Hi everyone. If you didn't check the last few pages of the previous week, it was very busy. I'm going to catch up all the latest posts after dinner.
Hi Annette There is an excellent article in the July 2005 issue of Vanity Fair about Pale Male. Lincoln Karim features in it. See http://www.vanityfair.com/fame/features/2005/07/palemale200507
There is also a book called Red Tails in Love by Marie Wynn.
Tiger Signature
I'm trying to decide what I think will happen on the LG nest in the spring. Could someone please refresh my poor old memory? Wasn't it more or less definitively decided that White TF is male? The bird was ringed as a chick in Aberdeenshire on 13/07/2007, but the record didn't state the sex. Right? And then I remember the controversy on this site (and, if I recall, some perhaps misleading mating behavior by the bird?). Initial reports were that TF was female, and then it was ultimately decided that he is a male? Is that correct? Thanks, oh wise ospreyologists!!!
Unknown said: I'm trying to decide what I think will happen on the LG nest in the spring. Could someone please refresh my poor old memory? Wasn't it more or less definitively decided that White TF is male? The bird was ringed as a chick in Aberdeenshire on 13/07/2007, but the record didn't state the sex. Right? And then I remember the controversy on this site (and, if I recall, some perhaps misleading mating behavior by the bird?). Initial reports were that TF was female, and then it was ultimately decided that he is a male? Is that correct? Thanks, oh wise ospreyologists!!!
Here is what Maureen was sent by Roy Dennis.
"Roy Dennis, who maintains the osprey colour ring data, tells us that white/blackTF seen at the Loch Garten eyrie, and photographed fishing at Rothiemurchus Fishery in July, was ringed as a chick (in a brood of three) by Ian Francis on 13th July 2007, in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire. Two year returning for the first time"
The official blog says that White TF is female. See http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/blogs/lochgartenospreys/archive/2009/08/07/all-is-well.aspx
Alan - Thanks for pointing to Loch of the Lowes update. Barn Owls in Italy upset my PC but might try again some time – broadband seems to be running at slow speed tonight so difficult to keep hopping from site to site!
Annette – used to enjoy pacman and various other chasing games – now tend towards word games – and sudoku of course! Enjoy your meal out after your running about – ‘though I am sure you will enjoy some peace in the rose garden too.
Diane - I don’t want to think about seeing TF again at Loch Garten – I want dear EJ to arrive without any hassle, on her regular date, to be joined by Odin the Magnificent and for them to have three eggs and three successful chicks again … please!!!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Thanks very much, Tiger. You're the best.
But here's the thing: Later, on 31 August 2009, the LG blog/Richard declared White TF to be a male. The following comment was under that blog and is dated 1 September 2009.
Richard said this on 1 September: "Yes, some initial confusion over sex of white TF. It is believed to be male. As a two year old bird, it still shows some vestiges of immature plumage which led to some confusion/thoughts that it might be female (brown on breast and head) but Roy Dennis' view at ringing time was that it was believed to be male."
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/blogs/lochgartenospreys/archive/2009/08/31/mallachie-moves-on-but-rothes-seems-settled.aspx
That's why I was confused, and I wasn't sure whether there was a change in opinion even later than this date.
Thanks again, Tiger. I remember some controversy even after this was issued, and that's why I am unclear.
Diane : I was definately under the impression that White TF was a male. I wish there was some way we could access the ringing database but it seems to be shrouded in secret. Talk about Tracy Island being a secret?
Secrets? Ah, if we knew everything, life wouldn't be so interesting. DjoanS & Tiger - I love York. Our first visit was on a coach tour, overnight stay at Harrogate, "you have 3 hours in York". Heck, we spent most of the time looking for somewhere to change our travellers cheques (it was long ago) and then to find lunch. I have returned twice and, ahem, I still want to return. I think I missed a few churches. LOL Margobird - we have to watch our birdbaths because they dry out so quickly in hot weather, especially on days when a hot north wind is blowing. OG - our heat is usually dry, we don't often get high humidity. Had a good night's sleep, temp dropped to 11 C and right now (8am) is is still only 17 C. The temp dropping 25 degrees when a cool change arrives can be a shock to the system but it revives me. I am (not exactly rearing) but ready to go today! Last pressie shopping, cleaning, . . oh but so many links to look at today. Oh, SA maybe cool, but NSW has more bushfires.
Evening/Morning All. Early morning shopping mission accomplished today! Glad I went so early, as the place was filling up whilst I was there. Got last bits of presents, & food supplies (who eats all this stuff?? I always wonder, then later, its gone!!) Did some bits of Christmas card delivery to the neighbours, then attacked the Christmas tree for the 3rd time, as it was still not finished (must point out that its 7 ft. high so takes some doing) As I did this, at about 4.00 pm, it started snowing! - they were playing Christmas pop songs on the radio at the same time, so I felt very Christmassy indeed.
Now its stopped snowing, it only did it for a while, tho I believe you all have a lot more down in the South. Just plain cold here, now.
auntie: Enjoy your Osprey book- I have to wait till Christmas Day to see mine, as Husband is giving it to me as part of my present.
DJoan: Lovely starling picture. Alan: Thanks for stork nest link, & have just been watching the owls, they were scratching themselves in a lazy tired fashion.
jsb: See you have infiltrated some of the secret Thunderbirds site- be careful, or you might be listed as a dangerous spy.
Gary: Just loved the can-can singing - what great performers. Tiger: What great pics on the animal photo link you gave us, all of them interesting and so different.
It has been snowing here for about an hour so everything looks like a Christmas card. Forecast was that the heaviest would be during the night so looks as if it could be quite deep by morning.
The first osprey arrival may not be as far off as we think if you look at these stats for 2009:
http://blx1.bto.org/bt-dailyresults/results/s114-20-09.html