What's the difference between a duck?

One of its legs is both the same. With the spread of Bird Flu to the UK, it's useful to have this knowledge. Ducks, Turkeys and now Swans have all fallen fowl(!) to the deadly avian virus. I was shocked to hear last week that 3 birds had been discovered dead at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset. The Mute Swans were struck down with the virulent H5N1 strain of the flu (If only they could have called out then someone might have been able to help them [groan]).

The Swannery, near Chesil Beach, is a popular tourist attraction. I went there last April, it's an interesting place to visit and the sight of hundreds of swans together is quite amazing. Fingers crossed, this will prove to be just an isolated outbreak, and a cull of the local bird population won't be needed. BBC News story


The news of this latest bird flu case will hopefully wake people up to the potential danger ahead. It's no longer just a bunch of death row Turkeys being infected; Tonight I watched the Robot Chicken Season 2 DVD set and saw this...

Dorset Rocks

With the prospect of good weekend weather ahead, I made a snap decision to get away from the concrete of London and drive down south to the sea. The last time I was in Dorset I was on a school trip - about 30 years ago. So, with a bit of recreational nostalgia in mind, I decided to revisit the 'Isle' of Purbeck and what is now known as the Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage site and playground for geologists, fossil hunters and tourists alike. Here are a few pictures that I took whilst I was there...

The sea at Swanage

The stone globe at Durlston Castle

After a steep climb, looking down at Lulworth Cove

A Stromatolite at the Fossil Forest, Lulworth Cove

The natural arch of Durdle Door

The cliff faces past Anvil Point and Durdle Door. There is actually someone standing on the high cliff top above the beach - oh, my vertigo!

Corfe Castle (and, allegedly, the most photographed pub in Britain - it hasn't got the best service though!)

A prototype of the legendary Sir Barnes Wallis dambusting 'Bouncing Bomb'. Tested in March 1943 on the Fleet lagoon, behind the barrier of Chesil beach. It's now on display, like a giant egg, at the Abbotsbury Swannery.

Spending just two full days in the area wasn't enough, there's so much to see and do. Ancient British forts, beaches, boat trips, the south coast walk, picturesque villages, country pubs and even 'Monkey World'! Hopefully I'll be returning soon. I certainly won't be waiting another 30 years!

Fresh smell of the countryside

Just got back from a long weekend in Dorset, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and walking my feet off. You know, when you can't think of something deep and meaningful to blog about, just post a few pictures of animals. Watch where you're treading...

Tomorrow, pictures from the Jurassic Coast...