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!
Lynette Sorry your local reservoir is getting low. I haven't been to look at any of ours recently - about 30 miles away - but I'd think the overflow systems are in action!..I remeember my Canadian aunt asking, on a visit to the biggest reservoir (in the Mourne Mountains, very scenic) whether the water ever reached the overflow chamber. It certainly seems likely now. We've been getting substantial amounts of rain since last summer.
Time for Ducks! Most of the Mallards are now paired up for Spring:
either dabbling about in groups
or resting on the wee rowing boat jetties (well, at least one pair is in focus!)
or even guarding the Mrs!
As last year, there are a number of hybrids and/or part leucistic Mallards - or a combination of the two!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Lots of raptors heading north yesterday at Gibraltar but no ospreys spotted yet:
"In total there were 56 White Storks, 32 Black Storks, 440 Black Kites, 139 Short-toed Eagles, 1 male Marsh Harrier, a male and a female Hen Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawks and a male Lesser Kestrel. Also seen heading north were 4 Swallows, 2 Red-rumped Swallows, 8 House Martins and 2 Serins. "
OG - I am very impressed that you seem to make your menus up weeks in advance! The only menu that I have any idea about is the Sunday one, have in my head a rota between chicken, pork, beef and lamb. Other than that, its about what is in the freezer and what looks good when I am shopping. I do shop for two or three days at a time though, not daily - although my instinct is to go and forage every day.( I do understand that you have mobility problems and cannot shop on impulse - not being critical, just admiring!!!)
OG: The swan and duck photos were wonderful! As close to perfection as I know it.
Annette: Loved the garden pictures. Our cats like to drink out of anything..if it has water in it, they think it was put there for them.
Alan: West Africa sure has some beautifully colored birds and his photgraphy was incredible!
Margo: hope Rhys doesn't wear you out, but I'll bet you have had a lot of fun with him!
Can't reply to all but have enjoyed the posts..my lunch is over so must get back to work.
So sad about Blackwater and Palemale's mate. I hope the rest of the season is uneventful..
Had a bit of a shock today when looking for prices for replacement bags for vacuum cleaner. Looked last week but OH said to leave it until new month's Visa because I order them in bulk. So I looked online today and the bags had leapt up in price by £2.50 per pack of four. Had a quick rush around the internet and found some at the old price. Cheaper than any place I can buy them here in town. So I am in credit with my husband, can't be bad--------------
Alan. That is shocking news about Lima. I have just heard the news in the last half hour. I have posted a thread on the main forum called Pale Male.....Shocking News
Tiger Signature
Good Evening All, its been a dull damp day here, hope to see a bit of sun tomorrow!
BrendaH Kielder is still a beautiful place and the Osprey has made it their home now, I hope all the bad weather hasn't affected their nests for this year, I know they are hoping for big things for them, especially bringing all the people with Ospreyitis! ....I would never spend £3 on a tube of toothpaste let alone £13 no matter how good it was supposed to be for my teeth! lol
OG I'm so glad you are feeling much better now and enjoying getting out, thanks for all those lovely pic's! they are really good.
Emma Peel Hi, Sorry you have to do Jury Service again! as you say you're just getting into a routine and this comes along, I have never been called and don't want to be either, you never know what you will have to see.. Its good to see you are migrating back to the forum just in time for a special pair!
bjane Wow 7yrs late for a dental appointment... I'd book and ask for 2005 prices to go with it! lol
AQ I hope you are surviving the heat still! good to know you have air con in one room at least. :) I can't cope at 27 degrees let alone your 40!
HeatherB LOL My OH is obsessed with watching all things war related too! He's watched Band of Brothers at least 3 times and he's always got some documentary on sky to do with it, if ever I want an history lesson I always know where to ask.. His main pleasures in life is Football (watching on tv) Rugby League... WAR... Astronomy... and Music... and the one thing he hates is having to Work! lol
AlanP It is so sad what happend to those chicks at Blackwater, and now Palemale losing its mate too, what a beautiful bird, parden my ignorance but what was it, I've looked at the link to it and it doesn't say, but lots of video and pic's to look at. Thanks for all your captures, love the singing Robin! and the African link WOW what brilliant captures of all the colourful birds. How is Mrs P? So you are Scottish and a long way from home!
I will be reading here more than posting over the next month as OH has alot of time owing from work, so I will not get as much time to be here to reply, I wish you all a happy week and a speedy recovery to anyone who is not well. :)
http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/things-to-do/wildlife-webcams/loch-of-lowes/
http://youtu.be/nzvGI09abQ8 latest video from Lily and Faith - Lily wants Faith to play with her and she takes some persuading.
RSPB Giving Nature a Home
Patriciat - that's almost always the way in the West. Coming from Manchester they always said it rained there, not true, but we did get more than most like you and Scotland are getting - thats why its called the Emerale Isle isn't it - such a lush green. Mind you you must get fed up with it at times.