Helpful Colin

Dog Fouling Statistics

Preface This post just brings to light matters which become obvious when calculations are made regarding the number of deposits dogs can make in their lifetimes. It doesn’t discuss dog fouling statistics regarding quantity as would be expected if weight measurements had been taken.

I Found A Common Toad Hiding Behind My Shed

Common Toad

Introduction During the 39 years I’ve lived at this house I have seen several frogs and toads passing through the garden. I was never able to say any actually lived here. Well now (6th October 2017) I’ve found a Common Toad hiding behind my shed and living here. Note: This Common Toad1 is also known… Continue reading I Found A Common Toad Hiding Behind My Shed

Give Dog Tablets Wrapped In Pastrami

Introduction If you have ever tried to give medicine to an animal you’ll appreciate how hard it can be to give dog tablets to a dog. Our dog Leo (a Border Collie) is required to take two worming tablets every three months. These are large as tablets go. Large enough to be shaped like a bone.… Continue reading Give Dog Tablets Wrapped In Pastrami

Mushroom Collection of Autumn 2014

Bay Bolete

Disclaimer From Helpful Colin “I take no responsibility for anyone choosing to eat or use in any way Ceps, Toadstools or Mushrooms of any kind. Not being an authority on Ceps, Toadstools or Mushrooms I do not know if any Cep, Toadstool or Mushroom mentioned on this site is safe to eat or touch. I would… Continue reading Mushroom Collection of Autumn 2014

Can Trees Be Transferred To Other Formers?

Introduction At the end of my article entitled: Are Trees Ectoparasites That Grow On Wood? I asked this question: Can Trees Be Transferred To Other Formers?That article discusses how trees may or may not be parasites that grow on wood. Once a tree is established it is effectively a living entity growing on a wooden… Continue reading Can Trees Be Transferred To Other Formers?

Are Trees Parasites That Grow On Wood?

Linden Tree Viewed From The Front.

Introduction I have asked myself for some time, “Are trees parasites that grow on wood? i.e. ectoparasites.” (An ectoparasite lives on the outside of its host.) Mainly this is because only the outer layers of a tree are alive. The inner part of the tree – the wood or timber – is dead. It was alive… Continue reading Are Trees Parasites That Grow On Wood?

Pine Martens Are Saving The Red Squirrel

Introduction I found an article in The Telegraph entitled, “Red squirrels are fighting back against the greys, experts claim.” The article implies Pine Martens are saving the red squirrel as much as a grey squirrel trapping program is. The trapping program was introduced to reduce the grey population and give the reds a chance of survival. The… Continue reading Pine Martens Are Saving The Red Squirrel

Are Goldfinches Eating Nyjer Seed? Yes!

Cleaning My Feeder Spring 2014 is on the way and I want to see goldfinches eating nyjer seed again. So after a wet winter I have cleaned my bird feeders. I’ve only had a Nyjer Seed feeder for two years and have kept it out during both winters. I might not do that next winter… Continue reading Are Goldfinches Eating Nyjer Seed? Yes!

Fieldfares Visited Alvaston Derby In January 2013

Fieldfare – Turdus pilaris – a member of the thrush family. When Fieldfares visited Alvaston Derby I was ready with my camera. On 22nd January 2013 Fieldfares visited Alvaston Derby where I saw them. First I saw them in my garden and later in a tree overhanging my friend’s garden across the road in the same street. Of course I… Continue reading Fieldfares Visited Alvaston Derby In January 2013

I Held a Young Goldfinch Today. It Was Stunning.

Goldfinch Looking at Camera

Introduction What a wonderful experience. I wish I had taken a photo. I looked out of my lounge window and a young goldfinch was resting on my patio within 0.5m of the window. It didn’t attempt to fly off so I went outside. I knelt down on the ground and got within 0.5m of it. It… Continue reading I Held a Young Goldfinch Today. It Was Stunning.