But it really felt wonderful to finally see the sun again last weekend after what was the darkest, dullest, greyest (or grayest?) February I have ever seen (and this was not just my imagination, as you can read here).
Saturday morning when I got up, there was still something of a milky haze across the sky, but by the time we sat down for breakfast, the sun came through. So we made sure to tidy the kitchen quickly, and then out we went for the first nice long walk of this year, across the sunlit fields.
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| What a difference to only a few days ago! This was Saturday morning. |
Many others - but not too many - had the same idea; those we met all had a look of relief on their faces. It was still cold enough to require padded winter coats, scarves and gloves, but every time the wind dropped, the sun really made itself felt. And when we were on our way back, we heard and saw two bussards! They were circling overhead, and I like to think that they, too, were happy that the long spell of grey cold was finally broken.
I don't really know how long buzzards live, but I wonder whether there is a possibility that these two were the same ones that I wrote about here.
Anyway, it was a lovely weekend, and according to the forecast, we're to expect 15 Celsius by Thursday. I shall make that day my personal official opening of the running season!
In case you have not seen it yet, there is a giveaway connected with my blog throughout this month. Just click on "Older Post" and you're there.
That sounds like a lovely Saturday! I like to go out walking when it is not too cold. The blue sky and sunshine in your photo looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes, Janice, it was lovely, and Sunday as well.
DeleteI'm so glad you are having some sun to enjoy at last. Being deprived of sun for too long does affect one's well-being somewhat.
ReplyDeleteI wondered some time ago in relation to the buzzards near me in Eagleton how long they lived because they seemed to have disappeared one year. I seem to recall that their lifespan is dependant on quite a lot of factors but they can live for around 8 to 10 years if I remember correctly. Oddly I tried to confirm that on Wiki etc this morning but couldn't find any readily available references. There will be plenty no doubt but I think my memory is good on this one (for a change).
My mood was not yet too badly affected by the weather, because I have so many things in my life to be happy about and grateful for, but the effect the sun had on me was very much there :-)
DeleteI haven't looked them up yet, but it sounds quite right what you say about the buzzard's average lifespan.
Interesting - not a single one of my bird books tells me their lifespan. A strange omission. I imagine GB is right but it would have been nice to have confirmed it. Generally, where bursd are concerned, the larger the species the longer lived it is.
DeleteThe opposite is true for dogs! Strange, isn't it. And it is indeed strange that none of your bird books says anything about the lifespan.
DeleteIsn't it a glorious day when you know that Old Man Winter has lost, and will be departing shortly?
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is, and even more so when you're able to leave the house bare-legged and bare-armed for the first time without freezing :-)
DeleteI talked to most of my family and they all felt the same - and they were outside soaking up the sun as much as they could!! Here, it's been sunny but cold and windy - not so good for being outside. And much colder than normally in March!! Here's to sunshine and spring!! :)
ReplyDeleteLargely overcast again now, and the cold temperatures are about to return early next week, but until then, I'll make the most of it!
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