A diverse offering twixt the interesting, the unusual, and the amusing.
Thursday 14 November 2019
The Cranes are leaving.
I've just been out for a walk with Billy and Boo Boo, and we saw hundreds of these Cranes flying over, heading off for Spain or North Africa. These ones (below) were filmed on Sunday, and come from our local newspaper.
They make a beautiful sound as they circle, then head-off in their desired direction; usually in a perfect V formation.
We always wave to them, and wish them well. Then when they return in Spring we'll wave again, and welcome them back.
They are amazing. Booboo, and Billy, are so lucky to see the cranes with you. I once, just once, saw a flock of geese fly over in v formation, and remember the magic.
I remember walking the dog very early in the morning when I heard what I thought was a bicycle coming up behind me. I turned, and there was nothing there. It really freaked me out because I could still hear the sound. I was about to run for the hills until I saw the crane flying up above. What a sound!
No cranes here but I have seen a couple of V formations of geese flying over recently. They are very noisy. And we will have the Red Arrows back flying again soon.
Cro, they were blocked by the weather systems... the result was that on the 3rd Nov, 268,000plus were counted at Lac du Der... an alltime record. They left in three big waves... 8th/9th/10th... leaving only 34K at Lac du Der!! 234K cranes moving across France!!
You might find you begin to see some of them more regularly over the winter... over 100K of them didn't bother crossing the Pair'o'Knees last year... some wintered in the Camargue whilst the rest were spread out between Basque country and Bordeaux. 4K wintered in Indre and we were treated to a few feeding flights at right angles to the migration, in December and January. Normally we only see them on their way back.
THE BELLS ..... THE BELLS ..........
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*I guess we all have good things and bad things about where we live. One of
the lovely things about where our house is, is that it's a stones throw
aw...
2 weeks ago
Optimistic Cro!
The difference between an optimist and a pessimist, is that the optimist enjoys himself whilst waiting for the inevitable! I AM that optimist!
This is a daily, optimistic, 'photos and comments' blog. I make no judgements (only occasionally), just notes. If you wish to comment in any way at all, please feel free. Everything and everyone (except the obdurate and dictatorial) is very welcome.
I was born just south of London, but for the past 50 years I've lived in S W France. I am a painter by profession, and writer by desire. Lady Magnon and I live between an ancient cottage in a tiny village in perfectly tranquil French countryside, and a bijou townhouse in Brighton UK. In France we have plenty of fruit trees, all situated amongst a view that takes the breath away, in the UK we have a handkerchief sized patio. We also have a Border Collie called Billy. I try to treat our planet with respect, and encourage others to do likewise (without preaching).
Contentment is a glass of red, a plate of charcuterie, and a slice of good country bread. Perfect!
They are amazing. Booboo, and Billy, are so lucky to see the cranes with you. I once, just once, saw a flock of geese fly over in v formation, and remember the magic.
ReplyDeleteThe sound isn't very good on the video, but you can hear them coming from miles away.
DeleteWhat a lovely sight (and sound). Lucky Booboo. How far does he walk - I forget how old he is.
ReplyDeleteHe likes to go for reasonably long walks; about 2 or 3 miles maybe. He's like Wills at his age, and doesn't stop talking.
DeleteThat's a fair distance for little legs.
DeleteIt's not always that far. Usually just 2 miles.
DeleteI remember walking the dog very early in the morning when I heard what I thought was a bicycle coming up behind me. I turned, and there was nothing there. It really freaked me out because I could still hear the sound. I was about to run for the hills until I saw the crane flying up above. What a sound!
ReplyDeleteI witnessed a similar huge exodus of Pigeons recently, but the two experiences don't compare. The Cranes are majestic.
DeleteJust magical.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that Boo Boo was there to see them. He was enthralled.
DeleteI have a wonderful image of you and Boo Boo walking hand in hand looking skyward. You must be loving having them with you. XXXX
ReplyDeleteThat was exactly the scene. Then Billy disappeared, so we went home.
DeleteOh, what a sight! It certainly gave Boo Boo something to talk about later!
ReplyDeleteHe loved it. I think he was quite shocked.
DeleteNo cranes here but I have seen a couple of V formations of geese flying over recently. They are very noisy. And we will have the Red Arrows back flying again soon.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a Lancaster Bomber that regularly flies over Lincs.
DeleteNo cranes here but I'd be delighted to see more geese fly away.
ReplyDeleteAre you talking Canada Geese? They can be a real pest; especially on agricultural land.
DeleteI am indeed. They always go for the best grazing land and apart from consuming lots of grass their rancid dropping sour the land and get everywhere.
DeleteIt is a wonderful sight!
ReplyDeleteWe can’t count on anything much anymore but the cranes and Canadian Geese (for us) are always on time.
The Cranes usually leave in October; they're a bit late this year.
DeleteCro, they were blocked by the weather systems... the result was that on the 3rd Nov, 268,000plus were counted at Lac du Der... an alltime record.
DeleteThey left in three big waves... 8th/9th/10th... leaving only 34K at Lac du Der!! 234K cranes moving across France!!
Amazing. I always love seeing them as they leave; it's all very primeval. Of course I love to see them return too!
DeleteYou might find you begin to see some of them more regularly over the winter... over 100K of them didn't bother crossing the Pair'o'Knees last year... some wintered in the Camargue whilst the rest were spread out between Basque country and Bordeaux. 4K wintered in Indre and we were treated to a few feeding flights at right angles to the migration, in December and January.
DeleteNormally we only see them on their way back.
And a truly wonderful noise too.
ReplyDeleteYou can hear them coming from miles away.
DeleteSad to see them go, but such a joy when they return
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
DeleteI hope you gave them some quince as a going away present.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas present for every Crane and Cranelet.
DeleteGodspeed!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's such a long journey. It must be punishing for them.
DeleteTrue
DeleteSo speedy... Children specially like more to enjoy watching them.
ReplyDeleteLittle Boo Boo was enthralled!
DeleteYeah
Delete