mentioned birds on this threads. They are found in the unusual places you never expect to find them at all.
A letter to the RSPB Headquarters might be a good thing so to mention the issue at hand. It will be interesting to see what reply that you get. Of course the moderators will be on hand here t ask too to find out more information
I will ask about Corn Buntings on my big Bird Forum if you like? Let me know and I will post and see what members think there.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
A B said: Some interesting random thoughts Blackbird. I know you can still see these farmland birds if you know where to look.For instance, I can see Corn Bunting not more than half a mile away from where I live.What concerns me is that these birds are in serious decline, and i would like to see the likes of the RSPB etc doing more to protect their habitat. I suppose you will have read about their work at Hope Farm, which is great, but lets see more of that type of reserve, and let us members go and look around such sites.
A B said: Thanks Pipit. Yeah it's a great part of the UK. I do a lot of walking in that area. I also have a friend who works for the Bowland Mountain Rescue team at Smelt Mill, just up the road for there. You probably know it.
I probably know him. He may have been the one with the dog the Owl attacked (black lab)
We stay at Smelt Mill !!! We take Dof E kids there for residentials. The accommodation is really good. The Mountain Rescue guys are wonderful and put on mock rescues and challenges for the young people.
Ask your friend about George (our youth leader) from Lancashire County Council Young People's Service.
Small world!!