The sun came out again today, so we went for a cycle around the walls of the town, took in the views from the various towers and fortifications along the walls. The boys had a ride on a glass elevator that ascends/descends the walls to the car parks below.
As for the birdwatching, it began last night on the way back from the shower block, when I heard tawny owls calling to each other. Apparently she calls him a twit and he says 'who?' Obviously it was pretty pitch black away from the camp lights, but the female landed on the roof of the Norman tower next to the van, which is nicely illuminated, and watched me watch her!
The next thing, she flew into one of the huge trees and he flew silently close by with a mouse or vole dangling from his beak. Presumably a marital offering. We could hear them calling to each other through the night.
This morning I watched the families of jackdaws making their nests and travelling around in noisy gangs. There were great tits nesting in the holes of the trees and I saw another nuthatch travelling all over the tree trunks looking for bugs. It was great because you could see exactly where it was, even when it was out of sight, because of all the bits of lichen that it was pulling off and dropping to the ground.
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Wow, what an extravaganza of birdwatching, I'm almost there, especially the owls in the darkness. I remember almost hearing an owl fly by, (so silent), near Ullapool in our very tiny Caravanette, fabulous memories that exist above everything else. You know what I mean. Congrats to Grandad Spinky, did'nt think you were that old, hey the genes go on, but it does make you feel older than you are in your mind. I wish I could walk round the food market with you Lesley and conjure up some fabulous dshes, with food that fresh you don't have to do much. Tell the boys that I had some Auchtertool, (near Kirkcaldy) sausages tonight, no garlic, just organic pork and herbs..... mmmm, lovely, and some Ayreshire bacon, with tomatoes, mushrooms, egg and toast. Not as unhealthy as it sounds and very delicious. I'm sure the continent has the advantage on freshness, farmers markets are our closest option. Anyway, loved the tanned bodies and clear joyful look, keep enjoying. Love u all lots, Annie/Mum. xxxx
ReplyDeleteYip, I was loving all the word pictures too but I think they were surpassed by the description of Annies' breakfast ingredients lol. They sound like the very thing for breakfast aboard my boat!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how quietly owls can fly? I once watched a Barn Owl working a field. Sometimes I was within feet of it and barely heard a sound......
I am not THAT old Annie lol lol, I just started young!! But you are correct, my mind age and real age are definately not the same. Mind you, they never were as Lesley will no doubt confirm.
Thought the gang photo was great...you all looked so happy and healthy!! Long may it continue.
S'later
Love John / Spinky
so no buzzards then! Just some tits- no change there. Lol xxx
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