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..
Sorry Fish! Maybe its heading our way!! Maybe youll have a better day tomorrow!
Clare weve only been to Rainham Marsh once but have passed it a few times on the train to St Pancras. Its an amazing place when you consider it is surrounded by an industrial landscape! The gull must have been a rarity thats why they all converged there.One bloke came all the way from Newcastle overnight! (so it must have been something rare!)
Just a short and single post.
I have not been on the forums for a few days and will not be posting on the forums on a regular basis for a short while as have many other matters to deal with.
We received a call every parent dreads just after midnight on Friday that my youngest son was involved in a bad RTA on the Kincardine to Rosyth road 4 miles east of the Kincardine Bridge.
Having gone to the scene of the accident on Saturday morning and seeing a crumpled up car on its roof in a field I can only Thank God that he was not killed and is recovering in Forth Valley Hospital near Falkirk. He had been to the gymnasium on the night then went to see his girlfriend just west of Edinburgh before returning home. (BTW he is a non drinker so just an unfortunate accident as the police have stated on a dark country road). If he had waited another few hours he would not have been on this road as his girlfriend was returning to Stirling University on Saturday but then as he said last night to me we can not live with IF'S.
I do Thank Fife police and Forth Valley Ambulance for their attention at the scene on Friday night.
Away now - and off to the hospital - Will look in time to time but the ospreys will take a rest bite from me for the immediate time.
Keith, What a shock! I am so sorry to hear this news about your youngest son and thank goodness he was not killed. I do hope that hes not seriously injured and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and especially your son.
The emergency services are wonderful and do a great job. Take care and best wishes to you all.
Keith, I too am thankful that Iain is recovering and pray that any upcoming test results confirm lack of any serious injuries.
God's blessings be with you and Susan, as well as your son.
Keith, we're very relieved your son is recovering - it doesn't even bear thinking about how much worse it could have been. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Best wishes to your boy, Keith. I look forward to your return.
Best wishes to your son, Keith. I wish him a quick recovery.
Mulberry has just told me about your son and his accident KEITH .. I'm so sorry and wish him a full and speedy recovery, thoughts, prayers and best wishes to you and Susan and all your family.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
Keith although not a poster on this thread, I do read. Sorry to hear about your son and I wish him a speedy recovery. My thoughts with you and the family.