A woman who was attacked by a mountain lion in northern California says her dog jumped to her defense and was badly wounded in protecting her. “I do not think I will ever be able to live up to how amazing and loyal she is to me,” Erin Wilson told the Sacramento Bee on Tuesday. … Read more
Mother and Son – Harrel and Maggie One large Madge (it’s all wool, you know). No, it is, honestly. Edna looking like Queen Elizabeth I in her later years. A friend of mine always says sheep look like woolly maggots. She will know who she is when she reads this and I do agree with … Read more
An unusual technique for catching scallops that was stumbled upon accidentally by scientists could potentially reduce some of the damage caused to our seabeds by fishing. The marine scientist Dr Rob Enever and his team at Fishtek Marine, a fisheries consultancy based in Devon, designed small underwater “potlights” to help protect fish stocks by replacing … Read more
I am feeling a little bit proud of the Minions. Oh, yes, they may hate where they live because the old ladies have all the spring grass but it has done them the world of good. No more fat little Shetland ponies going into spring. Instead lovely svelte little Shetland ponies who will NOT get … Read more
Iceland is under pressure to ban the production of a hormone extracted from pregnant horses, a practice that has been described as “cruel” and “animal abuse”. The hormone is used by farmers across the UK and Europe to increase reproduction in pigs, cows and other female farm animals. Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) is extracted … Read more
While most other crofters are minding their fields for lambs, we are watching the water. Loch Eil reflects the soft gray clouds rolling down the corries, but closer inspection reveals milky drifts below its surface. The mussels are spawning. Mytilus edulis release sperm and eggs into the water, making a swimming soup of fertilization that … Read more
A three-year-old boy has died in a suspected dog attack in Greater Manchester, police said. Officers were called by North West ambulance service after the child was injured in the incident in Rochdale at about 1.15pm on Sunday. Greater Manchester police (GMP) said the victim was taken by ambulance to hospital but died from his … Read more
Today was a perfect day. I rode Dreki off the lead rein with Daisy instructing and ready to grab… .. No grabbing was required and Dreki was perfect. Then I had a riding lesson on Klængur from Daisy and he was perfect too. Then we brushed the old men…. And they looked perfect afterwards. After … Read more
Can seagulls recognize you? My friend swears blind that his local gulls torment him personally. Is there anything in this? Edward Lambourn, Rhyl Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com. Readers reply Dr. Livingston Seagull, I presume? MrCassandra I have had experiences in my own garden where a swallow and a mistle thrush have taken to attacking … Read more
It is Eurovision – a tradition in our family – so someone is home for the weekend! Iacs knows. He has been planning his welcome. Daisy arrived last night and so today we had a wonderful horsey morning. First up was Dreki. I have been regularly working with my dragon (Dreki means dragon in Icelandic) … Read more