Wildlife in EC1 London

Hello from a gloomy wet London, however it was really unseasonably warm yesterday London was 20 degrees, apparently the temperature is set to plummet. The photo of plants is a picture of my balcony, in the summer I plant bee and butterfly friendly flowers. We don’t have many animal species visiting this part of London, as it’s very built up. There are a wide range of insects and some birds and one very cheeky visitor a squirrel. Many people think squirrels are cute, I like them in the park but not at my window. In the summer I had some really pretty sweet smelling carnations, the flowers kept disappearing. I found out why! The squirrel, apparently they are addicted to the sweetness of the flowers. I read an article about an a funeral parlour telling mourners not to send carnations to the funeral, as the squirrels caused so much damage to the bouquets.
The plants went and the squirrel disappeared for a couple of months, however they have returned. I realise they are digging in my plant pots for bulbs. I don’t know if they eat them or think they are something else, I am now on clapping duty. When I see the cheeky chap I clap like mad and it disappears. I’ll keep you posted.
I read a sweet article about bees. Bees usually are associated with working hard to make honey, but they also enjoy playing with balls like humans and dogs. Uk scientists studied bees interacting with inanimate objects as a form of play, evidence that the bees mind is more complex then previously thought. I’m wondering if I should get some toys for the bees that visit me.
I wish you a happy Halloween, take care over and out London.














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More interesting friendships.

Hope all is well with you all. It is said that a week is a long time in politics, but in the UK it would seem that a day is. So I felt it was time for more uplifting news.
“A dog is a man’s best friend in this selfish world, they will not betray you “ so said King Frederick of Prussia in 1789. Many people do feel that about their pets, however in the animal kingdom their are many unlikely friendships.
A rhino called Daisy and Modjadi a zebra have developed a deep bond. Daisy was found abandoned and taken to a rescue centre. Rhinos are an endangered species, due to loss of habitat and poachers. Daisy was failing to thrive in the centre until she met the young zebra Modjadi. He helped Daisy to survive through their friendship. They play together and cuddle up at bedtime. Isn’t that lovely.
Mabel a rescued chicken moved into a home with puppies, she took a liking to the puppies and gives their mum an opportunity for a rest by sitting with him.
A tiger called Shere Khan, Leo the lion and Baloo the bear have become unlikely firm friends. They were rescued from a drugs dealer who had badly mistreated them. The suffering they experienced together created the surprising friendship. They are inseparable and and live together in a sanctuary. Well to tell you the truth these stories have certainly given me a boost.
Have a good week take care over and out London.



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October seems to be the month of competitions in uk

I hope you are all ok and not too cold. It seems here in the UK the news papers are trying to bring a bit of cheer to their readers. It would seem October is a month for rather unusual competitions. The one that really caught my eye was the World Toe Wrestling competition. I’m not kidding.
This competition takes place in Derbyshire annually. The championship was won by Alan Nash also known as Nasty Nash. He has been the champion for 17 years, he’s decided after winning this year to retire. He is 63 and finds the training he puts himself through gruelling and in one competition he broke four toes. He has the words King of Kings tattooed across his foot.
The competition came into being after England lost the World Cup football match in 1976. It was created as a competition that the British would win. Not so as one year a Canadian won!!
The competitors lock big toes at the start and the referee shouts “toes away!!” I’m not making this up. So it’s definitely a case of toes away for Nasty Nash.
A more understandable competition is the World Conker Championship. Fee Aylemore won the women’s title. What surprised me was 300 competitors travelled from all over the world to take part in the village of Southwick Northampton. Conkers are pulled out of a bag so I guess you get what you get. They are threaded onto a 20cm lace and the aim is by to break your opponents. I was pleased to note that all proceeds go to charities supporting the visually impaired.
A competition I was surprised about was the Worlds Wife lifting one. The man has to carry the wife or partner across a sand track full of obstacles. The winner gets the equivalent amount of beer to the weight of the partner. I think I’d rather pop to the pub. I’m actually delighted to report this isn’t an English event but Takes place in Finland.
Bloggers take care and I hope you enjoy the autumn leaves. Over and out London.



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