Monday, 15 February 2010

Bill Oddies Love Child

Whilst wandering around outside at YSP on Saturday (I forgot to say, if you ever go, go in walking boots or wellies as you often need then, and the indoor spaces are geared up for "muddy" booted customers) we happened upon this gnarled and weathered old tree that I thought was as beautiful as any sculpture.





I pointed out to the young man that there was lots of evidence of "owl" in this tree. If you enlarge the picture below, you can clearly see the "whitewash" which is the owls poo, and to the right of this are the pellets that they regurgitate all the fur and bones of the tiny creatures that make up their diet.


We have owls sit on our TV ariel at work, and I love to bring home the pellets to see what's in them - I find them fascinating!! The kids are not so enthusiastic - I put it down to the lack of decent nature tables in infant and junior schools these days. (I was a very avid provider for my class nature table back in the 60's!!).




Hope you weren't eating!!!



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19 comments:

  1. The Girl17/02/2010, 13:31

    Haha best title to a post ever!!

    Aaah nature tables. I remember those. I like anything that's hands on. When I go to The Deep I go running for the rockpool exhibit because you can get hands on in there!

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  2. andamento17/02/2010, 13:32

    Interesting! I'll look out for owls signs now.

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  3. Lx @ Twelve17/02/2010, 13:38

    Goodness me - I don't know wether to laugh, or come & feel your bumps! Bill Oddies love child? ha-ha!

    Will impart owl poo fact to 9 year old & earn some street cred....

    Lx

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  4. The Curious Cat17/02/2010, 15:08

    Wow that is getting your hands stuck in! Maybe not for the squeemish? But yes, I do remember the nature tables...just not that aspect... :) xxx

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  5. menopausalmusing17/02/2010, 17:50

    Oh thank God! I thought when I read the title that you were going to HAVE his love child!..:O))))))))))))

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  6. elsy17/02/2010, 19:57

    you never cease to amaze!

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  7. Julia17/02/2010, 20:18

    That had me laughing! I can imagine you foraging about looking for owl poo to take home and the look of disgust on your children's faces!! Bill Oddie's love child indeed!! Fabulous!!

    Love Julia x x x

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  8. JP17/02/2010, 20:19

    i just love owl pellets too - in fact I used to get eagle owl ones sent to school from Chester zoo in the good old days before H & S took over!!!

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  9. Lisa17/02/2010, 21:05

    Yes, I'm eating popcorn!!
    Mmm, suddenly don't want anymore!
    Lisa x

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  10. noelle17/02/2010, 21:18

    Great tree! I thought of you today, i saw the most enormous heartshaped cloud, unfortunately didnt have my camera, isnt that always the way!!! xx

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  11. Marie17/02/2010, 23:18

    Your title has had me chuckling away :-)

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  12. A time to dance18/02/2010, 08:15

    I had to look at a title like that...does Bill know yet??

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  13. BadPenny18/02/2010, 09:48

    I loved the school nature table ! I keep fallen birds' nests... what a magnificent tree & how lovely there is evidence of am owl. Bet the kidss faces are priceless while looking at owl poop !

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  14. BadPenny18/02/2010, 09:53

    just seen Menopausal musing's comment ! Bill Oddie's Love Child ? er, no thanks !

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  15. Petit Filoux18/02/2010, 09:53

    Ha brilliant!!! I love nature but I'm useless at spotting that kind of thing, just don't know what to look out for - your kids should be grateful!!

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  16. harmony and rosie18/02/2010, 13:19

    You have to hope the News of the World don't go googling, looking for dirt on Mr Oddie!!

    Lucky you seeing owls during the day like that. Any idea what type?

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  17. Lyn18/02/2010, 22:13

    we use to have a nature table at school, we dont have one at the one I work at now...might have to introduce the idea at the next staff meeting!
    Love
    Lyn
    xxx

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  18. love those cupcakes19/02/2010, 16:13

    Ah yes, the nature table. I remember things like pussy willow and egg shells. Regurgitated owl cuisine? Not so much.

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  19. Rosie20/02/2010, 08:59

    Ha - love the thought of your excitement over owl pellets - they are very interesting aren't they? We used to have a nature table at school with twigs and flowers, leaves and frog spawn - one year a little frog eventually emerged in the tank and escaped into the classroom much to the teacher's consternation and the children's delight:)

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