Evening all: Don't miss the last couple of pages of last week's chat. Gary's been at it again, posting incredibly cute puppy pix!
OG: Yes, Los Carneros means "the rams" in Spanish; while La Patera (the original ranch that Los Carneros was on) is "the place where the ducks gather." In the 1700s, after the Spanish settled here, it was cattle country; then in the 1860s,about a decade after California became a state, folks from back East started bringing in sheep, which survived periods of drought better than cattle and whose wool was in demand by eastern and southern states during the Civil War when the cotton industry was decimated. Anyway, in the 1870s, the American family that owned Rancho La Patera planted the first commercial lemon orchard in the state (or the Goleta Valley depending on which source you read). I drive to Costco along Cathedral Oaks Blvd - which runs north of Lake Los Carneros - past huge citrus orchards and the remaining acreage of Rancho La Patera. As for the vineyards, they're over the hills behind Santa Barbara in the higher, dryer Santa Ynez Valley. All very complicated.
Gary: Never been to Yellowstone - was heading that way one October but an early snowfall blocked the Western entry so had to "make do" with Grand Teton National park. Sigh. If you're looking for somewhere to stay, you can always visit TripAdvisor and read everyone's reviews of the options.
OK guys, off to do a crossword and watch some rubbish on telly. Take care ALL.
Good mroning Brenda H and I hope you get back to see some of the match.
Pleased you got back safely and did a bit of shopping on the way. Hope the settee is comfy. Your son and daughter-in- law must have welcomed your support at such a sad time for them.
Margobird
Paula have just read your post and am dismayed by this news. I wonder if the RSPB will start a petition that could be signed.
Morning all,
Also watching Andy Murray and just when it looks like he has it all sewn up he loses his serve. Its nerve racking to watch. I also wish that he would not get involved in long rallies.
Weather is cold but dry with a little sunshine. Temp 2c. Bird bath was frozen again this morning.
Auntie : Thanks for the link to the White Tailed Eagle story. Amazing that they can live so long.
ChrisyB: Glad you managed to get the webcams working. I never thought about the adblocker program.
Margo : I am glad Billy Whizz showed up and you have plenty birds back in the garden.
Everyone else thanks for the chat,pics etc. Back to the tennis now
Activity in Lily's den at the moment, Hungry cubs I think.
A bit nerve wracking to watch but well done Andy Murray for winning. Look forward to the final now and I wouldn't like to say who is going to win.
margobird said: Paula have just read your post and am dismayed by this news. I wonder if the RSPB will start a petition that could be signed.
Hi everyone.It's a lovely bright day here, although it does feel a bit chilly. Birds looking as energetic as ever. I'm sure they've got something planned for BGBW weekend. Of course well done to Andy Murray on getting through to the Australian Open final. Just got a tweet through a few minutes ago. I don't watch any of his games because if I do he loses. Don't want to jinx the guy.OG: Glad your ground food came. Good to hear you've got plenty of birds today.Alan: THanks for the links.ChrisyB: Glad you got the Lily webcam up. The Lily cam is very adictive.AQ: Had to laugh at the helicopter joke. Of course if I was is a situation like that, I'd have started a sing along, begining with: If You're Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands.auntie: Thanks for the news about the White Tailed Eagle.Linda: Hope your watch has been fixed.margobird: Hope you have plenty of birds visiting for the BirdWatch.Paula: I've just read the article linked in your posts and I feel quite sickened. I really wish some folk would get it into their thick skulls that Corvids and birds of prey are not responsible for the reduction in songbird numbers. I'm sure there will be a petition.Have a brilliant Friday everyone.Paul.
Warning! This post contains atrocious spelling, and terrible grammar. Approach with extreme edginess.
Paula I am going to email the RSPB and ask whether they are going to have a petition which we could sign. I am sure there will be many people who will be horrified by this news.
Just spotted this Great Spotted Woodpecker on the Loch Garten cam.
Great capture Heron 77 was having a look yesterday afternoon and have never seen so many different species of tits feeding.