GR and I are spending Twixmas in Northumberland with Rosie and Daisy and Little Bud. We couldn’t help but notice the molehills on our walk around the grounds of our holiday cottage. I don’t currently have moles in my garden but I’m not sure I would mind – apparently those molehills make for great compost. I always think of moles as small gentlemen wearing spectacles and luxurious black velvet suits. And then of course we shouldn’t forget timid, nervous Mole from Wind in the Willows. In fact although their eye sight is poor, they can see a little and they’re not necessarily as cute as they look. Their main diet is earthworms – they eat 60% of their bodyweight in earthworms each day! They store them in special chambers, immobilising them with a bite to the back of the head so they remain fresh – gruesome eh?!
Continuing our walk we ventured up a little path by the side of the church and came across a couple of donkeys! Little Bud was entranced and we were glad to see there was a pair, because keeping a donkey on its own can lead to stress, depression and behavioural problems. I must admit we didn’t pet them as they looked like they might be a bit handy with their gnashers!
But, we did miss an experience at home while we’ve been away. Our street WhatsApp was buzzing with the news that a young swan had landed on our road. Secondary school age siblings a few doors down from us took matters into their own hands. They called every animal charity going and the Swan Rescue got back to them and arranged to collect the ugly duckling. What resourceful young people they are! After a check over by local vets the young swan was declared fit and healthy. Apparently it’s normal for young swans to be kicked out of the family home at this time of year. It will shortly be released in a place with other juvenile swans on a canal in West Yorkshire – so thank goodness for a happy ending. Happy New Year everyone!
Rambling Rose 