Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 29 March 2020

HAPPY NEW WEEK! 

I hope everyone has a good week and keeps healthy. I'm hoping that everyone on this forum will avoid the virus. Sending you all protective energy. 

BIRD NEWS FROM MY PATCH

The big Barred Owls are nesting at the bottom of the ridge right across from my front door. Every time I go outdoors, one of them gives me a booming hoot. Last year, they nested in a tall, old locust tree on the levee by the creek. We had so much flooding that the nest site turned out to be a precarious perch. I think they remembered it was a dangerous location, so this year they’re nesting low in a tree across from me. They are incredibly loud. Their call sounds like, “Whoo cooks for you? Whoo cooks for you?” They can also caterwaul just like large apes when they're feeling aggressive. They can chill my blood sometimes. LOL!

I walked up the hill to town last week to get a couple of meal items at the little general store. I looked up, and R.T. Hawk was flying above me. He landed on a tall silo and watched while I went into the store. Then, he escorted me back. I think he thought he was protecting me from the big Barred Owls, which are his enemies. I hope they can all stay away from each other. R.T. and his mate are nesting far back in the flood plain away from my house right now.

  • PatO They were taken over by Chivas Brothers aka Pernod Ricard. Worked for them for a few years when I first moved up.
    The owners of Tebay opened theIr Gloucester farm stops . Amazing buildings with grass roofs and amazing walks for dogs.
    Dibnlib hate flying and I love driving . As a woman it means I can take more “stuff”.
    Just back from a lovely walk up the hill behind the cottage. No company as both dogs are taking this lockdown malarkey far too seriously. Duke not been in garden since 8 last night... how he does it I do not know.
  • Wendy - When I worked for them they were independent, then were taken over by Diagio and at some stage Seagram. I find it so hard these days to know who belongs to whom! In every sector it seems impossible to track down who actually owns any company now.

    I usually stop at Tebay as well, when I drive to Scotland. They have decent loos, and it's usually the middle of the night. I prefer driving as well. Not only more 'stuff', but also I travel all over the place when I go to Scotland, and would certainly not be able to complete even half the itinerary by public transport. Especially when I lug around a set of golf clubs and a trolley, as well as everything else!
  • Pretty dwarf thingummies are still blooming around the garden.  EDIT Just remembered theyre grape hyacinths.

  • These are not usually so lush, so must have enjoyed the weather. Bet OG can tell me if they're Solomons Seal?.!!

  •  Another pic of Benson. This time doing his frog impersonation And another  relaxing in bed.

  • Hope that DIANE is OK, see Indiana was mentioned. I know that she lives in a quiet area and that RTH is keeping an eye on her!
  • These are snowflakes - leucojum aestivum, I think
  • Oh, thanks JillR. Had no idea what they were but they're lovely - quite tall, not tiny like Lily of the Valley for instance.
  • It's been an eventful day.

    One thing to cheer us, is that the resident female osprey at Glaslyn in N. Wales has been joined at lunchtime today by her recent mate, Aran. Whoopie! Just wish I could go over there and see them both. We usually try to pop over when in Wales for our long weekends.

    On a sad note, a relative of theirs knocked on our door this afternoon to tell us that the son of our neighbour has just died - these are the neighbours who usually keep an eye on our house when we are away. He did not die of the virus, but something else. They must be in shock.

  • I went shopping this morning - wore a scarf and had to queue up. Supposed to be the hour or two just for oldies, but more than 50% of shoppers younger than 50.....

    Bought all kinds of goodies but there wasn't any flour of any description. Used my hand gel before, during and after the visit.

    Lovely pics of Benson!