Hi all: Just a heads up - we're getting Server Error messages but posts are making it onto the thread. Just means you have to keep reloading the page. Check out last few posts of previous Weekly Chat to find out what kind of visitors TerryM had at her bird feeder yesterday. I blathered a bit but nothing to miss the ospreys for; pretty quiet in fact with some of the regulars off on vacation.
Cirrus – oh! the days when I could walk 12.5 miles! Might just manage the .5 now, with sticks. So pleased you had a good day for it – and it‘s wonderful that your hiking friend is now sharing your interest in the ospreys.
Right, lets get this holiday finished with! Son worked daytime on Tuesday, but we met for dinner and goodbyes that evening. Tuesday was our visit to LG. I have already posted some photos, but thought these might help folk to see the layout of some of the trees and branches which have been mentioned in the blog. Have just discovered I took over 70 shots there, so haven’t been through them all yet! I think these are the most useful ones.
This shows the position of the camera tree relative to the nest - EJ, #1, #3 and fish on nest, #2 in tree. #2 was most difficult to photograph as it had a long preening session and kept appearing hunched over.
This shows the position of the small branch under the nest were #1 likes to sit. EJ is on the nest and #3 is going round again after the bad landing.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Finally, here is a very opportunistic shot. I was aware of something moving through the trees, and without really looking I just moved the lens over it, pressed the button and hey-ho, an action shot of a leaping Squirrel!
I shall be going through the photos to attempt some cropped close-ups of the individual birds. If I get any good ones, I will post them, but otherwise that's all for now - no photos on the way home, much too wet Wednesday!
OG - I'm totally staggered - wow - I've just got to get me to LG as soon as poss . Oh, I'm copying your pics which I'm sure you don't mind and it's just SO good to be able to see what actually goes on when we can't see it ( if you see what I mean :) )
Great pics, OG, don't think my little camera would zoom that close. Only a week Monday and I'll be there! We are staying in Boat of Garten Monday to Thursday, then moving west to meet up with the friend OH was helping finish off her Munros in May, while I had to stay at work. She saved one so that several friends could share it with her. Hope the weather holds!
Terry in Cumbria
I too, hope the weather holds for you Terry. Have a wonderful time.
OG Loved toheaAR ABOUT YOUR TRIP OVER dAVA mOOR TO fINDHORN
OG Loved to read of your trip over Dava Moor to Findhorn - that's a favourite of ours from Nethy Bridge. The Crown and Anchor does great lunches! Your pictures are wonderful.
Sorry about the weird typeface - thought I'd sorted it!
OG - Can't find any reference to a River Garten on OS Maps - have always understood the Boat of Garten name referred to the Ferry that used to cross the River Spey in the village that now bears the name. Think the Ferryman's cottage is now a B&B establishment. Wikipaedia has a fairly good entry on Boat of Garten - with a "guided" tour through the village (inc loos!!!) The Milton Loch referred to has quite a substantial sized heronry. Really good photos of the nest demonstrating the "perching" spots. Lucky you seeing the Red Squirrel - I took a friend up there in May who has never seen one, and unfortunately has still never seen one!!
LizLFW - Sorry - I took it from a book of Scottish place names!