.......to hear a wren singing this morning on the way to work – for two reasons. Firstly, it struck me as rather early, another sign perhaps of the mild (I walked in shirt sleeves this morning!) winter so far and a looming early spring perhaps? Also, because wrens, like other small birds such as goldcrests for example, fair badly in harsh weather and the past two bad winters really hammered our local wrens up here in hyperborea. There really haven’t been any or many around for the past two years. So to hear one sing perhaps signifies a bounce-back by wrens in this area. I hope so. It wasn’t a quick token blast of song either, but a giving it laldie multiple rendition, and was uplifting to hear. Coal tits were at it again too, singing away as I walked.
I also heard a few crested tits en route too and some fly-over crossbills. Three “species” of 'bills are to be found here; common, Scottish and parrot. Telling one from another can be tricky but the pitch of their chip-chip-chip flight calls as they pass overhead, can be indicative. My guess? Well, they were a bit distant, but from what I heard and could tell, and given that it’s 25th January and Robert Burns' birthday, in recognition of the bard, I decided they’d be Scottish.
I’m interviewing for the Osprey Team 2012 tomorrow and Friday and once appointments are made I’ll introduce them to you in due course. It’ll be they that’ll be keeping you informed on the looming osprey season ahead.
Meantime, thanks to Julie for doing the data up-date. She reports that again this week there is little movement from Rothes, Tore and Bynack, all still content in their respective haunts. Some good news this week that Rothes’s transmitter has been sending back some daily data again. Hopefully this might continue so that we can follow her when she starts her migration in a few weeks time. Exciting stuff!
Don’t foget the Big Garden Birdwatch which is taking place this coming weekend. Details on how to take part can be found on the RSPB website:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/takepart.aspx
Finally, just to say very many thanks indeed to those that responded to my re-ask last week, about contributing to the satellite tag pot. A brilliant response, thank you, and to those who had chipped-in previously too. It is very much appreciated. If anyone still feels able to pitch-in then please do, see opposite, right. Many thanks.
Hi Richard, thanks for the update. Hope you get together a superb team as I'm sure you will. Good luck to those applying. Thanks for reminding about the Big Garden Bird Watch, must remember to do it.
How lovely with all the birdsong about - must make you feel like spring is in the offing???
Forgot Julie, thanks for updating info on our ospreys, nice to hear that all are safe.
An uplifting update Richard, many thanks and oh yes, I've appreciated your updates on 'our' birds Julie , thanks to you too. According to Chloe's count down clocks there are 59 days and 68 days to go, respectively, before EJ and Odin return to Scotland. Let's trust that both clocks are give good time :) (thank you Chloe)
Haven't heard a wren in my garden yet but I'm listening. I have a charm of goldfinches that sing away at the top of my rowan tree and a small flock of about 30 starlings that thrill my heart when they descend on the sultana tray together and about 15 sparrows that congregate from time to time in a neighbour's privet hedge and really give it ''welly''. My heart about bursts whenever I hear them chatting away.
Hello Richard. Good luck with the interviewing - another team as great as last year's is fine by me! I think spring is popping up early here as well - I'm in East Anglia - and it's ridiculously mild, with loads of feathered activity in our garden - lovely! Though I'm not sure that the small bird population appreciated the kestrel's appearance as much as I did.
Have a good week!
Thanks for the very descriptive blog on your walk to work this morning, I could just imagine you walking through the trees with all that bird song about, it must put a spring in your step to take on another day! Good Luck with the interviewing, I hope you get another great team like last years group. I heard bird song this morning too at 3.45 am, I think it was a robin but couldnt be sure, so nice to hear it, as it made me feel like Spring was not that far away.
Thanks Richard and Julie. Good to know all the birds are doing fine :)
Thanks also Cirrus for mentioning the countdown clocks. I would just like to add that the clocks are geared to last year's return dates so are only approximate.
Thanks Richard for the blog and to Julie for the update to our 3 ospreys. Good news that Rothes transmitter seems to be working properly again and also to find that Tore and Bynack are just fine. There had been some concern on the forum this morning about Bynack so ws doubly pleased to read that all is well. Your walk to work (in shirt sleeves!) sounds beautiful and very well described.
Whoops meant to say look forward to reading about the new osprey team for 2012.
Forgot to thank JulieQ too for the updates on our 3 Ospreys, great to know they are all doing fine and that Rothes transmitter seems to be working better, I am sure she/he will make it all the way back to Scotland this year. Glad that Bynack the Bold is OK too, we were worried about him for a bit there.
Thanks for the update Richard glad to hear the wren singing. Had one in the back garden last week but have not heard any singing. Lets hope it reappears this weekend although I am sure it is still there just being elusive. Pleased that all seems to be well with the ospreys. Looking forward to being introduced to the team. Makes me feel spring is in the air lets hope winter does not reappear.
super to read all this Richard and hope the mild weather lasts
Thanks for the update (Julie too) . Can't wait to see how Rothes gets on:)
Releived to hear all 3 are fine and wait with anticipation for the return of Rothes.
Just booked our 3 week camping/hotel tour of Scotland and the islands at the end of July including time to visit wonderful Loch Lowes,LG and the Mull sea eagles. Just started watching the first osprey on/off the nest in Dunedin Florida for those who are just desperate to see one again even if they are a different breed of osprey from ours. Look forward to hearing about the team, I do hope lovely Julie is in the shop again. So glad the donations are comming in now.
Thanks Richard. Good to hear that all three ospreys are fine. I am sure your chosen team will be brilliant.
Julie, thanks for your work, producing the updates.
Thank you for all the posts that have kept us informed over the winter. I. too, have heard a wren and goldfinches singing. Heartening at this time of year. January can be such a long month.
I've started my countdown to EJ's arrival. I am so looking forward to seeing her again and to getting to know the new team.
PS. Richard......Hope you had a good Burns' Night!