The Retirement Thread

[Dave7]

They do have a distinctive call as they fly, a very loud kind of cackling sound. Plus their flight is undulating.
https://images.app.goo.gl/QFFvTz619nU4XmWM7

They do indeed although in all my years of watching birds I have never been able to say I have definitely heard one.
As I indicated, my expert friend could tell but he is an expert.
Re' my reply to Mo.... I was generalising as most people 'hear' a woodpecker by its pecking.
I hope I haven't come across as an arrogant 'twitcher'.

 

[welsh dragon]

Morning all. Very breezy here last night. Still is, so I need plenty of . . Stay safe.

 

[monkers]

Gooood morning all. Sorry carcass more easily elevated. A light breakfast done; second cup of Yorkyshire on the table, and I feel quite good. I've just looked out the window though and yuckety yuck. The Met Office show that's it's going to be cooler here today, with some chance of rain and wind speeds gusting to 38mph. The thought of getting wet and going backwards does not cause me to feel much joy.

I did have a later ride out on the bike last night (from 7pm), and the conditions then were pretty perfect. Not too hot, air quite still. Only 13.3 miles, but there were stages where I managed to get the hammer down - I was fair zooming, found a turn of speed that's been missing so far, and I'm beginning to feel like a cyclist again. I was so looking forward to getting out again today, but the conditions look like they will be too tricky.

Have a great day all whatever you get up to. 😊

 

[Dave7]

Question.
What am I doing at this moment that I have never done in my life.


Answer.
Having a 2nd mug of coffee.
Honestly.....one cup/mug does for me.
Not sure what is wrong. I feel OK but pouring with sweat and really groggy.
Starting to come round now thank goodness.

 

[Paulus]

They do indeed although in all my years of watching birds I have never been able to say I have definitely heard one.
As I indicated, my expert friend could tell but he is an expert.
Re' my reply to Mo.... I was generalising as most people 'hear' a woodpecker by its pecking.
I hope I haven't come across as an arrogant 'twitcher'.

You probably have, listen to this.

View: https://youtu.be/nNcwwVGCukc

 

[Dave7]

You probably have, listen to this.

View: https://youtu.be/nNcwwVGCukc

I am sure I have heard one. But I have never been able to SAY I have heard one.
Serious question.....have you heard one and been able to say for certain "ahh thats a Green Woodpecker"??

 

[monkers]

Question.
What am I doing at this moment that I have never done in my life.


Answer.
Having a 2nd mug of coffee.
Honestly.....one cup/mug does for me.
Not sure what is wrong. I feel OK but pouring with sweat and really groggy.
Starting to come round now thank goodness.

Oh dear, sorry to hear, keep well Dave ... take excellent care now

 

[Paulus]

I am sure I have heard one. But I have never been able to SAY I have heard one.
Serious question.....have you heard one and been able to say for certain "ahh thats a Green Woodpecker"??

Yes. Quite often they are on the ground in our local fields eating near to woodland. I have watched them take off and call as they fly.

 

[Tenkaykev]

Good morning fellow retirees,

It's a grey and windy day judging by what I can see out of the window.

First coffee slurped and Mrs Tenkay has just had a photo pop up notifying her that "On this day" 2015 she arrived on the Prom at Portobello after a trip to deliver one of her "spare" bicycles to our daughter. 😯
I'd have sent it by courier myself, but then I'm merely a man.

Have a lovely peaceful day folks 🚲🏃🚶👍

 

[Dave7]

Thanks Monkers.
I cant say I feel ill as such.....just totally wiped out.
Strange feeling but I think I will eventually come round

 

[Tenkaykev]

Thanks Monkers.
I cant say I feel ill as such.....just totally wiped out.
Strange feeling but I think I will eventually come round

Hang in there Dave, take it easy mate

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

You probably have, listen to this.

View: https://youtu.be/nNcwwVGCukc

I agree, the green woodpecker has a very distinctive call which gives it it’s onomatopoeic country name of ‘yaffle’. Viewers of a certain age will no doubt remember Bagpuss’s friend Professor Yaffle.
They are widespread in England but not so common in Scotland, although I believe they have been spreading further north in recent decades. I’ve seen the odd one around Edinburgh.

 

[PaulSB]

Good morning. Since 5.00 when I woke the skies have cleared and the wind calmed. I have treated myself to toast and marmalade - comfort food. Slept right through from 10.00pm.

Shortly I will empty the dishwasher, make porridge for proper breakfast and then make a flask of coffee before heading up to the allotment. I can already feel a mood of general listlessness descending and know where that leads too!!

Housework needs doing so hopefully will be up for this on return from the allotment.

We have a greater spotted woodpecker who lives locally, he's seen/heard regularly on our row.

Thursday night we sat on the allotment wondering which bird was making such a noise. Last night a thrush sat on the fence while we were having tea on the allotment. What a noise, really loud and wide range of calls. Lovely.

 

[PaulSB]

Oh, almost forgot........... @monkers well done, keep it up and all will be good in a few weeks.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Incidentally, for those interested in Scottish wildlife and countryside things I heartily recommend Radio Scotland’s Scotland Outdoors programme and podcast, very entertaining and informative. They’ve been doing quite a bit on birdsong during these lockdown times. They’ve taken to doing a mystery bird each week, mostly I get them easily but last weeks’ had me stumped, never knowingly heard it before.