Hello everyone from a newbie

BUMPKIN · #1 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 10:05 AM

Hi I have just joined WAB and live in Norfolk. My grandfather worked in estate management and my father was really into foraging for fungi so I had a wonderful childhood in the countryside. I was a member of WATCH as a child and took part in several activities including rescuing and replanting bee orchids found on a building site.

Sadly my great wildlife companion my horse was put to sleep last year. I found riding a huge advantage when trying to get close to all sorts of wildlife. I used to think it was because my horse smelt more than me and that he masked my scent ! I don't know if there is any truth in that. At around 600kg he certainly didn't creep up on things

I have now resorted to my other trusty/rusty steed my bicicyle, as well as using my legs to get me around. Other than that you can usually find me in the garden trying to get my wildlife pond back to normal after having to replace the liner. The frogs didn't seem the mind the upheaval and I had a least ten pairs in there at once during mating and have enough tadpoles for them to line the edge about an inch deep basking in the sunshine. After 10 years of living here I have also seen a newt in the pond, twice this week which is really exciting. The pond is where I am heading of to now. It's gorgeous morning. bye for now.

goosey · #2 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 10:26 AM

Hello Bumpkin, it's great you have introduced yourself with such a wealth of information. Sorry to hear about your horse - you must really feel the loss. I cycle all over the place as I don't drive and it's a great way of seeing things. Have fun in the garden by your pond, hope it doesn't take you too long to get it sorted but at least it's a great excuse to be outside in this gorgeous wether. Welcome to WAB see you around

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demicav · #3 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 04:38 PM

Welcome to the site. Sorry about your horse, sounds like he was a great companion.

Deer Stalker · #4 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 04:43 PM

Hi Bumpkin.

buzfuz8149 · #5 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 06:16 PM

Hi Bumpkin,

A warm welcome to WAB, glad you found us, enjoy the friendship and the website, looking forward to your posts.

Carol.

FungiJohn · #6 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 06:17 PM

Hi Bumpkin and a very warm welcome to WAB. Enjoy!
John

Ollie · #7 (**permalink**) 15-04-2007, 09:05 PM

Hello Bumpkin, great to have you on board. Enjoy the site
Roger

spotnot · #8 (**permalink**) 16-04-2007, 08:32 PM

Hi I am another newbie but do not have your countryside experience. I have a question that I hope someone can answer for me. I try to make my garden wildlife friendly and I have lots of birds and even some mice. I also have a small pond with fish and frogs but when two frogs were mating the male was on her back for ages and then she was dead and still he was on her. This happened last year too. Is it normal?

goosey · #9 (**permalink**) 16-04-2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spotnot

Hi I am another newbie but do not have your countryside experience. I have a question that I hope someone can answer for me. I try to make my garden wildlife friendly and I have lots of birds and even some mice. I also have a small pond with fish and frogs but when two frogs were mating the male was on her back for ages and then she was dead and still he was on her. This happened last year too. Is it normal?

Hello spotnot, I think this is quite common in frogs when the male gets over excited and drowns the female, sometimes more than one male is involved with the same consequences

. welcone to WAB by the way

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