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..
Karen sorry but do not understand what "Groundhog" day is meant to be??
Unknown said: Karen sorry but do not understand what "Groundhog" day is meant to be??
Groundhog Day
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
From Wikipedia: quote: "Groundhog Day (Canadian French:Jour de la Marmotte; Pennsylvania German: Grundsaudaag, Murmeltiertag) is a day celebrated on February 2. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks."
Fish, Groundhog Day is a very insignificant unofficial holiday, Not really celebrated or observed at all except in one Pennsylvania town. The newspapers always pick up on that folklore, superstition, fun, nonsense and make something of it as a weather prediction. All just in good clean fun. :)
Unknown said: From Wikipedia: quote: "Groundhog Day (Canadian French:Jour de la Marmotte; Pennsylvania German: Grundsaudaag, Murmeltiertag) is a day celebrated on February 2. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks." Fish, Groundhog Day is a very insignificant unofficial holiday, Not really celebrated or observed at all except in one Pennsylvania town. The newspapers always pick up on that folklore, superstition, fun, nonsense and make something of it as a weather prediction. All just in good clean fun. :) Clare and June, Thank you for the info. I now understand what is meant by "Groundhog" day Fish.
Good morning, all. It's a perfect February morning here - not a cloud in the sky. The birds are busy in our garden and a lovely magpie is flaunting itself at the top of the tallest tree, with all his beautiful colours highlighted in the sunshine. What could be a nicer start to the day?
Clare Bailey said: Good morning, all. It's a perfect February morning here - not a cloud in the sky. The birds are busy in our garden and a lovely magpie is flaunting itself at the top of the tallest tree, with all his beautiful colours highlighted in the sunshine. What could be a nicer start to the day?
Excellent Clare!
Now off to the dentists me and NiteOwl go...
Good afternoon all, I see the red and white scarf is getting a wash!
We went to Rainham marsh about a year ago but unfortunately the road was shut due to an accident. When we did get in there were lots of people gathered in large crowds and I have to say some quite unpleasant pushy list tickers whod come to see a slatey backed gull, no idea what it is though! No good afternoons or anything of course not all were like that but quite a few who were!
We are just as happy to see our cheerful gorgeous chaffinches ! We just picked the wrong day!
Hi, Willow. I've never been to Rainham during a twitcher takeover - usually it's a lovely, chilled reserve with a very friendly welcome. The gull must have been an unusual one.
Lovely sunny day here today as well and birds are singing and getting busy! Heard a mistle thrush today again and song thrush. The chaffinches are singing. EJs return just a few weeks away and odin.
Not in Plymouth it is raining !!!!!!!!!!!!