January,2014 was a month of devastation.
Our hopes for the imminent return of one of EJ's chicks were shattered when we learned of the death of Caledonia. She had been doing so well in Seville, Spain - our "City Girl". We were so proud of her. Then with shocking suddenness, her body was found, still bearing positive identification. No doubt about it, our Caledonia was dead.
Then only approximately a week later, Oighrig was reported very likely dead as well because of her stationary tracker, although her body was never recovered. Our hopes now are centered on Breagha, the only remaining tagged offspring of EJ.
The weather didn't help any, with many suffering damage from floods and heavy winds in the UK, and near record cold and snow and wind in the USA, including Ohio and Indiana. Even a music night failed to bring us together and cheer us up. The "Winter Wonderland" theme proved to be the gloomiest and shortest Music Night in Gabfest History.
Then the month drew to a close with 5 plus days of no access to The RSPB Forum and Threads. January ended with several of us finding our way back to the Gabfest and the various threads after several days of experimentation and searching our ways. What more could one month throw at us?
But a new month brings new hope! FEBRUARY is still the midst of winter, but each day brings us more daylight time than the day before. Surely the USA and UK will get a break soon from the nasty weather each has experienced. February is also the month of Romance, a cheerful subject if ever there was one. So we will hope for good things. February is much too soon to expect the actual return of EJ or Odin or any of the osprey to any of the nests we follow. Even so, hope and anticipation are in the air as we start the countdown for the return of EJ and Odin to their Lock Garten nest..
Unknown said: Oh dear Karen now you've started your birds on the pastry you will gradually be making more and more lol
Oh dear Karen now you've started your birds on the pastry you will gradually be making more and more lol
Already over the last couple of days I've seen them increasing so think you're right. Just as well it doesn't need any cooking LOL
It is nice though to see them tucking in and have the garden full of life :-)
Good evening all, Karen, like the idea of the pastry for the birds! Asunny day with heavy showers today. We went for a walk and ssaw some horrible flooding this afternoon and also a beautiful double rainbow!
That is a lovely rainbow, Willow - I haven't seen one here for a while.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Watching the news just now and hearing of more rain and flooding!
Willow - thanks for posting your lovely rainbow - definitely one nice thing about rain:-)
I'm off now - night all
Good Morning GABBERS all. Thanks for the lovely photos. A rainbow is always a joy to behold and so full of promise, even in a photo. It cheers me just to know that you have seen it, Willow.
best wishes for a good day for all of you.
And to you, June. I thought your sentiments about the rainbow were lovely, and spot on.
Good morning Clare. I'm back to bed now for a few more hours sleep then off to church. See y'all later this afternoon/evening.
Sleep well - I thought it was a bit early for you to be about.
By the way, June, if you like rainbows you should check out this link:
Rainham Marshes Rainbow
This photo is absolutely stunning! The Rainham Marshes reserve is just to the east of London, next to the River Thames.
Afternoon all, just back from a lovely long woodland walk with Dee. Very muddy but at least dry and it’s nice to get out :-)
Today is Groundhog Day and I see Phil predicts six more weeks of winter!
Clare – thanks for the link. What a stunning photo from Rainham Marshes, I wish I could captures photos like that :-)
Going to watch the rugby – Scotland is playing Ireland today. SYL