What ho everyone! Lazy day for the most part - girding myself for the busy week ahead - oh for a week with no appointments, no projects, no visitors - but as they, say 'be careful what you wish for.' Several folks added pix of Lily, Phoebe, and anonymous eagles on the last page or two of the previous thread, plus some quickie posts to wind up the week (AQ may have melted by the time you read this). In the meantime, here's wishing Andy Murray the best at the Australian Open - it'll be over by the time I wake up.
Have a good Sunday all.
Margo - shame you won't be there when I am there or at least after I am there as will doubtless be taking the team a goody bag before I leave!
Sparrowhawk seemed to be about most of the morning. I had to go out to fill up the car and thought she had gone when I got back but she had just camouflaged herself deeper amongst the branches, clever, cunning bird! I did see her shoot off a couple of times after passing small birds that were too quick to identify but she must have been unseccessful and returned empty taloned to lay in wait in our tree. It must be a successful spot for her sometimes or I suppose she wouldn't keep coming back.
Annette - I think the elderly have to register for hot weather calls. It’s probably for those who live alone.
Diane - Cussing only generates more heat !!!!!!! I hope your storm is more hype than snow.
Linda - LOL LOL LOL LOL Not Monday Smiles but Monday Laughs.
Dibnlib - What a wonderful library. Too bad it is threatened with closure. I hope your protest is successful.
Geetings to everyone to whom I have not commented. I read your posts with interest & enjoyment.
They say mad dogs & Englishmen go out in the midday sun, also my OH - he went off yesterday to the city for lunch, in 43C. We just survived another hot night, 30C at 6 am but a "cool" change expected mid afternoon, so we "only" have to endure 35 today. Why do you have it so cold and we so hot.
GARY: I know that you have endured several monster blizzards lately. If you can get out now, I suggest that you re-supply yourself with emergency gear, food, water... I advise you not to wait.
Hi, all. Well, I'm a really bold and empowered woman, and it takes a lot to scare me. But I confess, I'm starting to get a little worried. The first small wave of the storm has arrived here in my area, and the sky has just opened up. Ice is falling in heavy sheets across the woods. The wind is picking up and it feels and smells like blizzard air to me.
The birds here were absolutely frantic all afternoon. I left my garage door up so that anything that needs shelter can stay in there. I can hear a huge bunch of birds cheeping inside now. This is only the first light wave of the storm; the main storm is still "incubating" (can't even be seen on radar) and won't hit full force until tomorrow night.
The governor of Indiana has activated Homeland Security and called out our National Guard troops. Public buildings are being rapidly converted to shelters. The Red Cross and other charities are on standby. The storm is expected to affect up to 30 states. 24 states now have alerts, watches, or warnings posted. The power companies are warning people that long-term outages are probably immanent. In much of the U.S., the power lines are above ground (because our politicians are all greed-driven idiots, and they don't upgrade our infrastructure.) All of the shops/stores in central and northern Indiana are now sold out of generators and other emergency equipment. The supermarkets/grocery stores are so full of people that no parking is available anywhere near them. Food is rapidly selling out completely.
My area of western Indiana (but not Indianapolis) is now projected to get up to a foot of snow, but I'm not worried about the snow at all. Snow I can handle -- no problem. But we are definitely going to get that inch and a half of solid ice. I worry that some of the big old-growth trees on my property will come down. I'm also worried that the power lines will fall. I have emergency gear stockpiled. Crank flashlights, crank radio, several sub-zero sleeping bags, candles, water, food... So I think I'll be okay, but I'm now fairly convinced that this storm wasn't overhyped. Dang it.
Sorry to whinge. I hope everyone is okay. Thanks for listening.
Monday night – been putting more digital pics in order, with names and dates.
Trish – you are so lucky to have a resident Sparrow Hawk, I think that must be quite unusual. As you say, she must have found it to be a good patch at some time.
AQ – if your daytime temp is “only” 35, I hope you will have a cooler night Tuesday. Take care.
Diane – that is not a whinge – that’s telling it how it is, and it sounds horrendously scary! It’s difficult to know what to say, having never faced anything like that myself – but will be thinking of you. I hope you can keep warm and stay safe, and don’t take any risks.
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Any day now for the first egg at Hampton. Both adults have been carefully preparing and inspecting the nest cup today. I have been watching quite a lot and they are amazingly tolerant of each other.
Just having a quick look before I go to bed.
Diane - it sounds awful for you ... hope things are not as bad as predicted ... fingers crossed for no damage on your property. You are so kind, thinking of the creatures, and leaving the garage open for them.
Joan - avid bird and nature watcher in Northumberland!
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Just caught up with all your news. You are all so thoughtful with each others problems and joys, I endorse that and apologis if I don't remember everyone in reply. Take it as red that I sympathise, enjoy, whatever with all you have to say.
Dibnib - so glad it has re-opened for your mum and what a wonderful job your brother is doing for the Altzheimer Society. Mum was actually diagnosed with Vascular Dimentia and its a blessing that she finally went last year - she was 91.
Lindybird - as usual your Monday morning smiles are just great if a little weird this week. Keep em coming though.
Alan - what a wonderful picture of the Hampton eagles. I was watching the cam of the Lake of the Orzaks this afternoon and caught a few good pics. I'll post in a min. What magnificent birds they are.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
A few pics of the Lake Orzak eagles with one showing the tree the nest is in.
Diane stay warm and safe hope there is no damage to your property,how thoughtful of you to leave your garage open for the animals,take care
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Before I forget, can anyone suggest the best type of magnification in binoculars for watching wildlife. I have a pair but am thinking of updating them. Would be grateful of suggestions but in a reasonable price bracket. Thanks