Shinehead Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 Vaguely remember sparrows being called spadgers Steve A spadger is a name for a cock of a different nature in these parts 1
Winsford Soul Posted February 1, 2015 Posted February 1, 2015 A spadger is a name for a cock of a different nature in these parts Graham.how very strange this country we live in is. We can't be a million miles apart yet the word is a world apart in meaning Steve 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 2, 2015 Author Posted February 2, 2015 A car came off the road last night and somehow ended up in the canal that runs alongside the building in which we live. Happily, both people in the car - a man and a woman - escaped unhurt. We didn't see how the woman got out. The man, being rather rotund by Dutch standards, struggled to get free but was eventually pulled through the open window by a fire crew. A Police diver later aided in putting straps under the car so that it could be lifted out by a crane. Some pics of the drama... Must have been a day for high drama here as about lunchtime half a dozen fire engines went speeding up the same street to tackle a blaze in business unit.
Guest Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 The local council are clearing a nearby forest of about 50% of it`s trees in order to turn it into a part-paved picnic, dog walking, touristy, beauty-spot kind of thing. About 2 years ago orange painted crosses were sprayed on these trees and no one had a clue why, I thought maybe they were diseased or something. But last week they had a team of woodcutters or whatever they called them cutting them down, trimming them and transporting them over to the playing filed car park. So they don`t damage the fields with tractors or JCBs ,as this is going to take a year at least. This is what they`re using. I was walking the dogs this morning as usual through there and just about managed to get my gloves off in time and fumble about with my phone.
Winsford Soul Posted February 2, 2015 Posted February 2, 2015 Steve. They look like silver birch trees. Very fast growing and will repopulate the areas that the council have cleared them from in no time given the chance. Steve
Autumnstoned Posted February 3, 2015 Posted February 3, 2015 View of Bansko in Bulgaria from the Gondola. I'm a bit bored sitting by the fire in the hotel at 11.20 rather than queuing for the gondola (2 hrs and the only way up the mountain). Oh well you get what you pay for I guess. 2
Guest Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Steve. They look like silver birch trees. Very fast growing and will repopulate the areas that the council have cleared them from in no time given the chance. Steve I think a lot of them are Steve, about 70 acres so it`ll take a good while with one horse.......mind you it`s a bit of a one-horse town here. The view at sunset last night from our bedroom window. Edit: Enlarged it looks like i`ve painted it............with my foot! Edited February 4, 2015 by Guest
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted February 4, 2015 Popular Post Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Seen my first ever Bittern today. even though it was about 300 metres away was so chuffed Uncropped image Cropped image Steve Edited February 4, 2015 by Winsford Soul 5
Winsford Soul Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 Snowdrops, a sure sign that spring is only round the corner Steve
Tattoodave Posted February 4, 2015 Posted February 4, 2015 (edited) Aloe ferox near La Cala this lunchtime Buddleia officinalis in full flower taken this early evening Edited April 10, 2015 by TattooDave 3
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 5, 2015 Author Posted February 5, 2015 Seen my first ever Bittern today. even though it was about 300 metres away was so chuffed Steve I think it's great that we can still experience that great sense of excitement when seeing a new species for the first time! Still not seen a bittern, but really would like to. Perhaps more than that, I'd really like to hear one. At some point in the late 70s (I think) a new bird watching magazine was launched in the UK. The first edition, if I remember correctly, carried a free flexidisc of bird sounds on the front cover and featured Bill Oddie as narrator. Among the sounds presented was the booming call of the bittern. That and the mechanical call of the nightjar sounded other worldy to me as a kid and their sounds have been deeply imprinted on my brain ever since. Last year I heard the distant sound of a nightjar at about four in the morning when cycling through the Amsterdam woods after a night at the Amsterdam Soul Club. That was great. Now if only I could hear that bittern. 1
Winsford Soul Posted February 5, 2015 Posted February 5, 2015 I think it's great that we can still experience that great sense of excitement when seeing a new species for the first time! Still not seen a bittern, but really would like to. Perhaps more than that, I'd really like to hear one. At some point in the late 70s (I think) a new bird watching magazine was launched in the UK. The first edition, if I remember correctly, carried a free flexidisc of bird sounds on the front cover and featured Bill Oddie as narrator. Among the sounds presented was the booming call of the bittern. That and the mechanical call of the nightjar sounded other worldy to me as a kid and their sounds have been deeply imprinted on my brain ever since. Last year I heard the distant sound of a nightjar at about four in the morning when cycling through the Amsterdam woods after a night at the Amsterdam Soul Club. That was great. Now if only I could hear that bittern. Russell. The latest rspb birds of Britain and Europe identification book has a CD that comes with it and it has 100 bird songs and calls on it. But not unfortunately the boom of the bittern. Not sure if I've heard the nightjar but here's hoping. Steve 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 5, 2015 Author Posted February 5, 2015 Russell. The latest rspb birds of Britain and Europe identification book has a CD that comes with it and it has 100 bird songs and calls on it. But not unfortunately the boom of the bittern. Not sure if I've heard the nightjar but here's hoping. Steve I bought this British Library CD a few years back. The description says... A total of 175 species are heard ranging from the familiar tawny owl to the very rare call of the bittern. One of my better CD purchases of recent years. 1
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted February 5, 2015 Popular Post Posted February 5, 2015 Here's a few of the more common birds Steve 4
Popular Post Tattoodave Posted February 7, 2015 Popular Post Posted February 7, 2015 My first foray into the mountains above Marbella yesterday plant hunting, a bit early, but a couple of pleasant surprises. The first orchids are just out, this is the Sawfly orchid, Ophrys tenthredinifera. This is the sombre bee orchid, Ophrys fusca. This is the almond tree, in full bloom and beautifully scented, Prunus dulcis. Finally, it's the only plant that I know of that has a tenuous link to Northern Soul, Wigandia urens. 4
Missing Link Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 A bee orchid found growing by the side of a car park on an industrial estate in Telford a few years ago. 3
Guest Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 (edited) Sunset on Mars. Here`s what Jupiter would look like if it were as near to the Earth as our Moon. Edited February 7, 2015 by Guest
Tattoodave Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 Sunset on Mars. sunset on mars.jpg Here`s what Jupiter would look like if it were as near to the Earth as our Moon. jupiter.jpg What medication are you on Steve? I want some 1
Guest Posted February 7, 2015 Posted February 7, 2015 (edited) I just got them in an email and though they were too good not to share! Darth Vader Orchid Edited February 7, 2015 by Guest
Cheapsiderecords Posted February 9, 2015 Posted February 9, 2015 So cold in Toronto yesterday even the pigeons were getting warm on a subway grate! 2
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 10, 2015 Author Posted February 10, 2015 Anyone seeing signs of spring yet? Looking out the front windows towards the embankments opposite, I can see daffodils have broken through the soil and are not far away from flowering. Alongside our building are a number of trees and they're covered in tiny buds. Spring is almost here again.
Ncfc Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 Anyone seeing signs of spring yet? Looking out the front windows towards the embankments opposite, I can see daffodils have broken through the soil and are not far away from flowering. Alongside our building are a number of trees and they're covered in tiny buds. Spring is almost here again. Daffs-cyclist.jpg Blackbirds have started singing early round here. 2
Sooty Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 Managed to get an hour in at me lake this afto.....'work hard play hard' init!x Off on a 5000 mile tour be back at weekend and will take some pics....have a good week all!x LUV SOOTY X
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 10, 2015 Author Posted February 10, 2015 Come on in. The water's lovely! Taken in Filey, W. Yorks on the weekend of my younger brother and fiancé's wedding (they being the couple on the left of the pic). 1
Tattoodave Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 Saw two collared doves making whoopee earlier today, so spring must be just around the corner
Petebangor Posted February 10, 2015 Posted February 10, 2015 Saw two collared doves making whoopee earlier today, so spring must be just around the corner I was walking the dog on the canal, at the weekend, and caught two moorhens 'at it'. I heard my first woodpecker of the year, a sure sign that spring is not far away. we've got a great selection on the feeder this week, long tail tits, Bullfinches, blackcaps and also a thrush in the garden. Haven't seen one of them for ages! 1
Chris L Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Taken at Portland Bill The sea shall not have them..................
Woodbutcher Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Managed to get an hour in at me lake this afto..... Wakey , wakey ... you posted that one a month ago .... 2
Ncfc Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Wakey , wakey ... you posted that one a month ago .... Yes trees still in the green of summer.
Winsford Soul Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 Been out and about today at Pennington Flash. Will post some pictures when I get chance. Hopefully will get some pictures tomorrow of a waxwing that's at Orrell water park before I'm back in work on Saturday. Will be a first sighting for me if I do. Steve 1
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 12, 2015 Author Posted February 12, 2015 Been out and about today at Pennington Flash. Will post some pictures when I get chance. Hopefully will get some pictures tomorrow of a waxwing that's at Orrell water park before I'm back in work on Saturday. Will be a first sighting for me if I do. Steve Back at work? Sabbatical's over now? Hope you've enjoyed it.
Zoomsoulblue Posted February 12, 2015 Posted February 12, 2015 This was a woman hanging from a craine over a river still don't know what the hell was going on
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 13, 2015 Author Posted February 13, 2015 This was a woman hanging from a craine over a river still don't know what the hell was going on Fifty shades of Crane? 2
Winsford Soul Posted February 13, 2015 Posted February 13, 2015 Back at work? Sabbatical's over now? Hope you've enjoyed it.[/quote Morning Russell. Yeah decided in January to look for a job. Applied for three and got offered two . I'm working a four on four off day shift system which gives me loads of time off but the only drawback is I will be working plenty of weekends which limits my nighters. Yes I've absolutely loved the last year, done and seen so many wonderful things but this job gives me the best of everything. Time and money. Steve
Amsterdam Russ Posted February 13, 2015 Author Posted February 13, 2015 It's great that you were able to find gainful employment so quickly - and to have a couple of options to choose from. Hope you settle into the routine pretty quickly after a year of freedom and with the only person setting anything like a schedule being yourself. Good luck with it. 1
Ncfc Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 Lifted the above picture from another forum.Wrens sleeping.
Winsford Soul Posted February 14, 2015 Posted February 14, 2015 Lifted the above picture from another forum.Wrens sleeping. Chris. Seen a program once that showed I think 60 something wrens settling down to roost in a normal sized nestbox. Amazing to see. . It was on one of the Johnny kingdom nature programs. Steve
Sooty Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Jeez u lot r detailed init!!x It;s a great pic....I visit over 40 sites....dunno what I posted where and ain;t bothered. Willing to account for owt....but I didn't say it was 'today'.....just that I went fishing at it again!!!x I should be happy your attentive to my every word....but you ain't....so sort it out!!!!x.....I went to me lake and shared that 'happening'...the pic was representative.....and??!x Honest.....the topic sez 'great pictures'.....I think it is......!x For up to date daily pics of what is happening in my life then feel free to go to my FB....loads to see and u ain;t bothered with it here then init!!x @@ ~ LUV SOOTY X My latest 'great pic'? I took this on Thursday night. Famous family with Royal connections and for those into 2 wheels then this guy and his family were massively involved in the exemption of Sikhs having to wear helmets during the war and crash helmets in the 70's!x Full story and more as said on me FB. Another great pic is this....from 'stock' but I visited it whilst trekking and was pleased to see the new football pitches all sorted tying up 3 localish League clubs and 2 Non-League clubs to a Residential School who for 170 years have had football as a 4th priority on their lists! Thanx to 'networking' and the Prince's Trust giving a helping hand this picture represents around 30,000 kids lives improved each year for the next 170 years!x Sorry it's a stock pic....but in the real world...it's FANTASTIC. Full sp on me FB!x Like me lake......I don;t take pics of all the geese shit I sit in.....but am I being dishonest???...or polite. I like me privacy....I have it....taa...not many get to see me lake whatever time of year.......end of..........!!!x
Autumnstoned Posted February 16, 2015 Posted February 16, 2015 Went winter walking with some friends yesterday from Blakeney to Cley ( North Norfolk ). Some pictures here of the windmill at Cley and gathering cut reeds for roof thatching? 3
Ncfc Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 Heard bitterns booming today,4.30am first time i have heard it in dark.Started again at first light 2
Popular Post Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2015 Popular Post Posted February 18, 2015 (edited) Here's a very special bird. That I have been trying to see never mind to get pictures of for years and finally managed it today. over the moon is a understatement Waxwing Steve Edited February 18, 2015 by Winsford Soul 9
Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 (edited) Get out of my way Steve Edited February 18, 2015 by Winsford Soul 2
Widnes63 Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 Here's a very special bird. That I have been trying to see never mind to get pictures of for years and finally managed it today. over the moon is a understatement Waxwing IMG_1268.JPG IMG_1293.JPG Steve Brilliant photos Ste , lovely birds , were did you see them mate ?
Winsford Soul Posted February 18, 2015 Posted February 18, 2015 (edited) Brilliant photos Ste , lovely birds , were did you see them mate ? Thank Ste. I had heard there was one in a garden opposite Orrel water park nr Wigan, called last week and no joy, when I got there today and it was sat in the tree in the front garden feeding on the apples the owner puts out. Two minutes later it had disappeared again. Just managed a few pictures Ste Edited February 18, 2015 by Winsford Soul 1
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