Sunday 13 July 2014

Fun on the Funicular...



Bridgnorth is an old market town in Shropshire situated on the Severn Valley. It is somewhat unusual as it is on two levels, called appropriately, High Town and Low Town.
To save shoe leather, and puff, on the 200 steps, which already connected the two levels, a funicular railway was opened in 1892.
 Dictionary definition of funicular: (of a railway, especially one on a mountainside) operating by cable with ascending and descending cars counterbalanced.   
When we were up...
 This week I had the opportunity to travel on this unusual mode of transport for the princely sum of £1.20. There’s a memory lurking somewhere in my psyche, I have been on it before, but not sure when.
 Thanks for your time.
The Old Crone xx  

Saturday 5 July 2014

Woody and co...



Woody and co.
Woody Junior

Again this year, we are incredibly lucky to have Great Spotted Woodpeckers frequenting our garden. Our bird feeding platform, situated near the top of the washing line post, is out of reach of the resident cats, although this year, grey squirrels are more of a challenge. The bird feeders appear to be the local ‘service station’ where Woody and co. can stop off for refreshment en route to the neighbouring trees. 
Dad

Grub up!
 
The woodpeckers are very skittish birds. The least movement from within the windows and they’re off, hence photographing them is fraught with problems.
Dad and Junior
Feathers found underneath the bird platform last year
 I have learnt that the male has a small red patch on the back of his head, the female has no red on her head, and the juvenile has a bright red cap.
They are beautiful birds and whenever they are about I have to watch them.
Their flight is undulating, often accompanied by a sharp ‘kek’ call as they flit between trees. Luckily we are on their flight path.

Thanks for your time.
The Old Crone xx