HAPPY NEW WEEK!
Last week's Chat thread is here.
I had a funny bird experience a week or so ago. I put it on my Facebook page, and I thought some of you who like corvids might enjoy it.
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I heard something drumming outdoors on the sill under my kitchen window. I assumed it was one of the woodpeckers again. Both the Red-Bellied and the Hairy woodpeckers have persisted in pecking there this year. (Some delicious larvae must be under that wood.) I said, "Stop that!" The bird quit briefly, and then started again. I shouted, "Now, quit that. You know you can't do that!" A head popped up at the bottom of the window!
A huge Blue Jay stared at me. He was sitting on a small branch that rests against the wall of my house. He was so cute! I told him he had to stop damaging the window. He climbed up the branch and looked in at me, cocking his head. He didn't screech. He just put his face as close as possible to the glass. He looked so comical that I was laughing. I stood still, but I talked to him for several moments. At one point, he started warbling like he was trying to imitate me. (Blue Jays are corvids and are great mimics. They're known for imitating hawks, so they can clear the vicinity of other birds and have all the food.)
This jay's head crest was down, so he wasn't the least bit distressed -- just curious, I guess. He walked up the branch and looked back at me once more before he finally flew.
Blue Jays differ in appearance. They can vary a lot in their facial characteristics and coloring. This was the biggest one I've ever seen, and he had an odd look with a larger face and eyes than the other jays on my patch.
He could be a subspecies from somewhere else. He may have been a migrating bird or possibly an east coast bird who flew here to get away from Hurricane Joaquin, which was threatening at that time. I even wondered whether some Green Jays from Texas have found their way here and are interbreeding with the blues. I don't know whether that's ever been documented or is even possible.
I smiled all day thinking about the little fella. I hope he has a good winter with lots of food available.
Everyone have a great week!!! Monday night is the New Moon (the dark moon).
Very sorry to hear the sad news on here today.
OG I think Annette is right, that breast cancers in older women are slow-growing.
Let us hope so, and also that you can get good treatment where you live.
CLARE Sorry about Limpy's mother. Again I agree with Annette, that her mental condition may have made it difficult to diagnose her physical condition.
MARGO Billie sounds a great character. Some cats are very smart, and know exactly what is going on. How long have you had her?
I have had some pretty dumb cats, but have loved them all.
I had one that would catch large scary spiders, which I was quite glad about. We do have a spider catcher we use, (well, usually OH does it for me) and put them outside now. I like small ones, though, and let them be.
Best and positive thoughts to all of you.
Rosy: Margo has a wonderful "how we met" story about Billie, which I'll let her tell you!
Wendyb: I can identify with Daisy. Maybe she'll be glad of her new sweater as the weather gets colder.
Thanks, all, for kind thoughts and wishes. I thought of you, WENDY, when I was told - I hope to remain as positive as you did! I thought I had your email at some point, but can't find it now.
CLARE - so sorry about LIMPY's mother: so distressing for you all. As others have said, I hope Minsmere is providing some distraction.
ROSY - sorry I was "lurking" when you first came onto this Chat thread, so a very belated welcome from me. I was born English, but have been happily living for about 12 years here in South West Scotland - the "Costa del Solway" with our south-facing coast warmed by the Gulf Stream. OH took early retirement before our move and we are quite involved in local organisations, and love our many wildlife opportunities here - we are very near Caerlaverock, where Autumnwatch is already filming and photographing our thousands of winter visitors flying in! We have a Daughter in County Durham, who herself has two Daughters; another near Inverness, with two Sons, one of whom has a Wife; and a Son who returned to live here with us four years ago, and works in pupil support in the local Academy. No pets these days, but we have a good garden and a freezer full of vegetables!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
OG don't mind who knows my e mail as lots of spammers do:-(
wendy@thebunces.co.uk
Annette no chance of her being seen in public with the offending jumper!!
WENDY - thanks. Will email you mine.
OG :-)
CLARE So very sorry to hear the sad news of Limpys Mum, our thoughts are with you.
MARGO you sound positive despite the traumas you are going through....take care.
we had a lovely walk at Findhorn this afternoon. The weather was glorious, better than many a summer day. The only blot was that "The Kimberley" somehow lost our order and after a wait of 30 mins, we gave up on our fish and chips. Instead we had cheesecake and coffee at Brodie and scram with cheese when we got home.
thought you might like this. OH found it but I don't know where. I call it "LOVE IS"
Gave up in the Kimberley a long time ago..
Fish and chips at the Crown and Anchor are amazing just ignore funny grumpy landlord!!
WENDY thanks for the tip.