Tuesday 22 June 2010
The summer solstice, what a magical word, yesterday was the summer solstice (in England that is, and of course the whole revolves around England……….doesn’t it!). The longest day, a wonderful time of the year when the day is light by 4.00am and I can still see the sky and the sunset after 10.00pm at night, what a pleasure. From now on we slowly slip into summer and each day becomes a little shorter as the seasons progress. Its been glorious weather recently, just perfect with long light sunny days and cooler evenings. I went down with the dogs early this morning for our first walk of the day and as I opened the new gate from the small field into the flying field I noticed a strange brown lump on the post, on looking carefully it was a pipistrelle bat! I carefully closed the gate and thought I really better get some bat boxes.The new speaker boxes are now done and dusted, they look great and the sound system is working OK, although one of the microphones has died on us and is hopefully being fixed soonish. In comparison to the old boxes which were well past their sell by date, they really do improve the look of the flying ground.
The stable rooves are finished all bar five capping pieces, and now we are repairing the walls where either doors were cut (badly) or the horses that lived here ate the walls!! I have ordered more black stain and soon they will look as smart as the rest of the Centre is starting to look. Iloana, Katy and Robin had a really good go today around Barn 2 which was letting us down, they have done a cracking job and it is looking much better. We will be tidying up the enclosures in both Barn 1 and 2 this autumn. Barn 1 has had the least work done on it in terms of repairs and does need some TLC.
Karis (Saker) probably did a cracking stoop today, but I did not see much of it, he was miles up! Hard Tackle tried his darndest to get height but just could not find a thermal, he will soon if this weather holds. D’Arcy Spice, what a nice owl, he is now on demonstration and did three jumps to the fist, he will move on fast I suspect and if he keeps that charming temperament that he has, he will be fun to fly. Papyrus is by far the nicest and most reliable owl we have, so if D’Arcy Spice comes close he will do well. Holly and I took the two baby Burrowing Owls Rival and Wayside along with the Little Owl down to the flying field between demonstrations and got them doing stuff, they are a scream to watch. Not doing much, but very entertaining.Holly Adam, Katy, Iloana and I went strawberry picking last night. We went to a place called Brand Green, what a nice fruit farm, lovely setting, great views, good fruit and nice people. We plan to get some ready mixed G and T in tins and go again!! I picked enough to have strawberry and cream scones in the café!! Holly had one for lunch, I don’t know how she keeps so slim!
The experience days went well last week as did the photography day, and everyone seemed to enjoy their days, which was nice. We have more this week and I have a demonstration away on Saturday in Northamptonshire, it will be a long day. And no the Range Rover is not fixed yet, but we are getting closer I think and hope. Oh and we have a new member of the team, a lovely tiny and I mean tiny - 95 grams(!) adult male American Kestrel, Holly has taken ownership!
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2 comments:
Have been to the centre a few times, and will certainly be back to see the American Kestrel he is gorgeous
Isn't he just!
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