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..
I like the photo of the woods through the window. So often in such photos, even movies, the inside is too dark and/or the outside is too light or both. In this photo both areas are properly lighted. The photographer deserves a prize for that accomplishment alone.
Clare, more map searching for me. Felixstowe sounds familiar, but I can't place it. Maybe you have mentioned it before.
I also need to look at the map to get a better idea of where the "Light Show" was. Willow, I am so sorry you missed it!
The picture of EJ as shown on the Main Blog is fantastic in its detail and coloring, especially of the fish.
I agree June, that photo of EJ is wonderful and so much detail! The photographer must have been very patient to wait for the perfect timing!
Unknown said:Clare, more map searching for me. Felixstowe sounds familiar, but I can't place it. Maybe you have mentioned it before.
It's the closest town to the top right hand corner.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Well, I must say this is the fanciest decorated Town Hall I've ever seen. Recognize it, Clare?.
Clare never knew where Felixstowe was either just shows how ignorant I am of my own country! Not that far from Canterbury (as the crow flies)! Talking of which , today I saw an adult rook feeding his partner and she was flapping her wings like an infant! Food begging!
June that really is a beautifully decorated town hall, must take a lot of care to keep it up. We have some beautifully planted roundabouts in Canterbury full of flowers! I meant to take a pic last summer. All wild flowers which really take care of themselves.
Hello, Willow, OR maybe, as Keith says "Point the camera and click as fast as you can!" Then select the best one of many. But even that would take artistic taste and skill. And to start with, excellent equipment, knowledge & skill in getting the proper setting and I'm convinced a good degree of plain ole luck! The photographer is to be congratulated!
Willow speaking of photos, when are we going to see one of your raspberry canes?. I believe you are the only one to start on this project yet?
When I get mine, I will probably show a picture of the package and the canes before they are potted. :)