h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thanks Have a good weekend. I shall if I can get rid of a tickly throat Incense smoke is not good for me

Websailor

Incense smoke is not good for mea funny way to give up cigs

Never smoked and couldn't use them when PHM was around. They were a present and smell lovely but I got too close while it was still smoking Have a rotten cough to show for it

Websailor

Sorry to hear that Websailor! Hope it gets better soon. How've you been? Over here I've a nice wildlife sighting to report! I go running and walking these days and went until after sundown today. When I came back it was dark, and I passed a large fig tree in the garden on my way back home. And there were large fruit bats feeding on the figs! I could easily see them in the light from the street lamps. I always knew about the bats feeding on that particular tree but this is the first time I actually passed that tree on foot in the dark, and saw the bats! They were probably epauletted fruit bats:

http://taos-telecommunity.org/EPOW/EPOW-Archive/archive_2008/EPOW-080317.htm

I've seen these before, they're not uncommon here. They have a call sounding like a cross between a bell and a bicycle pump that you sometimes hear at night.

How wonderful Willem, that must have been exciting. It is always nice to see something for the first time, even when you have known it was there all the time!!

The cough is developing but getting easier. I had a complete 'do nothing' day today and slept most of it, the only such day for about eight months. I hope it puts me right as I have no energy at the moment.

I did feed the badgers though, that's one thing I don't miss if I can walk!!

Websailor

Wed 13th Apr 2011
Weather: Turned cold

Yesterday I had a visit from a fox in a dreadful state, virtually no coat left, yet I don't seem to have seen him at night. It is most distressing to see but he doesn't visit regularly so there is nothing I can do. I must check the most recent clips but I am having trouble finding the time at the moment.

The birds are visiting more and have been very vocal in their thanks for having the lawn cut While doing it I realised why the badgers have been digging. The ground is as dry as dust and they can't get worms Think I will soak a patch of ground deeply and see if that helps them find some if the rain doesn't come soon. We have only had a sprinkle today.



Websailor

Thought I would try posting from this end and see what happens!

Websailor

it worked

Thanks Eds.

Websailor

Shame about my Personal Space though

we only had a few drops today as well

Hello Prof, good to see you. Hope you are I am still coughing but much better.

Need a right now. See you soon,

Websailor

I'm always sound lovehave to be now I'm a granddad

I'm not budging from "old" hootoo until I'm kicked out

Same here on both counts, well grandma actually! Same difference

Websailor

Fri 15th Apr 2011
Weather: Grey and a bit chilly.

Haven't checked the last camera shots, I just don't get the time. Will do soon, but a quick glimpse shows two badgers. Must take a proper look and see if there is anything interesting developing.

Today I was pleased to see two jays, a GS Woodpecker and a coal tit. Even better was the appearance of a Stock dove, a greenfinch and a starling. They are clearly hungry as I haven't seen them for a while.

I keep trying to do some serious bird watching as I am sure I am missing things, but stuff (important but boring) keeps getting in the way

I keep telling myself things will get back to 'normal' soon, but it is a long time coming.



Websailor

Hi there Websailor! It's really funny how things just seem to pick the 'best' (as in most inconvenient) times for going wrong! Anyways I'm glad you get at least to watch a few nice birds in your garden. Over here I mostly see sunbirds eating nectar from those lovely Strelitzia flowers as well as my aloes. But I really am going to try and get out to a nature reserve again soon ... with my camera and hopefully a friend or two as well!

I hope you managed it Willem, I am still trying to 'escape' the mundane tasks and go somewhere but there is just too much to do. Still it is the start of our Spring here, unlike where you are, so I have some time I hope.

Websailor

Sun 17th Apr 2011

We had three badgers last night but still no evidence of a mother or cubs, but it is still a bit early. The third badger didn't seem very confident or welcome

Greenfinch, jay, collared dove and all the usual visitors about during the days. More probably but I don't have time to look.


Websailor

received
I agree,the fascination of what is up those stairs to "young" minds

Hi WS! Back safely after a wonderful break (more of that separately) In the meantime, if you are lucky enough to get a visit from Nigel - could you ask if he can identify the attached. Bluesue and I both love it and would like to get one, but have no idea what it is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11305258@N08/5679937986/in/photostream