LONDON SIGHTS FROM JUNE 2015

Resharing a few sights around London towards the end of a vacation from several years ago.  Some of you may remember them, but it's been a long time.  It was a very interesting walk around the city, and I like looking back on my old posts.

 

UPSIDE DOWN OR RIGHT SIDE UP?

"Each time I see the Upside-Down Man

Standing in the water,

I look at him and start to laugh

Although I shouldn't Oughtter.

For maybe in another world,

Another time,

Another town, 

Maybe HE is right side up

And I am upside down."

~Shel Silverstein~ 

WALNEY POND WALK IN MAY

After we had been surprised by our non-Swans (decoys) shared in this post, we did what we usually do, continue our walk around the pond and enjoyed all the other sights.  

If you wanted to get some really good exercise, you would have to walk at a brisk pace along the circular path several times, as I have seen people do.  The pond is relatively small compared to others we have come across.  But there are trails and one we know leads to the visitor center through the woods.

  We noticed the Yellow Flag Iris' were blooming.  They are a lovely sight at the edge of the water.

Yellow flag iris, botanical name Iris pseudacorus, also goes by the following names: Yellow Iris, Water flag, Dragon flower and Paleyellow iris.  

I found a blog at this link, called Botany Karen, where she adds other common names which are very interesting.  One is 'Yellow fleur-de-lis', and she states this name points to the possibility that Iris pseudacorus is the historical inspiration for the heraldic Fleur-de-lis (or Fleur-de-lys), that there is a passing resemblance to the flower’s 3 standards and 3 falls, allowing for some artistic licence she says.

Karen continues, “The Fleur-de-lys’ historical usage is not confined to a single country. Its strongest associations are undoubtedly with France and French royalty through the ages. It traditionally appeared as a yellow symbol on a blue background in France."  And this from me, I can highly recommend taking a look at Karen's blog as there is so much to see, to explore and to learn.

Yellow flag is a flowering perennial plant native to Europe, Asia and Africa.  In temperate climates throughout the globe, yellow flag is cultivated as an ornamental plant, but is considered an invasive aquatic species.  In some regions it can be very invasive and harmful to native species.  It spreads easily due to its floating masses of seeds and long rhizomes, making it very hard to control.  It can also block water flow, affect bird nesting sites, and fish habitats, disrupting and changing entire ecosystems.  

Oh dear!  Well, it didn't seem to be out of control at the pond.  I daresay it is well managed, and I have always loved its presence in blooming season, but certainly these facts should be taken note of.

Other wildflowers we saw were buttercups...along with a couple of bicyclists.  A good day for getting the bikes out.

When I was a child I always loved buttercups, and I still find them pleasing.  When you are a child you don't have a care in the world and certainly don't think of things like how invasive they are.  Before I go on I would like to share another blog I found.  One called Lizzie Harper where you will find various illustrations, one of which is this buttercup.  You can see it here and then if you like, explore further and see the others.   Also more information at this link.

I am finding out about invasive plants today, and this is another one.  They are called Creeping buttercup, botanical name Ranunculus repens.  Common names are also Sit-fast, Creeping crowfoot and Double meadow creeping buttercup.  It is native to Europe, Asia and Northwestern Africa.  These glossy-petaled yellow flowers of the creeping buttercup do, however, aid in the attraction of pollinating insects.

The following is Common vetch, botanical name Vicia sativa.  Its common names are also Garden vetch, Vetch, Garden tare, Summer vetch and Tare.  

It is widely grown as a forage crop or green fertilizer, but common vetch is often considered a weed in garden settings.  However, it seems to be a gardener's friend, as its nitrogen-fixing ability enriches the soil, and it offers food and support for native wildlife.  

The vine-like growth, feathery foliage and purple flowers can be visually attractive.  So, common vetch is ideal for including in native gardens, wildlife gardens and wildlife meadows.  

Hurray for the Common vetch, and a lovely photo can be seen at this link. 

On that good note and as I don't want to overwhelm, I will finish as I have, surprise, even more photos to share from our time at Walney Pond.  I will be publishing another post tomorrow.

 

THE SWAN STORY AT WALNEY POND

Okay, so in yesterday's post I mentioned we had heard about a pair of swans at Walney Pond.  Our neighborhood app was abuzz!   Whenever we read about these things, expectations are kept low, as you just never know.  They could have moved on.

However, inwardly I was getting a wee bit excited, hoping for those swans and who knows, maybe baby swans.  I couldn't help myself.  I ran this whole scenario.   We could see them on the other side of the pond, two small white shapes at this distance. Not wanting to startle them, we made our way around and as we got closer, we slowed our steps.  There were plants obscuring our view somewhat, but that worked to our advantage.  We decided they were blissfully unaware of our presence.There are four types, Mute, Trumpeter, Tundra and Whooper swans.  If you click on their names, the links will take you to the Audubon with more information. 

When I saw these, I wasn't thinking about its particular type.  I thought that could come later.  We stayed in one spot just to observe them. At first, we thought how calm they were.  Gregg said they aren't moving around much.  We peered through those grasses and realized we had discovered a new species.  This species is called Fake Plastic Swan!  Yes, they were decoys and are there to discourage Canada Geese.  We looked at each other and I think I rolled my eyes and Gregg had a chuckle.  It really does pay to keep your expectations on the low side.

Later, after we had finished our walk, we stepped on to the small deck and there was the sign.  We didn't start off there like we usually do, our focus on seeing the 'swans'.  As we were leaving, we were asked by two ladies had we seen them?  We don't play poker, our expressions said it all.  "Well," we said, "they are over there but...."  We didn't have to say any more.  They saw the sign.  "Oh no, they're not real?"  I could tell they were disappointed, and they mirrored each other's eye rolls.  I felt their disappointment.  And next time I really am going to keep my expectations low.

I have more photos from around the pond, as is my way, and I will be sharing those soon.

Thanks for visiting and happy Thursday to you all.

A SWAN SIGHTING

A couple of weeks ago I was reading our local 'Next-Door' app, and someone said they had seen a pair of swans on Walney Pond, and that they were still there the next day.  I told Gregg and he said we should head on over there. I heartily agreed as we had not seen this elegant bird in I can't remember when.  It was a perfect day weather-wise.  However, there is a story about those swans which I will tell you about tomorrow.  

Thanks for dropping in and I hope your day is a great one.

MUTE SWAN

 These are photos I took back in the summer of 2014, when we were in Europe.  Somewhere in Norway I believe, according to my labels.  I wish I had been more precise on the location of this beautiful swan.

It is a Mute Swan, Cygnus olor.  They can be found in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.  The name 'mute' derives from the Mute Swan being less vocal than other swan species.  You can hear its call if you go to this website.  This large swan has white plumage with an orange bill bordered with black.  It is recognizable by its pronounced black knob on top of its bill.

They lay an average of 5 to 12 eggs per season, and hatch after 36 to 38 days.  Both male and female take turns incubating the eggs, with the male usually standing guard.  

The nest is strongly defended and they have attacked other waterfowl and even people. Blows from their powerful wings can be especially painful and can be dangerous to children especially.  They can be capable of killing or maiming some of the largest predators, so take note about approaching these beauties when nesting.  They are beautiful but formidable, and dangerous when protecting their young.   This of course can apply to every kind of species across the globe.

GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER...

I am sharing another old one, but the sentiment never seems to go out of style. 

I am ever hopeful that swan will eventually ask duck to sit down and break bread, and by its example, the others will see what a very good idea that is.  We are all different but we all live in the same garden, this Planet Earth of ours.

Another old one today but a gentle reminder, more important than ever.

My thanks once again to everyone out there helping others during these difficult times.  I am so grateful for their humanity.

Thank you for looking.  

My wish is for you to have a 

happy and healthy week.

MUTE SWANS IN ENGLAND

When I recently saw all the Tundra Swans in North Carolina, it reminded me of the Mute Swans we saw when we were in England in 2015.  They were in St. James Park in London.   

These I am sharing again as I am also trying to transfer favorite photographs from my old blog which I love to look back on.   Embedded in my memory, cast in stone so to speak, is the joy of seeing the swans with their cygnets that day.  When I look at my old photos those feelings come flooding back.

Added note: I am getting a real good education on identifying these beautiful birds.  My thanks to Eileen of Viewing Nature with Eileen for helping me.  I had at first identified them as Trumpeter Swans, but realized after refreshing my memory, that these are Mute Swans.  I have corrected my post.  I also borrowed the same illustration that I found for my Tundra Swans post. I should have remembered to look at that first, and my thanks again to Eileen.  I always appreciate my blogging friends' help with correct ID.

Enjoy your day and thank you for looking at these old photos.