Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), Sunday 28 July 2013

Happy new week and new month!

The world's oldest known calendar device has been found in Scotland. It's based on the phases of the moon, as well as the position of the sun, and is 10,000 years old.

That's 5,000 years older than the first formal calendar devices found in the Near East, which were thought to be the earliest. The device provides further evidence that Scotland's early civilisations were much more advanced than previously thought.


  • Clare Bailey said:
    We're going to Dyfi.

    That is one osprey site, I haven't been to, Clare. I was hoping we would manage it this season but there has always been a reason why we couldn't. Maybe still time !!

  • I'd say you've got a good couple of months to visit.  I'm looking forward to seeing the new facilities and, most of all, the birds.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Clare - What new facilities are you expecting to see.

    A new boardwalk was opened last month to replace the old boardwalk just outside the visitor centre. You can view the scaffolding where they intend putting the 360 degree viewing centre but work has not started on this until the birds leave.

  • I read this article a few days ago. Thought some of you may be interested, having already read Richard Thaxton's views on the subject.

    http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/scotland/article3828083.ece

  • Sorry, my link is not remaining live. The article is about disagreement with the RSPB about changing the trees at Abernethy Forests

    "RSPB attacked over ' arrogant ' plan to regenerate forest "

  • How can a plan to regenerate a forest be considered arrogant?  I usually associate arrogance with people who seem to want to relentlessly cut trees down.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Unknown said:

    Clare - What new facilities are you expecting to see.

    A new boardwalk was opened last month to replace the old boardwalk just outside the visitor centre. You can view the scaffolding where they intend putting the 360 degree viewing centre but work has not started on this until the birds leave.

    Thanks, Keith.  I've been back onto the blog post on the Dyfi website and read it properly - am I correct in thinking it won't be complete until the end of the year?  I'm still really looking forward to visiting - we had a wonderful time last year.

    Our herring gulls are red listed birds.  Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.

  • Yawn.  Too late to catch up - about to fall asleep.

    Have a good Friday all (Friday - again?!!)

  • Had to sign in this morning!

    J came back early last evening - his helper didn't turn up - luckily neither did any young people!

    We spent time dead-heading Dahlias in the evening - until after 9:30!

    Just a normal day today - apart from main meal at lunchtime because J has band practice this evening.

    Will look in again later.

    Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!

  • Good morning As Annette says, Friday already! I hope that Linda enjoys her break. Yesterday was a bit of a washout in all senses of the word , it forgot to stop raining and I was lacking in ' get up and go' so everything was an effort. There was a lot of walking the day before before, during and after the trip to Elgin. The old knees are beginning to talk to me and I don't like what they are saying. Yes, OG, starting to think about France and as ever it is the shopping list of things that they miss that is on my mind. Specifically good strong cheddar cheese, smoked back bacon, Stornoway black pudding and so on and so forth! I hope that dibnlib enjoyed the Black Isle Show. OH , son in law and grandson are going to the Game Fair at Moy on Saturday. Annette- you were wondering about grandson Callum. He is much more settled nowadays. He has asked his mother some searching questions about the marriage break up. She did her best to answer him honestly without showing bitterness towards her husband. He ( the husband) is taking the children away for a week this month.