Sunday 18 August 2013

A Story and A Challenge

I am going to start with the challenge. I found 2 'things' while I was visiting Vi'v garden and wondered would anyone know what they were and what they was used for. 

Can you guess?  
Answers tomorrow.


Any ideas?

Sorry no prizes!

Now for the story, hankies at the ready!

Now as most people who read my blog know, yesterday I left Bangor and flew to Gatwick.  I had 1 hour to wait for my train to Portsmouth so I went down to the platform only to discover the waiting room was under reconstruction so I had to sit on the platform. I immediately noticed a pigeon just underneath the top of the track but no movement and I pondered at the thought as to how many pigeons were killed by trains. 

One hour later, when my train was about to arrive, I suddenly saw another pigeon on the line next to the ’dead ‘one!  My heart sank.  Surely I was not about to witness another death in front of my eyes!  When the new pigeon went to the 'dead' one, it suddenly moved and I saw that it was a young bird. The parent tried to encourage the young one off the tract and it was remarkable and moving sight to watch.  (Look at ‘Do animals have feeling’ on 2 July’s post).   

Although my camera was in my hand luggage, I could not access it easily as I knew the train would arrive any minute.  Flashing through my mind was the film that Sandra Bullock stared in, ‘While you were sleeping’ when a guy was pushed onto the tracks, became unconscious and an express train was coming, FAST, she jumped onto the tracks and saved him. I felt like doing this but of course I knew I couldn’t.  I felt helpless!

My train arrived, I got on and immediately another train sat beside us that had rolled over the tracks where the 2 pigeons were.  There was nothing I could do.  I just hoped that somehow the parent had managed to encourage the young bird to move.  The other train left before mine and with great relief, I managed to see that both birds had escaped death.

The birds I did see on the train journey to Portsmonth were Magpie
Buzzard, Black headed Gull, Feral Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Rook, Starling, Mute Swans, Heron, Swallow, Mallard and 2 lovely Deer frolicking through the corn fields.

This post is a bit different from some of my posts but I'm allowed as I am on holidays!!  I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you for visiting.  

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT I MAY GET UP TO TODAY!

29 comments:

  1. Ha ha, I know some of your cities through Premier League.

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  2. The first I am almost certain is a compost tumbler. Something I want to replace my compost bin.
    I will be fascinated to find out what the second is.
    And I am so very glad that the pigeons escaped - and hope they continue to do so.

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    1. HI EC Thanks for your comments. Tune in tomorrow for both answers!

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  3. well the first one is a compost tumbler, but the second, a secure snail-trap to avoid pets getting at it??

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    1. HI Carole Thanks for comments adn answer but you will have to wait until tommrrow to know the answer!!

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  4. oh and I'm so glad the birds were ok; you would've felt really upset to witness otherwise Margaret; I know I would have felt the same as you did

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    1. HI Carole Yes I would have been up set to see a bird die in front of me eyes.

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  5. I'm making a wild stab at maybe some kind of compost maker and the second one I haven't a clue.
    So glad there was a happy ending to the story.
    Safe travels!

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    1. HI Caletta Thanksf or comment adn answer but you willl have towait until tomorrow for boht ansers!

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  6. the drum could be for mixing something maybe compost, or animal feed...and the second I'm thinking this is a spout we see so perhaps it was used in the irrigation system :-)

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  7. I'll go with the consensus that the top one is a compost tumbler - and I think the second is a bike helmet for a unicorn.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

    Pelicans - what great birds!

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  8. A happy ending to the story Margaret. Bon voyage.

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  9. Some sort of mixing container. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  10. So glad the pigeon story had a happy ending!
    Haven't really a clue re: items in garden but guess for first item is something to turn compost and the second a bumble bee home!

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  11. I don't know what they were used for, but the photos are great! Sad/happy story about the pigeons.

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  12. the first one is a compost bin. no idea on the 2nd.

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  13. hi margaret

    i haven't a clue about the second one. well, the first one...is a compost maker (?)
    but i enjoyed your photos.

    hope you're enjoying your weekend~

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  14. I think its the drum that they use in the local tombola ? ....... no i will wait eor your next post.



    peter

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  15. The top one looks like a smoker. Maybe?

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  16. So pleased you had a happy ending with the pigeons. I can imagine your stress waiting for the train to come!

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  17. I am so glad you were able to see the end of the story for the birds!!! Now to the guessing game!! I love guessing pictures, but I don't think I have ever gotten one right. Feel free to howl with laughter at my guesses. The first one has a crank on it, so my guess is either a cement mixer or a giant butter churn. The next picture is harder, it looks like a wooden pear. i have never seen anything like it, my only thought would be some kind of trap.

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  18. It's not like there is a shortage of pigeons i the world but I am glad they were not killed by the train.

    I think that top green barrel thing is a composting bin. I have no clue what the bottom thing is!

    Nice list of birds. Do you eBird?

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  19. HI Lyn, Stewart, Gary, ROY, Tex, Peter,Kathie, Ginny, Ragged Robin and Em. Sorry I didn't have time to reply to you all indivually however I want to thank you all foryour commneta and guesses. I am exhausted after today's events!!!! I thought I was on hollidays!!!

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  20. I won't venture a guess on the two items. The story was captivating. Hope you're having a good time on your holiday.

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    1. HI Linda Thanks for comments. A new day has just dawned adn I thoughtI would get up before the troups adn perhaps get a post done for today.

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  21. I'm glad your story had a happy ending. As far as the objects are concerned, I think the first is a compost tumbler. I have no idea about the second.

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    1. HI George Thanks for comments and guesses. All willbe revealed today!

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