What do gardeners, baseball fans and osprey watchers all have in common? “ In the Spring a young man’s (OSPREY’s) fancy gently turns to thoughts of love”, and especially in the spring, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.”
As gardeners planting seeds and wee plants, we can envision that perfect colorful garden that for me anyway never quite materializes. As a baseball fan I can envision my Cincinnati Red’s as World Champions come fall, or at least playing in the Playoffs.
As Osprey lovers, now is when we wait and HOPE and wait some more, while we envision first EJ’s return, then Oden and some spectacular sky dances. Then the mating, then three beautiful eggs and then (Oh, joy) three perfect little bobbleheads. Best not to think too much further ahead, lest we get into the time of parting and tears. But that is for later.
Now is the time of HOPE.!!
We have very heavy clay soil so when it rains heavily it hangs around and doesn't drain quickly, they do seem to survive though!
What a beauty, Willow! They do seem to love lots of water, though I doubt they would want to sit in it for long periods of time!
Kind regards, Ann
At Pink Shell nest, Fort Myers, Florida, this lovely lady has already started her family of eggs.
Earlier this evening I not only found the Rutland MANTON BAY NEST back in operation, but occupied by a good sized bird who seemed to be making himself quite at home.
Still there!
Hi June. She or He wont be there for much longer so hope he doesnt make himself too comfortable. Mrs 5R (Maya) might return any day now :) Maya was late last year due to poor weather as were lots of birds. This year the weather is benign fingers crossed it remains so
Yes I'm sure we are all hoping for a better year all around. Certainly I am. I do hope we can have a successful nest at Loch Garten this season.
Willow I love your purple hellebores. Your candy looks delicious, although to me it looks more like butterscotch than mint. And guess I'm dence, but I still don't get the connection between this humbug candy and calling osprey chicks "humbugs".
All 4 nests (LG> Dyfi, Manton Bay and LOTL) are coming in good under their night lights. The same bird (apparently) is still on the MB nest. As you say, he will need to be leaving soon. I just found this on the Sumburgh Cliff cam comments.
A little bit of Osprey news, Meeya, the female Rutland Osprey is making record progress travelling north on her migration to Rutland, she has been tracked just north of the Atlas mountains in Morocco this morning, so she should be home within the week!"
Wish we could know where EJ and Odin are right now and that they are both OK.
Ann have you or Willow or any other Gabfest readers been watching or able to see the Northern Lights. I did read that they probably could be seen down into England. I have been watching for several nights on the Sumburgh Cliff cam. Last night they were brightest and actually dances as I watched. I was fascinated. I know I would just go wild to see them in person. Tonight looks much the same, EXCEPT instead of green they are white now. Just short while ago they were a pinkish color. www.shetland.org/.../cliff-cam-3