Who won the GBW ? Follow up Post to the PDog and Bee Bird Watch Challenge and more events to help your PMR Friendly Wildlife Spotting

[Blearyeyed]

Thanks to the huge response from forum members to the posts by Pepperdoggie and myself about the RSPB Bird Watch , and how Wildlife Spotting can be a great PMR/GCA friendly , Painfree Family Activity for all , I thought everyone would like to know how we got on ( who won ?? you are all thinking)

I also thought I would let you know about some other Worldwide events that some members kindly suggested to me , so that you can keep going now the weekend survey may have got you motivated , and started a new fun tradition for you to do without the pain with your family and friends.

But do excuse me if I create a little story of it before giving away the results , like Hitchcock I always love to build up the suspense!

Pepperdoggie had a great day.

A liesurely walk out rewarded him with Mallards , Coots and Moorhens as well as a Border Terrier!!

His garden survey , despite the blowy weather brought equal rewards.

2 Blackbirds , 1 Robin , 2 Sparrows and tons of Tits!!! ( Both Blue and Great).

I , despite North Wales being thrashed by 78+ mph winds and rain , braved an hour in the garden , the rain held back and the wind reduced to a lovely 30mph!

The birds were trying to visit so how could I hide away , and as I could go out without being blown away , or being hit in the head by a stray plant pot, or flying house, I braved the cold.

So, sat by the unkempt scrubby corner I keep for the birds , I peered between the ragged blackberries and straggley ivy to achieve some results ( a perfect nook for roosting and cheating little birds).

I got far less than usual of course , about 50% less , and because of the timing I wasn't sure if I should include my Sparrowhawks .

They did turn up at the usual lunch hour , sat in a melancholy huddle , a soggy feathery mess, before giving up and swinging away like untamed kites back to the trees at the edge of the field beyond.

I got the following results, using the unconventional method of counting birds in a bush instead of in hand .

Here is my list , but with added commentary from a rather unorthodox Birdwatchers point of view:

5 Jackdaws ; from the generation of a family that live on our chimney lurking in the ornamental cherry tree.

1 Collared Dove ; a recently bereaved widower.

1 Wren ; popped out a head (to see who was stupid enough to go out) from the ancestral home it's family built many years ago by the patio. Despite encouragement from us by flattening the turf (when empty) and providing alternative accommodation in a twig nester they continue to create the equivalent of an Ancient Celtic Mound . I assume the must be local Royalty and bow to their right to reside.

12 Tree sparrows ; in the bush.

3 House Sparrows ; arguing with the neighbours in the same bush.

2 Greenfinches ; girls chatting in the bush , about feather couture or something ( even a gale can't stop a lass having a good natter😋).

1 Song Thrush ; same bush , the overcrowded housing issue at the bottom of my garden is becoming a bit of a social crisis!!

1 Blackbird ; Male , typical of the gender , ranting about the noise from the neighbours but doing nothing about it😋😁

2 Starlings ; watching the mayhem of the neighbours fighting from the wall ( they brought their own snacks from another garden to help make the entertainment more enjoyable).

And , of course , the indefatigable star , a chubby Robin!

My personal favourites popped in briefly , as it took them four attempts to fly in the garden and then they gave up trying to feed on the arcade ride the food pots had become and pushed off .

1 Male Goldfinch ; ( big hint!! If you want them put the dandelions you weed out in a pot to flower, the clocks are like cat nip to goldfinches)

2 Male Chaffinches ; unsuccessfully ' scouting for girls'!

And , despite the break in spotting , they visit everyday at 1.15 , so must get mentioned

2 very soggy Sparrowhawks

The End!!!

But WHO WON ?!?! I hear you scream.

I say it's Even Stevens! PDog and I can call it a draw , we are both Winners and all the PMR/ GCA wildlife spotters and their friends and families that took part are winners too.

Getting to enjoy a bit of disease friendly , pain free activity and still having the chance to show you were , ' Born to be Wild'!

And we can keep it up too because of the suggestions I received in my replies on the first post from kind forum members not just in the UK but Worldwide.

Ruadh reminded me that BBC Winter Watch is on live from Scotland , Tuesday to Friday on BBC2 or the iPlayer. With lots of ideas and help on how to make your Wildspotting in Winter fun .

Noosat , from Texas , suggested the ' Big Backyard' that happens twice a year to whet the appetite of those across the pond.

And NanJean , let me know about a great Worldwide survey for us all to do.

The Great Backyard Count with Cornell Ornithology Lab , 15 mins in your garden anywhere in the world , takes place 15th -17th February.

So , keep spotting , with Family , with Friends or with a cuppa and the radio and enjoy a little normality , brain training , light exercise and fun that no amount of PMR/ GCA pain can stop.

Big Hugs and a Tweet from the Bird Brain in Wales called Bleary-eyed aka Bee xx

PS: The photo is of me and the family two and a half years ago at Lakefest , just before the dreaded GCA/PMR struck!

We are riding on a very rare bird , the giant ride on plastic swan !!

[Daisychain12]

Oh wow. I am deeply envious. Reading all those beloved names makes me soooo homesick. Also birds are few at the moment with the extreme heat. However I can contribute a few Aussie Magpies. Stoic and feared in Spring when they dive at passers by, they have a distinctive warble. One near me has been listening to someone ‘s music as it trills a chorus from the opera Carmen!!!

Not far away are kookaburras who laugh maniacally.

I’ve seen a few ENORMOUSLY HUGE rooks.

However I can contribute a few mice and a frog. Poor things are drinking the water I put out.

Xxx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Daisychain12]

You may have less birds in the Aussie heat but I think you have beaten us all hands down with an Opera singing Magpie!!

Wow , I wish I could witness that .

And the sounds of your exotic birds always make travel sick.

Can't wait until I am well enough to take advantage of the kid free years and go off to see what the world has to offer me.

Don't forget to watch Winter watch on your computer , it's so beautifully filmed , all wildlife in little potted films , and take part in that Great Backyard Count on 15th-17th Feb , your Fab birds need to be on the list.

Hugs , Bee xx

[Slowdown in reply to Blearyeyed]

Three minutes of magical gargles from those maggies to warm us up on an icy morning: soundcloud.com/listeningear...

[Blearyeyed in reply to Slowdown]

Wonderful , perhaps I could record this sound for my alarm clock, hugs Beex

[Daisychain12 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Oh I miss the robins!!!!

[Hollyseden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Did you see the birds at Loch Garten on Winter Watch? Bluetits who were so tame they came and fed from your hand! I definitely need to go there, would love to do that.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Daisychain12]

As we have all been chatting about the batty fashion we wear I decided I would add a photo of my favourite bird spotting outfit😂😂😂

Me two and a half years ago the summer before the dreaded disease struck , bee xx

[Hollyseden in reply to Daisychain12]

Years ago there used to be a bird around hear that made the sound of the old trimphone. Could never see it but think it was a blackbird. Not quite opera but pretty clever eh

[Yellowbluebell]

I was expecting a mad picture and I wasn't let down but I thought you had two girls and I can count 3?? My bird watching hour was uneventful and basically consisted of 22 house sparrows, one black bird (male), 1 kestrel and two pigeons. In my mind though i actually counted 1 emu, 2 herons, 1 kiwi and a dodo. Do I win the weirdest garden collection? Can I count the plastic stork that blew into the garden from somewhere in the village? (Well that's where I am claiming it came from).

I watched winter watch as love the programme especially as it's from Scotland.

The photo looks great but I need an answer to the extra child!!YB

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

You aren't seeing imaginary extra offspring in my swan boat , even if you allowed your imagination to run wild with the additions to your spotting list.

There is an extra child , the one at the front with blue hair was a stray that my eldest brought along and we always make room in our teepee for a willing victim!!

Although , I would be happy for you to include the plastic stork , I have a feeling the RSPB may delete it from your records when you send it in .

And unless , you had a stuffed specimen blown in on the wind from the Natural History Museum even I think a Dodo is stretching it.

Can't dispute the Emus , there is a farm in the next village that keeps them so I am surprised I didn't see one blow by in the gales.

Big tick and envy points for the Kestrel bet it wasn't looking as fed up as my sodden Sparrowhawks , at one point I considered offering them a towel!

Apart from the keen observation you showed in spotting my " extra" child did you notice what my OH was wearing that day?

As we have all become obsessed with our lack of sartorial elegance post PMR I thought you might appreciate his efforts.

Guesses please!!😎😋😁

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Is he wearing a kilt or a David Beckham skirt? My OH tried everything to make me let him buy kilt when we're in Edinburgh 4 years ago. I ignored him and bought him a tattoo tshirt instead

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

You are correct he was dressed like a Scottish Pirate , complete with black goth ghillie kilt and Doc Martens!!

I bought him the kilt for his 40th , he had eyed them up for years but didn't think he could get away with it , I convinced him women love a guy in a skirt!

He loved it once he put it on , and luckily , it was long enough not to show too much of his little hairy legs and make him look like a kilt wearing Ernie Wise !😂😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

I won't mention this to OH as he will only.ayart throwing tantrums. As he is only 5 ft 8 inch.i am certain he will.look daft x

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

My OH is only 5ft 6 !!

You can't use that excuse 😂😂😂😂😘

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

I can and i will. I am just grateful both girls did not want penguin suits for their weddings,

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Do you mean gentlemen's tails or fluffy penguin shaped onesies ?

If it is the later you could get them to waddle around your garden if you do the Backyard Bird Count on the 15th Feb and add two penguins to you spot list.😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

I did mean gents tails but real penguin are a lot better idea. I am going on Amazon to look for them. Will.put polar bear up for sale as he wouldnt get on with the penguin

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Poles apart those two 😂😂😂😂😂

If we want to spot some really exotic wildlife in your garden we have a whole collection of onesies here ( perfect wear for camps and festivals , and PMR chills!)

Number 1 daughter has a Panda , Number 2 , a gorilla , I have a tiger and the OH a dinosaur ( complete with tail!!)

Sounds like another wildlife inspired soiree needs to be held in your garden along with the Bat Garden Party , we can keep the village amused for days!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Doesn't matter which poles that they come from will still have to sell the polar bear before he eats the penguins.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I thought Polar Bears ate glacier mints and kept away from choccy biscuits.

But we don't get many of them on Anglesey so not had chance to see their feeding habits😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Not sure exactly but wouldn't want to discover the penguins had disappeared over night

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

PS : pretty sure you won't have any luck if your try to spot penguins in the Amazon .

😂😂😂

Australia in breeding season on the beach might be nice though.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blearyeyed]

Which stage? Mating? I've been to Phillip Island in September - the recommended clothing for the penguin walk was waterproof ski-gear ...

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRpro]

You can see them as early as March , so end of Aussie Summer , beginning Aussie Autumn .

There are patches of Little penguin activity ( they used to be called Fairy Penguins but apparently they changed the name in case it caused confusion!!!) in lots of spots.

I know Philip Island is the biggest with the tourist trips , and if you visit in September you can be in the snow occasionally now can't you.

It is possible to picnic on some quiet beaches in Australia at the beginning and end of Mating season with a penguin without freezing to death though, that's on my bucket list. Plus Madagascar and South Africa . Too cold at the pole for me!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Blearyeyed]

It was a balmy 4C and peeing it down when we were there, dreadful storm. Which did have plusses as the next day the drive along the coast was amazing, sea coming up through blowholes all over the place! A local told us it was a really rare experience.

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRpro]

Wow that is rare , sounds amazing what a treat , even if the weather did rain on your penguin parade.

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Yep! Would be allowed they are birds!!! Often fly overhead here! Not the packeted variety though!

[scats in reply to Hidden]

Have you been on the red stuff again?

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Never touch it!! It's White through & through here!!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Of course the wrapping gets in the way of their little chocolate wings!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Exactly what i said would happen, has now happened and my OH is now sulking in a corner because he can't have a kilt. Have you seen a grown man throw his toys out of his cot? It's not a pretty sight!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Unfortunately , as my OH has the fiery temper of a shorter man , I get that at least once a week!!

Thankfully , he is not usually wearing his kilt , as he stamps his feet , shoves fists in the air and goes red in the face , he would remind me of Yosemite Sam!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Short man syndrome!! Just brill!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

My friend's husband is the same , but far more like Yosemite Sam , even without the shirt , especially as he likes boating so his longer hair and ZZtop beard stick out everywhere as well!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Am grateful OH has never grown a beard. He did try a tash years ago but as he was blonde it came in ginger!! Hes now grey so unsure what would.grow now.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

My Mum wouldn't let my Dad grow one , he gave away his Celtic / Viking genes when he did.

He had jet black hair but the bears was bright ginger , you could have called him Erik the Red !

Moustache and put the kettle on , it's very chilly , but as usual in this weather without the added beauty of snow up here.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Youngest in Brighton has some but no sign here yet. Zach got so excited last year he shot out into the garden with his coat over his pjs.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I'm getting very confused now!

Some what in Brighton??

Short bearded men , penguins , polar bears , Dodos ????

No wonder Zach was running into the garden in his PJs , I'd join him sounds like there is a good reason for your neighbours spying on you and it's not just the human wildlife 😂😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Meant snow!! They have it in Brighton but not Chichester. Zach was excited by last year's snow!! We are supposed to get it down here this week apparently but very much doubt it will be much

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Ah, Snow!!

Well you will have perfect habitat for those penguins your buying for the garden then.

We hardly ever get it , combo of salt air and the micro climate.

When the whole country got snowed in a couple of years ago Anglesey was the only place with virtually no snow.

Looked on the Met map , all the UK was white except our tiny blob of green.

When we did get some the next year we went mad and built a ten foot polar bear in the garden, terrified the neighbours for days!!!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

We have the issue of being near to the coast as well. Used to live literally overlooking the sea and never saw more.than an Inch or two. As Brighton is built on hills youngest is always the first to see snow. About 9 years ago we got snowed which I loved but the rest of Sussex hated. I am so used to heavy snow coming from the north that i het carried away if we get more than inch down here!! Zach has never seen a decent amount snow. I like the idea of a huge snow bear in the garden although I am sure there is some parish council law against it! Well at least for me.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Just build it a bit smaller , what the village eye doesn't see the heart won't grieve ( or fine you for!)

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

They wouldn't dare fine me. They will only get active again in summer when I am.bound to.do something daft in the garden again. The neighbours seem resigned to having a nutter live next door.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

At least you don't take your nuttery abroad on top of plastic swans and confine it to one village area.

I get worse when I'm let loose, sure the family poisoned me with PMR just to keep me from going astray!!

Although if you read the chat between PDog ( or should I say SeaDog?) , Scats and me below , even being riddled with PMR hasn't stopped us letting our Pred Head loose on an unsuspecting forum!!

Shiver me timbers!!!😂😂

[Hollyseden in reply to Blearyeyed]

🤣

[Hidden]

Glad to see greenfinches on your list, we used to have them and siskins in abundance but some disease wiped them out. Maybe yours or their offspring can venture further north we have nice full bird feeders for them.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

We have less Greenfinches than we used to , a few years ago there was a blip in the numbers but they seem to be coming back , maybe I could convince a few to head your way with a nice promotional flyer , how far north are you?

Have you any snow yet?

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Snow and thick ice, can't take the dogs out they will have me over. I could take them to the beach but it means getting the car out and I live at the top of a steep hill, might not get back up! I never used to be a wimp honest! I'm on the Lancashire/Cumbrian border.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Best exercise is putting the kettle on and snuggling under a blanket with the dogs and a box set today then. There's always BBC Winter Watch to make up for the weather to watch on iPlayer.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Same here with the Greenfinches, very rare now!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Where are you both I wonder , and wether your area is the same as the rest of the mainland.

Could be proof that being an island dweller , our population doesn't get hit by the same diseases , I know birds fly , but they do like to use a limited territory if they don't fly off to winter for a long package holiday.

This is why we also still had the odd red squirrel and could be used as a red squirrel project.

Not that the Grey's were happy about that , they have literally had the chop!!

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

On the fringe of Birmingham. 10 minutes by car from farmland & a big Country Park Area (Lickey Hills), 2 massive reservoirs,Worcester Birmingham Canal & numerous local parks to visit.

I would say it's 3-4 years since they have been around here!

Too many Greys!! Squirrel crisps just don't seem to catch on! They need more serious marketing after all we're use to hairy pork scratchings round here!!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Love Lickey Hills , I went to Uni at Warwick and had friends living around Birmingham had many a walk with a crate of beers and a kite up there.

Certainly seems like the mainland finches were hit badly from your location and Chris in Cumbria/ Lancs. We saw the dip in numbers about the same time for about a year or two , but they are coming thick and fast now ( especially if blown in on a 78+ wind!!)

I have eaten squirrel , it wasn't hairy like good old pub scratching , but quite stringy , not really worth the effort. But better than leaving it to go to waste. Although , I do miss them , I do go to the mainland and get to enjoy spotting them at Penrhyn Castle and we have one that visits the decking for breakfast at our static in Aberwystwyth.

He enjoys the muesli even if the OH doesn't!😁

Have you seen how Scats and I are imagining you further down in the replies , your new name is Sea Dog , Pirate of the Duck Pond, take a look if you can see through your eyepatch!!😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

"Sea Dog" eh!! Pirate of the Duck Pond!! I was favouring Captain Birdseye myself!

Must get a rubber dinghy & grow some whiskers on my steroidal cherub like mush!!

Got a squeaky Robin to stick on my shoulder! " Pieces of eight".... "Pieces of Eight". Just need to sort out the other props!!

Can see me staring in "Mutiny On The Duck Pond"!!..... 15 Classification!

Splice the Mainbrace Me Hearties!!

[Pollypuds]

Lovely feel good post, well done. I did mine from my my kitchen window which has view of two feeding stations, bushes and trees, all nice and snug with cuppa in hand. Strangely I almost envy your cold spot in the garden but was heavy downpours here so took the easy option. Song thrush, 3 blackbirds, 2 goldfinches, 5 long tailed tits. Coal tit , blue tits, Blackcap male and female, sparrows, jackdaws, wood pigeons, male chaffinch, 2 great tits.

[Hidden in reply to Pollypuds]

Wow! Good bounty that Polly!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pollypuds]

I had no choice but to brave the garden to look in the bush , the wind was so bad no birds really wanted to leave the safety of it.

I chose the option because in the hour without rain they were clearly all complaining about the weather ( British birds after all!) I realised it was worth looking the racket was so large.

You had a really nice variety on your list too , just goes to show what a few feeders will bring.

Right next survey , 15th -17th Feb , and you can get your birds on the worldwide list.

Hugs and Happy Spotting , Bee x

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Goldfinches, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, long tailed tits, sparrows, pigeons, blackbirds, robin, crow & magpie!

Unfortunately my occasional visitor a greater spotted woodpecker didn't appear but never mind - he only comes on special occasions!

[scats in reply to DorsetLady]

My list is almost identical. Our woodpecker is green, gorgeous! He comes every day for the ants in the lawn.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to scats]

🐜🐜🤣

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

That's really interesting especially as you both live in the same section of the country.

Does go to show , just from a little snapshot of results on here that a pattern of species and areas begins to emerge.

And your woodpecker was well behaved and came to visit for the survey.

Do you ever try to photograph or sketch them , use them for quick arty motivation ?

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

It's well trained. There's a pair of them nest in the conker tree and every year they teach their baby to catch ants on the front lawn.

The wagtail is less well trained and has only just turned up this morning!

My sketching isn't up to birds, I'll leave that to the experts! Photo is a good idea though, if I can get close enough

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I got a wagtail , long tail tit , siskin and coal and blue tits to watch just while making a cuppa in the kitchen this morning , just goes to show the effect of the flipping weather.

I am definitely coming to visit you , Peregrines in the cathedral and now the chance to watch woodpeckers from a garden chair teaching babies to eat ants . It's bird heaven , I would love to see that , hardly ever glimpse a woodpecker.

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

No we didn't when we were in Wales but we had a beautiful tree creeper which I haven't seen here

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Yes I see those in the trees up the road , one of my favourites they look so cute wiggling up the trunks.

I hear woodpeckers alot here , especially when I drum a tree in Newborough Forest , but can't see the woodpeckers for the trees if they aren't close by when you send out a message on the ' tomtoms' !!

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Amazing Scats. You must be well chuffed.

[Hidden in reply to DorsetLady]

Excellent DL. Bet you enjoyed that!

[Blearyeyed in reply to DorsetLady]

Woodpecker, tut!, Tut!! That's typical isn't it , animals , just like children won't behave when you need them too .

I sometimes wonder , especially when we have done big volunteer surveys , that the flipping wildlife decides to hide in protest and refuses to come out unless they get a visit from David Attenborough , even Chris Packham won't do for some !!

You did have a wonderful array of tits though, can't beat the cuteness of a long tailed fit in winter , they look like chubby cartoons of themselves , feathers all plumped up.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Blearyeyed]

Well he did come the day I was due to go into hospital for my hip op to wish me luck so I’ll forgive him...just this once!

[Blearyeyed in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes , he knows he's there to entertain you not the powers that be at the RSPB.😁😋

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Blearyeyed]

Actually think he’s been sent by OH to keep an eye on me! My hubby is buried at a woodland burial site about 20 miles away and every time I go across I am greeted either by a woodpecker or a pheasant (he was a shooting man - not PC nowadays) - or is that me just be fanciful!🤔

[Blearyeyed in reply to DorsetLady]

Completely agree with the idea of animals sensing human emotions and communicating with us in a way we need.

And communicating for our loved ones too ? well , birds are the ones that get close enough to Heaven to take a message. xxx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Blearyeyed]

❤️ No words needed

[Hidden]

Well done Matey. We shall continue our birdie battle on the 15th of Feb then with "The Great Backyard Count"!

Ahh! Jim lad! Land Ahoy!!!!!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

I am booking the plastic swan and the squad at RAF Valley this time , but perhaps I should book the weather.

Can't believe that the first year we moved here , the OH and I had a Valentines Day picnic on the beach , in shorts and t-shirt , and the OH got sunburnt.

Now the only thing that looks sunburnt are our toes trying to fight off the cold !!

Love the Marc Bolan joke , and that was before your bacon and eggs!!

Tweet , bee x

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Some great beaches there. Scorching holiday in the late 60's! The caravan was a shocker though!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Yep, but the weather over the last five years makes it hard to enjoy them , but when we have our week of Summer it feels like living in the Caribbean , with the smell of coconut from the gorse in the air and all that lovely blue water. Perfect for a Duck Pond Pirate like you!😋

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Worn out husk me matey! You keep rocking on!

[scats in reply to Hidden]

Are you sure it wasn't rum, I sense a naval influence?

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Just read through PDog s ( or should I say Sea Dogs!!) replies.

He reckons he is on the white stuff , perhaps he's a Pirate of the Carribbean , or maybe an absconded Russian Sailor .

I can just imagine him with his little black tam hat , stripey shirt , big bottle with 4 X's on it and the word Hic !! floating in a bubble over his head .

Sun isn't even over the yard arm yet!!!!

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

That could explain all the ducks he sees.

Pirate of the local duck pond!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

That's probably what inspired me to use the photograph , all this matey talk and bird wars , I thought we were going to war on a duck pond!!

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Actually you do look a bit like a pirate captain ( I know what they look like cos theu're thick on the ground around here), and that's definately an Ahoy there pose!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

It is similar , although that was my " Avast me hearties, I spies me a plastic crocodile and a crock of ale on that pink flamingo , weigh anchor boys , there's swag to be having , arghh!!!"

( Bizarrely , that was actually what I was pointing at , suprising what sort of wild life you can find on a boating lake in Summer!)

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

You're a natural captain Bee! Seen similar on the old dodgems! No boarding on those though! Any hand to hand fighting came after! I was bloody quick in those days! Wouldn't argue with any of those Fair Guys!! Phew! Respect! You have scary crew aboard there!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Yeah , even my first mate is wearing a kilt , and you know how hard you have to be to do that in British Summer weather!😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Respect to that man. Always admire bravery on the front line!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Or brave hem lines!!!!😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to scats]

It was the inspirational ducks in a line above the fireplace that led to this piracy!

Have to thank you girls for that! My old man wouldn't have thought of that!

[scats in reply to Hidden]

It's real birds you were supposed to be counting!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

So I can't include the gang of crochet robins on the mantle piece left over from Christmas then? Shame!!

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Always do!

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Usually three in a line at a thought out angle it was! Sometimes on two walls!

Counting on the real birds! ... Still catching up always!!!!!!!!!

[scats in reply to Hidden]

I've lost track of this conversation, I don't know which comment you are answering anymore, but I think we wandered into the realms of the rediculous ages ago.

Glad you enjoyed GBW. Would have been better today much better weather just so cold. More birds today too.

You be careful with all that pirating matey.

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Lovely. On my case again Scats! Your're breaking my pirate cover! Give me a break I was hoping to sail tomorrow!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I know I was gutted at the amount of birds I got to see from the kitchen window today that I didn't see yesterday , just when I was making my first cuppa alone , flipping weather.

Wonder wether , when it comes to UK studies , rather than having a limit of a weekend they could suggest dates across a whole week.

Then , unless we are having a really bad winter, everyone would have the chance of having one clear afternoon to spot on.

Bee xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Now that's a good idea. As it's along term project it will even things out over time.

I'm so tired I can barely type, probably won't even make 10 tonight. I'll be a crumpled sleeping heep on the floor where I have slipped off the sofa.

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

You have been hit hard by Fatigue this week.

Do you think it is a simple mini flare up or have you had any drug changes , been extra busy or have a bug or something.

To go from total insomnia to total exhaustion isn't a good thing .

Take care , and go to bed early if you want , no one's stopping you , or at least they shouldn't do xxx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

I am reducing and have cysistitis, so yes!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Keep warm , fluids , and rest as much as you need.

Don't forget if you are struggling with the infection or cystitis you may want to halt the taper for a few weeks while you sort your other health issues out and get some energy back first.

Take care Firefly , you'll be shining again soon xxx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Not that bad Bee. I've been drinking like a thing possessed all day. It's this cold weather.

Until today I've felt the best I have for 3 years so I think my body is ready to reduce, going very slowly. xx

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to scats]

NOT both at the same time - PLEASE!!!!!!

[scats in reply to PMRpro]

I have just got down to 9 from 9.5 . For the last two weeks I have written no pain in my diary for the first time in 3 years. I will not be reducing any further for a while. Cystitis easing as I drink myself through the locai reservoir!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

No need for the gym this week with all those trips to the toilet you will have exceeded the steps required to get a tick for 10, 000 steps!

Ok , you may have to sing a tune and tap your feet a bit too , to amuse yourself spending so much time in the bathroom😘

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Me, a fitbit! that's a laugh! Then I saw it should be foot.

Gave me agood laugh and now I will need to "run" to the loo!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Happy to be of service in helping you on your way to ridding yourself of the wonky wees!!😂😂😂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to scats]

Try to skip ...

youtube.com/watch?v=lvZ20qD...(Not working as expected?)

[scats in reply to PMRpro]

Oh lovely! That should be posted every time it's mentioned.

Thanks for caring enough to respond last night, if I was a bit short it was because I was soooo tired.

I've had a good nights sleep, first this week and feel much better.

The skipping is much reduced today, back to normal, thank goodness.

Thanks for the laugh.

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

How the stats are derived is a mystery to me! Some sort of average visit spot would be more accurate I reckon! But then I didn't go to Camebridge Uni!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

They do seasonal species spots in important parks and habitats in each area,throughout the year to get both average population counts and area profiles.

The Nationwide one is just to get a potted population count for each area on a massive scale , so that it gives a more realistic picture of the average amount of birds per species in each area in total , not just in places were the habitat is better for birds and then may have more visitors ( skewing the reality of how many birds actually live in a whole town) . But giving everyone a few more days option to record would help more , let's face it most of us would have done it today in the sun not in a gale force wind or rain.

Do you ever take part in the surveys with any local groups , they 24 species count with the Wildlife Trust is always fun , they have family hours or you can just go and volunteer for a few hours in the day.

You look for everything at those , it's amazing what you learn , especially about flowers and insects .

Bee xx

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

I'm a member of our local Volunteer Nature Reserve but don't get actively involved! Intended too but never quite did! Now on pred I'm not very good at being organised for anything without rebelling! Lots of interesting wildlife there & knowledgeable people who organise various spotting walks & experiences.

I can be quite the loner when out in the countryside I find it all very absorbing! Use to walk for hours with the dog & never a minute seemed wasted. Have to be careful now in case I overdo it & run out of steam in the middle of nowhere!! I'm lucky to still have the options I have at the moment. I love the outdoors!

Fed the waterfowl yesterday & they were slipping & sliding all over the place on the ice which would then break. It was pantomime stuff but not much fun for them with those webbed feet!

I was expecting overnight snow but nothing yet here other than frost. ATB

Captain Birdseye

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

You've got me matey! See you sketching it ! Old Ruskie with my skinhead hairline!

Oh to be a pirate & a tough sea dog! The fantasy

[Hidden in reply to scats]

Oh! No! I learned my lesson with that stuff at a New Years Eve party in the 70's!!

It was a 2 day roundabout! All I could do was hang on & heave to!!

[Sorop]

Thank you so much for suggesting this as I love watching the birds and cannot get out much at the moment. I did take part in the big butterfly count last summer and enjoyed sitting on the patio counting the butterflies and learnt the names of some I had never heard of and had not taken much notice of before like the Gatekeeper, Silver Y Moth and Small Copper to name a few and it made me make a concerted effort to identify them. We seem to have a lot fewer birds lately we had a lot of goldfinches last year but only one or two lately and even the sparrows have dropped in numbers. Have just signed in to the RSPB site so happy bird watching. Val 🐦🕊

[Blearyeyed in reply to Sorop]

Excellent , so glad you liked the suggestion.

And as I said in the first post the great thing about this PMR Friendly activity is it can progress as you do , you can do it from the kitchen window , then light walks in the garden , out on a group event with a handy chair and some friends to make and on and on.

I do love the butterfly watching too , and you can make a little butterfly table of goodies ( banana and apple skins , sugar water , nettles and bramble) in view of your window in summer , or buy ready potted bee and butterfly plants to put in view to get them in.

So , you will be enjoying Winterwatch on the TV or iPlayer then , that's a great way to see and learn the names of things to spot. And you next mission is the worldwide survey on 15 th-17th Feb ( contact info above).

Enjoy it Val , it's a habit that you won't want to change even after the PMR has gone, hugs , Bee xx

[Sorop]

Thank you for the other suggestions Bee I will certainly put out a butterfly table of goodies had not heard of this before and will be watching Winterwatch. Val xx