Wildlife in the Isle of Man

Thanks Paladin

Yes - I had heard that there was a thriving Cornish Chough population making a comeback. That is great news. They have a very distinctive call which it quite something to hear as they fly over your head!

Just for you....





Apologies for the grainy images - these were taken on a grey rainy day at full telephoto with my shakey hands!

 

Marley - that sounds a magnificent find at Jurby Junk. Mum bought a little earthenware type pot there in the 1970s. It is very strange. It is Egyptian in style and is really very worn on the outside. It has traces of hieroglyphics on the outside and pottery loops, presumably to thread something through as an aid to carrying it. We have always had this pipe dream that it may be genuine ancient Egyptian!!! We are too scared of looking like right twits by getting it seen by an expert, plus we don't want to have our illusions shattered!

Mind you, the Manx were renowned sailors and seafaring is in their blood (One of my own Manx ancestors was a sea-captain and sailed the world). Who is to say that treasures weren't historically collected by Manx Sailormen and brought back to the Island, only to eventually turn up at Jurby Junk!!!!!

The Steam Railway station in Castletown was located just behind my Gt Aunt's house. Many was the day I would hear the tooting of the steam engines in my summer hols. The Island has managed to maintain and nurture this 'held in the past' type sensation - and I agree with you, it has a magic all of its own.

It has a very interesting WW2 history with all of the internment camps for foreign nationals.

I think 10 feet is an ideal distance to have kept from the seals. Apparently they can issue a nasty bite if you get too close!

Thanks for sharing your memories of the Island with us Marley.

 

As I mentioned, it was in Chard Somerset when I first heard of Choughs. I was in digs in this Hotel,back then it was called 'The Three Choughs'.
I phoned Mrs Pal when I booked in, and after I said the name of the pub she asked if the noise of the trains would disturb me! :D