What is this white stuff? Study of animals in the snow...

Ducks seem happy enough

Black dog in snow

What is it?

More over there,

And it's behind me,

Could you hurry up, parts of me are getting cold!

This is more like it!

This seagull is struggling with the stormy seas,

And the cat doesn't look that impressed either!

Factoid -The speed of snow

Most snow falls at a speed of between 1 - 4 mph dependent upon the individual snowflakes mass and surface area, as well as the environmental conditions surrounding its descent. 

Snowflakes which collect super cooled water as they fall can fall at up to 9 mph, but snowflakes as most people recognise them will tend to float down at around 1.5 mph taking around an hour to reach the ground.

Brodie the Border Collie, new customer, and rainbows

Hi, I am Brodie

Out with my pal

Then there was a rainbow

Off Brodie goes for a sniff,

Then there were gannets diving for fish!

See you next week

Border collie factoid

 Modern border collies can trace their lineage back to one dog. Old Hemp (born in 1893) is widely considered to be the progenitor of the border collie. Unlike other dogs of his kind, his herding method was quieter and less aggressive. Despite having a softer technique, his method got results and impressed breeders. Old Hemp became a stud dog and fathered over 200 pups.

Lumpy and Long Ears, yes, they are rabbits

Here we have Lumpy and Longears,

Don't eat all the carrots, I will be out in a minute,

But it is safe and comfy in the hut!

Who has got the longest ears?

Both now chomping the carrots,

See you next Sunday!


Rabbit factoid

Although typically very quiet, rabbits do communicate vocally, with varying types of vocalisations communicating different messages, e.g. low humming when running around an individual is a signal of affection.

Dougal dog by the River Spey

Hi, I am Dougal

Out with my pal

Come on, let's go!

I did get a bit mucky, but I can get clean and cosy by the stove.

Dougal's view

Dougal Factoid

The main character in The Magic Roundabout is Dougal (Pollux in the original French-language version) who was a drop-eared variety of the Skye Terrier.  In the French version, Dougal/Pollux is a British character who speaks somewhat broken French with an outrageous English accent. His sweet tooth, shown through his fondness for sugar lumps, was based on a French belief that one of the traits of the English is a liking for sweets.

Jocky and Deeta, West Highland Terriers - no they are not, they are Cairns!

Hi, we are Jocky and Deeta, look at our tails go,

Jocky is a busy boy,

This way and that way,

Deeta is more laid back!


Factoid

The West Highland Terrier or Westy shares a history with that of the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, and Cairn Terriers; they are all considered branches of the same breed. The West Highland Terrier was originally used for hunting fox, badger, and otter and for killing vermin such as rats.

Their view

Spuddy and Oscar, and a higher view of the River Spey

Hi I am Spuddy,  and I do have a endearing squint!

This way to my food!

And I am Oscar

I spike up when I play with my ball!

Their view of the river

Their view of the sea

See you next Sunday

Cat factoid.
A group of cats is called a clowder, a male cat is called a tom, a female cat is called a molly or queen while young cats are called kittens.

Missing one

Sorry, no blog this week, we are dealing with a poorly dog.

New customers, Bungle and Dave, and Bin Cullen

Hi, I am Bungle,

I have a noble nose,

And a cute grin!


Bungle Factoid

Did you know that the Bungle Bungles are a mountain range in Australia?

Hi, I am Dave and I have this gorgeous stare,

Here it is again, willing you to give me biscuits!

Their view


See you next Sunday!

Merlin, Rosie, chicken curries and Daffy duck

Merlin relaxing

until he realised his food cupboard was open

We all loved Rosie

These chickens were called korma, tikka and punjab special, known collectively by us as the chicken curries,
be assured they weren't eaten!

Daffy duck on her nest

Their view


Duck factoid
Baby ducks are called ducklings and a male duck is a drake. 
An adult female duck is called a hen or a duck, and a group of ducks can be called a raft, a team or 
a paddling.
See you next week!

Scamp, the Jack Russell

Hi, I am Scamp, I don't know why my owners called me that!

I have a noble nose,

And this is what I use it for!

What a view!

Yes, maybe that's better,

I am a neat looking dog,

But I don't stay still for long!

See you next Sunday!

Jack Russell factoid

       John Russell also known as the “Sporting Parson” was a priest from Devon, England. 
          He loved a good foxhunt and was always on the lookout for the perfect terrier to serve as  his hunting companion. 
                   In 1819, he found just what he was looking for when he met his milkman’s dog, 
              a British White Terrier, named Trump. 
          This little white dog had a thick wiry coat  with tan spots on her eyes, ears, and nose,
 and she became the matriarch for the breed Russell  went on to create. 
       Although the records are murky as to what other dogs were involved in the  process,
         most believe it was a collection of white terriers (a type of dog that is now extinct).