Travels through Connemara

On the evening of th4 25th of June I went down a little track west of Spiddal, to the coastline.
The evening was cloudy and warm. In the distance I could see the the coast of Clare and the Arran Islands. I took this little snapshot as a beautiful trad tune played on the radio.

The Photo and Writing on the June Page of the Ancient Irish Wisdoms Calendar

For view of Full Page see:     http://www.greenleaf.ie/greenleaf/Seanfhocal_Calendar.html

Travels around the Ring of Kerry June 2012

Had a lovely, if damp , trip around the ring of Kerry last week calling on Gift shops.

Met some lovely people and expanded our number of stockists.

Between Glenbeigh and Killorglin I came across the Kerry Bog Village.
Its an amazing place with a large number of houses replicating those of 18th Century Ireland.

 Here the animals shared the house with the people. Often children slept above the animals and were glad in winter nights of the heat rising from them.

Of course, being Ireland, a grand soft day was provided.











Their website is really worth a visit.     www.kerrybogvillage.ie/

Progress

Mammy Goose a bit stupid. Eggs left unattended to date. BUT.

This morning 7 little mallard were swimming in the pond.

Thats a surprise. Hopefully they will be OK.

Winter into Spring. The Journey.

Spring Nightime Sky . Bluebells near the Pond



A winter / spring of cold snaps and some beautiful blue skys.



The Birds
This year we added Niger Seed to the Bird Table and were rewarded by the many goldfinches which attended. Also has Blue, Large, and Coal Tits. Greenfinch, Redpoll and Blackcap.








Thrush, Blackbirds and Robin moved into the garden.
Unusual visitors, during a very cold snap, were woodcock and snipe which came into the pond area. This is within 50 Metres of our house.

The Gooses

Winter moved into spring. It emerged we had a boy and a girl goose, who went happily about goosey business. Now we have a nest with 14 eggs. Not sure if Mammy Goose knows she has a little more work to do. As in hatch them.

The Fickle Nature of Ducks

Im am deeply hurt.

In the middle of November, I forgot to fill the automatic feeders.
I recon they gave me about 24 hours and then abondoned me. One morning I went down to the pond and there they were......gone.

Among the rushes I noticed movement. One lone female duck emerged. She seemed a little embarassed by the behaviour of her flock, though I made it plain that she was not being held responsible.

A few days later a drake returned, initially to visit ( and possibly to asess the current supply of food, which at this stage was fully stocked).

In the meantime a friend was trying to move out 2 geese, excess to requirements.
They arrived, subject to a commitment that they would not form part of the Christmas festivities.
The remaining duck formed a deep attachment to the geese. However this was not reciprocated.

Fortunately, the drake decided to take up permanent residence. Subsequently a more natural bonding was re instated.

So now we begin again.
Hopefully, in the springtime, the remaining ducks will fall in love and do what is natural.

With regard to the geese I am not sure what the natural thing is, not being able to establish the sex of the birds.

So...lets see..

I will keep you informed.