At 13:00 precisely today I finally took
the helm at Parley Court, putting me 'in command' of the Harbins Farm
House and my new crew which consists of
3
dogs SHOOFTY (left), HAROLD (only a visitor), BOMBER (no relation) and
Minnie, all seen here with JANET the Lady of the House saying her
good-byes,
they are the Egg Men,
I am the Walrus, goo goo g'joob - Beatles)
and 2 GOATs which I only have to tend for one day unless disaster strikes!
There
is also the matter of quite a large number of bird feeders keeping the
healthy flock of HOUSE SPARROWs going, along with a good number of other
birds plus the odd Rat and Squirrel.
Thankfully,
the HORSES are nothing to do with me as Janet's riding companion Jenny
will take care of them, maybe as well 2 weeks in my care could result in
a visit to the Knackers Yard? Between bouts of heavy rain showers and
longish periods of bright sunshine, there was time to wander around the
property where, up to today, the 'trip list' stood at 57 species.
Goldcrest,
found among deep vegetation, and a skein of overflying Canada Geese
added to that and it is hoped more will follow tomorrow weather
permitting.
Mowing of the Turf Fields continues apace, with other views hereabouts including
the Dampney Family OBELISK at the back of the Manor House,
just c2 Domestic Geese now survive from the original c11,
while KINGFISHER most certainly has.
An
abandoned TERRAPIN, now nearly the size of a dart board, was caught
sunning itself during the brief spells at the Parley main Pond,
as numerous PHEASANTs plumped themselves up at the numerous 'feeding stations'.
Otherwise
Bournemouth International Airport continued business as usual with the
departure of the Squadron of Cobham In-Flight Refuelling aircraft
leaving early morning. As I write Hugh, Janet and Family should also be
preparing for 'take off'' on their flight to Calgary, Canada leaving me
to wish them Bon Voyage and Happy Holiday!
