HAPPY NEW WEEK!
Time flies and so do ospreys! This week will usher in the month of March. The ospreys are starting to feel that little spark in their hearts that says, "It's time to go home!"
Don't forget to look back to last week's chat thread or you will miss some good comments, including a post from Emma Peel! Welcome back, Emma!
News for This Week
2012 is a Leap Year, and Wednesday, 29 February, is Leap Day. I intend to honor this day by re-evaluating my own life, leaving behind some negative, unproductive old habits and leaping forward with both feet into a brighter future.
"Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." -- David Lloyd George
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Also: Watch for aurora activity -- Northern Lights -- starting today! On 24 February, an eruption on the sun created a "canyon of fire" that stretched 400,000 km from end to end (video here, scroll down on the page)! The energy cloud is expected to hit the Earth's atmosphere on 26 February at 1:30 p.m. U.K. time (13:30 UT/GMT). The Northern Lights will be visible much further south than normal and may be a good show.
Also: I had to include this link because I just love birds' nests. Check out this incredible U.S. House Finch nest, which includes a fake flower, sewing scraps, a twisty tie, cellaphane, plastic, paper, and all manner of household items. The photographer has created a book of birds' nests and eggs. You can see more of her gorgeous and interesting bird creations HERE. Just click on a thumbnail photo to start the slideshow. I loved these!!! (EDIT: The nests and eggs were part of collections in science and zoology museums; no current wild birds were disturbed.)
Also: Especially for Annette and AQ: Australian researchers have revealed that they've filmed a pod of rare Shepherd's beaked whales for the first time in history. These whales are so rare that no population estimates even exist. They've only been seen twice and never filmed at all!
Everyone have a great week! Roll on spring!
Problems at Blackwater. They think an intruding eagle has killed the chicks. The cam is switched off:
www.friendsofblackwater.org/eagle12blog
Unknown said: Problems at Blackwater. They think an intruding eagle has killed the chicks. The cam is switched off: www.friendsofblackwater.org/eagle12blog
There is a video in that link which shows a possible intruding eagle that took advantage of mum being away from the nest.
Tiger Signature
To quote the Bard “The best laid plans … “ – family stuff got in the way, but I’m here now! First few photos from Talkin Tarn yesterday – nothing particularly good – rotten light on the water, and not very good at photos with gloves on!
We’ll start with Swans: first, this one seemd oblivious to the Duck activity around it:
Second, just a good-looking Swan:
This one and it's mate were being fed by a little girl with a bag of feed (they sell it inthe shop there):
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
This morning was quite busy, including small greenhouse tasks, then this afternoon a session with the diaries raised several awkward “discussions”, but we all went to church together this evening!
Diane – thanks for bringing us into the new week. Loved your little introduction re Ospreys! I keep thinking of them making their way over land and ocean to arrive over our shores. And thanks also for all the links.
AQ – wishing you early autumn cool – good that it will be more comfortable when you are in hospital! Interesting that you are recording your OH’s remembered history – we should all do that for the next generation! Talking of Port Adelaide, the parts for the steel cradle for City of Adelaide (aka Carrick) arrived in Ayrshire from Australia this week, so she will be on her way soon! Wonderful to read about the tail-dancing Dolphin family – amazing creatures and we still know so little of what there is to know about them!
Annette – have been thinking of you polishing your silverware – Oscars? :-))
Alan – we were surprised at number of people and Dogs around when we were out yesterday – like the Robin! Sad about Blackwater :-(
Sandra – thanks for nest captures.
All – too many to mention, but thanks for all today’s posts – hope to do a few individual replies to last week later this week – and to keep up better this week too!
OG Those are just so wonderful!!!! Stunning. As you probably know I love swans.
Will check on posts soon but here is Part 1 vid from Jewel's den on Sat http://youtu.be/xzjQQK2hWYw enjoy. Part 2 ishttp://www.bearstudy.org/website/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=url&urlid=707&mailid=357&subid=4815 enjoy as well. Apparently Jewel was very generous and let the data team take quite a bit of footage of the cubs.
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
http://youtu.be/bYbsFED_STM shorter version to the second vid from Jewel's den.
Lynette. I have not been able to keep up to date with Jewell and her cubs. What are they called and what have been the high points since they were born?
Diane - thanks for starting us off and will look at those links when I have a minute.
AQ- hope it does cool down for you soon. How lovely OH can remember so much about growing up , you do forget easily though and unfortunately I can't have access to that information now that mum has gone - cherish it all for your chn. and g.chn. its history in the making.
Annette - Hi, just so, will enjoy them in the weeks to come.
Alan - what a gorgeous pic, he looks happy! Had our robin in the garden again a a flock of chaffinches as well - been a lovely day here again.
Alan - that is a shame!! and thanks Tiger will take a look at it.