Hi all: Don't forget to check last few comments of last week's chat and a lovely photo from OG - of Loch Garten I assume. Alan: Wonderful close up of EJ on the last Daily Update. Thanks to everyone else for all the news from far and wide.
Just in from Earth Day event, which had a lot more transportation (electric/natural gas, etc) options on display this year, including bikes of all shapes and sizes (SB is a big bike town with lots of bike paths, even throughout downtown). Spoke to a friend of a friend there who is setting up a raptor rescue center at the Natural History Museum; also the California Condor group who are trying to figure out how to set up a live cam at the condor feeding station in the back country. They're thinking maybe solar power, but then there's the problem of relaying the signal,etc. If that's successful, they may try one at the nesting sites, but the problem is that condors don't nest in trees - they like caves, so a logistical hurdle for further down the road. Not to mention the "permit" hurdles, which are major given that the condors are still highly endangered. In addition to the usual solar, green, organic farms, foods and other community display booths there was the usual band and "green" gifts area. Didn't buy anything but did visit my friend with his spiffy electric car and bumped into another friend - a "Master Gardener" at another booth where we sat and chatted for an hour.
All quiet on the LG and LOTL nests right now; doesn't look windy or wet.
Alan such a beautiful Clivia and the colour amazing, good photo. Thanks for all the other news you are posting as well. Just working my way through emails received while I was not logged in,
Margobird
This news is for Diane:
Alan wrong blog I know but there is an update to LOTL diary and apparently the male has a fixation for big sticks. Marge has had a fish today as well. Makes amusing reading on the blog.
Morning all:
Alan: Thanks for Brighton cam link - very clear - and no buzz! Gorgeous clivia! We can grow them outside here, but in the shade and I think they need a reasonable amount of water. Very striking flowers; they look fantastic in a massed planting. OG: Never heard of Samphire - had to google it. Thanks for photo of Hope. AQ: Chish and fips? Do you ever say that when you intend to use the correct term? (I'm thinking crook and nanny) :-) Djoan: Glad OH safely home and well looked after. Lindybird: Here's an idea: Buy a treadmill with a laptop platform or something (I'm sure someone must make them) and then you can watch webcams and walk at same time! :-) What things at dusk last year? (must check out Polyospreys....) jsb: Very nice of you not to spoil friend's holiday trip with news of his fame. Heather: When we go out somewhere new to eat, we typically pick two dishes that appeal, see if they coincide, then each order one so we can trade tastes. At home, we eat a lot more simply than all that. Good grief! Alligator cheesecake? I don't think so..... Margobird: What is it with male ospreys this year that they're bringing huge pieces of furniture to the nests! :-)
Trucker Steve driving through nasty weather in Illinois. Sunshine here; today will go for walk (Lindybird: If you were here, we could walk to Lake Los Carneros and see lotsa birds!) then start puttying nail holes in French door; OH will sand and put painter's tape over the glass for me to start priming and painting. (He doesn't like that bit and tends to put on the paint too thick in hopes of getting away with one coat while I find it somehow relaxing and fulfilling.) Tomorrow he's off to a day class on irrigation (for new landscape). I'm going to start planning a trip to see g-daughter in Arizona and deliver some of her stuff from the garage, probably within the month. Take care all.
Have had fingers crossed since half an hour ago for Caerann, hope I'm not too late :))
New Hope pic for wallpaper, thanks OG. AQ, we always say chish and fips, but I once said Henson and Bedges to someone who thought I didn't know what I was talking about... so embarrassing when your jokes are not understood LOL
I thought that was poop on the cam, but it's gone now so was it just rain? Or maybe someone cleaned it while I mowed my grass (first time this year, but it's more a field than a lawn really, with some veggie beds dug in it ). I should start to lose a little weight now I've started mowing again, working with OH once a week. Probably walk 4 miles. Trouble is I'm stuck at a desk the other 4 days! I will try to make the effort to walk up the hill to see the Bassenthwaite ospreys, but as I have to go in the evening I can't get to the upper viewpoint (they close the gate) and there are no telescopes out.
Terry in Cumbria
Hi everyone! I'm a bit late in commenting on the polyospreys but have to say, I heard about them on radio 4 early this morning. I am a chronic insommniac and tend to fall asleep with earphones in situ. So when I heard about the polyospreys, being dozy, I wondered if it was April Fools' Day. As a non sleeper I could, in truth, be manning the site at night along with Annette and Diane etc. Instead, I just lie in bed listening to BBC World Service and live in hope of sleep!
http://www.rspb.org.uk/film/8613592.aspx
I thought some of you may be interested in watching this RSPB short film, which features EJ and Henry. It is one of a list of videos which are listed on the Community Page.
Evening Brenda thanks for the link to the RSPB film.
Thanks BrendaH. I will have a look at that later.
Here is a pic I took yesterday of the osprey chainsaw sculpture at the entrance to the Lyndon visitor centre at Rutland Water:
That is a truly magnificent sculpture, Alan. I find it very difficult to understand how they can control the chainsaw to produce such fine intricate features.