I know I keep on about those midges but we were told by Forestry car park attendant that this year is the worst it's been for several years. Last year hardly any appeared, it was very hot and dry, they prefer still humid conditions. I was horrified then this morning, to discover dead ones carpeting the shower tray and sink. How the hell are they getting in!!!!! I'm of the opinion that the mesh covering the skylights, good for keeping flies out, is not good at stopping these beasties, they are to tiny and can easily get through. So, just one more photo of last night's invasion. I have also been bitten quite badly on my legs (must have been during the night) and no means of finding a shop nearby to purchase hydrocortisone cream. When we get to Bellingham tomorrow, a stop at the pharmacy will be the first port of call.
This morning we paid the Bird of Prey center a visit, but before we got there, what a sight to greet us. Wow, someone got parking very wrong.
It happened last night, and quite late, so we had been told by the staff at the center. They think joyriders must have stolen this car, although of course they can't be certain. It greeted them when they turned up for work early this morning. Police had been informed but as this occurred on private forestry land, it could take a while to sort out.
So now back to the Birds of Prey. A very well laid out place and home to over 60 birds including eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and vultures oh and the odd wallaby too. For £6 each (seniors) we could come and go as we pleased. So we spent the morning looking at the birds and chatting to Ray, presumably the owner as he has been there for nearly 30 years, and his passion and knowledge about raptors seemed unlimited. A new owl chick had arrived and he was rearing it by taking it home every night. This Southern white faced owl was only a couple of weeks old and utterly adorable.
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We thought this was another chick, but at 13 years old, this is as big as it gets. It's a Screech Owl from North America.
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Our native Kestrel
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And this displaying Bird is a Bateluer Eagle
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Flying demonstrations started at 1.30pm so back to MB for lunch before returning to watch the show.
The Barn Owl was bought out first. Ian was chosen, glove put on, and the owl flew straight to him. Gosh, how lucky was he. The little green-eyed monster in me was about to rear its head when I too had the glove given to me. Then they fetched the Red Kite, followed by the Gyr/Lanner falcon hybrid, American black vulture and a 9-week-old Crested Caracara. Excellent 40 minutes watching the display and enjoyed every minute. As we left, Ray called us to one side and said if we were ever in the area again, we could come back for free. Blimey, he certainly took a shine to us!
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Red Kite
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Gyr/Lanner Falcon Hybrid
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America Black Vulture
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| Caracara |
And more wildlife,
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Common White Wave Moth
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| Roe Deer |
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| Wallaby |
6 comments:
HI Irene, how annoying about those pesky midges! IF you have tea tree oil or lavender oil, you could try them - we find they help with ordinary mossie bites. A paste of bicarb helps sunburn, doubt it wouldhelp bites though
best of luck
Debby
Thanks, Debby, I don't have either of those products, but I do have that Jungle spray for biting insects. It does help, although somehow they manage to find the bits I haven't treated. I purchased Anthisan cream today and so far it has helped with the itch and soreness around the bites.
Fabulous day with the raptors - no wonder you were so excited that you would even suffer the midges again and again!
I was going to suggest bicarb too, as did Debby. Great minds think alike, eh?
A mix of baby-oil and kerosene would probably stop them - Dad always used it at Tongaporutu where the sandflies were very troublesome as you may remember! I am sure you have both of those products on board!
Mxx
I always keep Sudocrem handy, it's cheap and I use it for almost everything!
The Keilder Forest looks like an interesting place to visit, despite the midges.
Lovely photos again of the birds of prey etc.you were brave handling them!
Ann Makemson.xx
Kerosene Marilyn? no....baby oil? Maybe (: To you and Ann, I am very grateful for any suggestions made, especially if it keeps insects from making a meal of me. Xx
Sudocrem is used to sooth bites, burns, sores etc.
I think if you covered yourself in it as a deterrent you would look like a scary white ghost, lol.
Btw, my Grandfather put Creosote on his old cap when he went gardening, which seemed to keep the midges away and everyone else I think.
Ann Makemson,xx
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