Wildlife Corner

[Whyperion]

. They mentioned something in the tweet that isn't in the article. The let one half of their brain sleep while the other half keeps them going, than they swap sides. Quite amazing

It happens in humans (and presumably others too) , while not full sleep sometimes you might notice your hearing is less good in one ear than the other, (particulary when using a telephone handset) this apparently is to rest nerve cells from overload, will switch later. I suspect at dusk both ears are on, as that is a time for hunting (or avoiding being hunted). Are bird's brains more symmetrical, as it has been thought that human brains on each side have more specialist roles rather than generalist for the whole body - but then people with brain damage can (limited) learn to re-wire slightly some motor and recognition control.

[Tripps]

What happened to the army of crabs that were marching across the North Sea to take over our seas,

Looks like they're back. Giant Norwegian King crabs

"They have scuttled through Scandinavian waters and muscled their way into Britain. The monster crustaceans can grow close to 6ft across and weigh up to 28lbs"

That's a heck of a crab - I almost wish I hadn't asked. . . .

[Stanley]

I see the West Country fishermen have stopped calling them Spider Crabs and switched to King Crabs as they say that name will sell better.

[Stanley]

Susan sent me this message.....
This afternoon at 4.45/5.20 Mick and I went to Thornton as my friend said there were massive murmurations of starlings at dusk. It was spectacular, thousands upon thousands of starlings swooping and swirling in the sky. Apparently they are roosting there and on the lane that was the old road it stinks and rains Starling poo!
(I didn't know they crapped in flight....)

[Wendyf]

We have quite a number of starlings here who spend their day time on the power lines up at the farm behind. They fly as a flock down into the fields to feed and I can confirm that they crap in flight!

[Stanley]

This site teaches me something every day!

[Tizer]

The Cornish Spider Crab isn't related to the Norwegian Spider Crab, except for both being crabs. The Cornish one is a British native crab.

Never stand close to a flock of seagulls when they are about to fly off - they jettison as much weight as possible at lift off!

[Stanley]

From what I can see the Cornish Spider Crab is now renamed the Cornish King Crab.

[Tizer]

...and the Cornish pilchard is now the Cornish sardine. All a bit barmy really when most of the Cornish fish catch is exported to the Continent and probably sold there under whatever name the locals prefer.

[Stanley]

Susan and I went to Thornton in Craven last night to see the starlings. Unfortunately they did their big display on the opposite side of the village from us so we only got a long range view. The other pic is of a heron that flew over, I grabbed it as a bonus!

[Wendyf]

There are increasing numbers of starlings collecting at the farm above us. The power lines were thick with them this morning.

275130442_4172363876133378_5871785973931224314_n.jpg

[Stanley]

Did you get a murmuration?

[Wendyf]

I'm not sure when a flock of starlings becomes a murmuration.

[Stanley]

[Tizer]

It's when they start dancing!

[Stanley]

[Gloria]

Sat outside for the first time this year to have lunch. Spotted a bumble bee, a honey bee, two speckled wood butterflies and a peacock butterfly, no swallows as yet. Also, numerous crows, collared doves, nuthatches, robins, seagulls and buzzards.

[Stanley]

There's a Robin that comes to visit when I am on bookie watch. Almost daily, he seems to come to see if I am dropping crumbs.....

[Wendyf]

Sounds wonderful Gloria, I envy you the nuthatches!

[Cathy]

Gloria, it would be interesting to know what plants and trees etc you have in your garden to attract the wildlife.

[Gloria]

Gloria, it would be interesting to know what plants and trees etc you have in your garden to attract the wildlife.

We have various mature fruit trees ie, damson, pear, apple, plum and greengage. Non fruit trees ie Magnolia, holly, beech,oak, sycamore, willow, forsythia, ash. Bushes ie rhododendrons, hydrangeas and others I know not what. Flowers ie daffodils, tulips, bluebells, crocuses, primulas. It is a large garden with a rather wild wooded area as part of it, plus lawns and shrub areas, boundaried (is that a word) by hawthorn and blackthorn hedges and farmland. We also have ditches.

[Cathy]

Thanks Gloria, sounds very varied and lovely.
Who’s the gardener?

[Gloria]

Himself.

[Wendyf]

My next husband will be a gardener....

[Stanley]

Try 'Bounded' Gloria.....
Wendy, have you told Colin?