We have reached SEPTEMBER, the month which gives us the sad task of adjusting to empty nests. The end of the 2014 Osprey Season is upon us. And already, even as we were celebrating in our hearts the closing of a near perfect season at Loch Garten, we were SHOCKED into awareness of the difficulties facing our juveniles as they start their inevitable migration to warmer climates. Our Seasca already has been lost over the Bay of Biscay, Once again one of our precious chicks is “lost – presumed dead.” Even as we mourn Seasca we hope and pray for a safe journey for Millicent, who has after taking a bit of a back-and-forth stop-over in England, arrived safely in Spain. Also our good wishes are with the baby of the family, Druie. For those who have taken Druie to heart as a favorite, the parting is especially difficult, for she is not sat tagged and so the farewells are now permanent, with only a faint hope that her wee blue ring may one day be spotted and identified.
So what does September and the winter hold for THE GABFEST? As Fish and Keith have so recently pointed out, The Gabfest has changed. We have dropped in numbers and more importantly we have pretty much lost that all-important special GABFEST SPIRIT which embodied fun, cooperation and friendship as we discussed every aspect of the osprey which after all are our reason for being, along with any topic which struck our fancy. Many times during the past year and especially the past months I have thought The Gabfest was doomed to extinction. But we are still here.
Will we make it through the winter or even through September? Will there be enough of us to share a few long winter evenings with some good music? Will anybody be interested in the fun and camaraderie of a few group streetwalks? What about Christmas Cakes? Will we have a Bake-Off this year? If we do, it will be our third. I hope all these questions will be answered with a yes, but only time will tell
I myself plan to follow Millicent’s migration with close-up maps and, so long as it is available, streetwalking. Where there are no blue streets for my little man to settle on, perhaps I can find some photos of local scenes. Also more of Seasca and other Loch Garten birds, as well as tracks of osprey from other nests. But why let me have all the fun? I hope this is something we will all participate in together, whether it be to post maps or streetwalks of your own OR to comment on those posted by myself or others OR to make requests, as Ann already has.
It is going to be a long cold EMPTY winter so lets light the GABFEST FIRES in the fireplace of our Gabfest chat room and all gather in to have a good time. Who knows, we just might rekindle that wonderful old GABFEST SPIRIT of fun, goodwill and gab.
Pity no one has discussed any osprey news on here today.
Kielder - First tracked bird BLUE VV from Nest 1 starts migration yesterday and reaches Oxfordshire up to 10:30 this morning where she roosted up last night.
Kielder Nest 2 had a visitor identified Blue 69 from Loch Lomond in 2011. Last year Blue 69 also from loch lomond 2011 landed on nest 2 at Aberfoyle and mated with an un ringed male before clearing off.
BLUE 3R (GWYANT) not seen since saturday evening presumed to have started migration.
Aberfoyle tracked osprey LONAIG altered routing whilst in Ireland and now safe in Portugal.
Not sure who is still around Glaslyn - Appears the female seen today and male yesterday along with 8C who was araound at the weekend. No confirmation of any sightings of 7C/9C although other ospreys seen in the estuary not identified.
Think thats it but lots of news - contributions by all grateful - I have beeen at work all day :).
Got a call this evening from my colleague - Still ospreys around Scotland and going early from work to see some on the River Dee that are still around. Not giving anything away as Dee is 90 miles long.
This is a new one for me so rather excited. Thought I saw my last - last week so a bit of a bonus.
Keith, I picked up earlier that you said it has been a great Osprey day and glad you finally shared some of the good news with us. Yes we definitely need more osprey discussion here on this thread.
Good news is always welcome, so why are we so inclined to dwell on the bad.
Glad to hear that Gwyant from Dyfi has likely started migration. May they all have successful journeys.
Good evening all gabbers! Iv had techy problems as have got a new lap top and have had password forgetting problems and such things!!
Iwas delighted to read the news of Millie reaching Spain crossing Bay of Biscay. She actually flew very close to my childhood home where my mum and dad lived until this year. Near Buckfastleigh Devon.
Also glad and sad that Gwynant has started his migration! They are so brave! I wish allof them safe journeys. I think West Africa is going to get quite crowded with ospreys and what a lovely sight that would be! I would love to see them in Africa fishing in the warm tropical waters.
Also great news that Kielders VV has migrated. I think they've had a great season!
June I loved your story about working on the Railroad it had me laughing! its amazing how circumstances can open doors to opportunities. Sounds like you were very happy at the childrens home.
Keith I would have Delays ringing me up about causing even a minutes delay! LOL. Thanks for reminding us about Roy Dennis on the One Show very interesting and such beautiful chicks with their orange eyes! Did you see the one biting Roy Dennis sleeve, a really feisty little chick!
June we must not let the Gabfest sink without trace! There will be another "Bake off" Even if theres only 2! I agree there used to be really interesting conversations on theGabfest. I miss The stories by B&B. Not many posters on the Gabfest but still there is some funny and interesting chat!
Hi Willow, by way of my "notificatins" I've been following your "likes" thru late August & today's Septtembber. Looks like you have been catching up.
Good luck with your new lap-top. Do you no have Windows 8. For the first time? If so, hope you adjust to it better than I have. I still find it almost impossible to work with.
well when you all bake your cakes just send me a slice.As I do not bake, not one of natures good house keepers.
Willow, How right you are! And thank you, my friend, for you do truly embody the Gabfest Spirit and you encourage me so much with your last post.
Yes, I will bake my simplified version of a Christmas cake and if you do that makes two. And everybody knows that two's company. :)
And three is a crowed lolololololol