RSPB Bird Watching Day.

So glad we didn't clear up the Teasels at the back end of summer because the seed heads attract the Goldfinches creating the iconic winter image.
Here at West Lake we were rewarded today on this official RSPB bird count with the antics of this brightly coloured bird.   S o far House Sparrows, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, loads of Blue Tits have appeared on this wet and windy day in Beaworthy Devon.

Stargazing at Orchard Keepers Cottage

With one eye on the Wildlife camera this week we are also keeping an eye on the sky on the look out for the Northern Lights.  The phenomenon was witnessed by a few in the South West in 2010 but could become a southern happening due to a strong magnetic storm heading our way. Anyone wanting to hunt the Arora Borealis will be well placed in this area due to the dark skies around North Devon - some having the Dark Sky status.
Guests at our cottage have free use of our fairly powerful 'Meade' telescope.
In January the giant of our Solar System Jupiter will be shining in the south at around midnight.  Those keen enough to stay up will be served hot Mulled West Lake cider.  That should get the stars out.

What's on the wildlife camera today.

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker - a male enjoying the fat balls in the homemade bird feeder in the garden at West Lake Orchards. Wake up in Orchard Keepers Cottage and watch the birds feed while having your morning cuppa in bed.

West Lake: New blog for a New Year.

Welcome to the first West Lake blog. We promise to make this interesting. Of course its linked to Twitter. Please follow us...we need all the encouragement we can get!  These next two weeks will be taken up refining the details of the Holsworthy Beekeepers Convention 22nd February 2014. at the Holsworthy Memorial Hall.  This is an all day event with some of the top beekeepers in the country presenting.  This year we welcome Phil McCabe from the Irish Beekeepers, Prof. Steve Martin from Nottingham University - there will be no dosing while he talks as he will be outlining the very soon, dreaded arrival of the Asian Hornet that is a major threat to Bees. Ian and Ruth Homer will guide us through frame exchange techniques, The RHS will show us how to attract bees and there are 3 workshops...our famous ploughman's lunch is included in the £16.