Northumberland is a land of contrasts with spectacular scenery from rugged hills to stunning coastline, a rich historical legacy from Stone Age to the Industrial Revolution, and a wide selection of towns and villages to explore.
This is a place where the lover of nature and the countryside can feel truly at home. Or where those wishing to escape the stresses and demands of modern life can flee and discover that rarest of emotion, Peace.
It is hard to imagine that such a place was anything but peaceful. But look closely and you can see signs of Alnhams often turbulent past.
Located within the much contested border region between England and Scotland meant that this tiny parish often received attention from some very unwanted visitors.
The church of St Michael the Archangel, believed to date back to the 12th century, is thought to have been laid to waste by non other than William Wallace or better known as the Scottish Legend of Braveheart, during one of the daring raids into northern England led by the, Commander of the Army of the Kingdom of Scotland.
A fortified tower located next to the church and dating back to the 14th century is an example of the practical steps people took to safeguard their families and possessions.
Other less destructive, but perhaps equally romantic characters would have also passed through Alnham in times past. Crossing the hills nearby is The Old Salters Road, once a major route into Scotland for English merchants carrying salt north and for Scottish farmers bringing cattle to English markets.
The remoteness of the surrounding hills was also used to the advantage of illicit whisky distillers who provided a source of tax free spirits long before the airport duty free shop was even thought of, it is a shame this is no more, what a shame I say.
Its hard to quantify what spending even a little time in such a special place can bring. But you can be sure to take home with you a unique sense of perspective and a knowledge that no matter how crazy the modern world becomes, there still exists a place where you can truly, get away from it all and enjoy the true and unspoilt piece of the North of England which is Northumberland.
There are over three hundred species of hummingbirds, native to the Americas and parts of the Carribbean. They are particularly renowned for their mid air hovering ability, sustained by the rapid flapping of their wings, between fifteen and eighty times per second, the humming sound of which gives them their name. They are the only species of bird which can also fly backwards as well as vertically, somewhat like a vertical take off and landing aircraft. Interestingly, their feet are not useful for walking, just perching so if they want to travel, they must fly.
There are seventeen species of hummingbirds which live in the USA, mostly in the warmer parts such as Texas, California and Arizona, although some can be found in the east and others in the Rocky Mountains. Most migrate to the warmer climes of Central and South America in winter but their route and destination is very much dependent on species.
Other than their extraordinary flying characteristics, the appearance of the hummingbird is what makes it so attractive. The iridescent sheen of the feathers and gorgeous colouring of blue, green, pink, purple and almost anything in between are quite irresistible to the bird watcher.
If you have a garden in a hummingbird area, you will know that they love brightly coloured flowers. These vary from area to area but Salvia, Buddleia, Nicotiana and Callistemon (Bottle Brush) are universally popular. Hummingbirds have long curved beaks, designed to suck nectar from plants with bell shaped flowers. While feeding, they will hover in mid air which is quite a spectacle and they need to feed approximately every ten minutes. They also eat small insects and pollen for protein so if you can avoid using insecticides in your garden, it would be much better for the hummers. If you want to provide food for your garden hummingbird population, there are plenty of feeders on the market from which to dispense nectar. Try to choose one which has a moat to prevent ants getting to the nectar.
Some people see orange and brown or zebra striped flying creatures in their gardens which hover and act just like hummingbirds. Don't be deceived - these are probably hawk moths.
Hummingbirds court visually. The male may raise his feathers edging the gorget and shake his head from side to side, all the while, making shrill noises. He also does dive displays, accompanied by various sounds made vocally or by the wing feathers. Alternatively, the male may perform a shuttle dance involving flying back and forth very quickly in arc shapes only about ten inches wide and sometimes right in front of the face of the female.
In some species, the males all group together and sing to attract nearby females into their territory. The males and females have separate territories, the females for nesting and the males usually to protect a source of food.
All in all the hummingbird is not only beautiful and active but fascinating to watch in terms of other behaviour.
For more information on bird watching and species, please visit Worldwide Bird Watching.
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Douglas Scott has sinced written about articles on various topics from French Vacation, Travel and Leisure and Family Travel. Douglas Scott works for and is a free lance writer for. Douglas Scott's top article generates over 1000000 views. to your Favourites.
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