.....finally....
blue sky, bright sun!!!
...my
Rose de Noël (Christmas rose - Hellebore)
in second flower
*
Oskar is happy again....
sniffing around.....
Helleborus foetidus
started flowering in January here and keeps flowering....
...and flowering...
such a grateful "species"!
And.....
...do we hear the sound....????
That distinctive and unmistakeable sound?
The calls from a large flock of cranes
signal undeceptively the transition into:
Spring!
The whole air is filled with that wonderful sound echoing from the valleys!
The migration of cranes from southern warmer climates has started,
passing over La Pouyette!
Like every year - since I can think back!
In huge flocks les Grus Grus fly over the countries
heading towards North-East to their breading grounds,
and group themselves into V-shaped formations.
Why do they fly in a V ?
Scientists have determined that the V-shaped formation
that cranes and wild geese use when migrating serves two important purposes:
First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him,
resulting in a reduction of wind resistance.
The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired.
In this way, the birds can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.
The second benefit to the V-formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group.
Flying in formation may assist with the communication and coordination within the group.
Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.
Chaos???....complete disorder???
No...No...
just resting a bit on the thermal above La Pouyette,
...having discussion about the next leadership...
rebuilding the formation....
...and off they go!
The typical trumpet-like calls of the cranes which go all over our countryside,
their impressive V flights which glide over Men's heads…
These moments remain magic!
And rhythm my Spring activity.
The long trip of migratory birds
is surely one of the most fascinating spectacle that Nature can offer.
*
*
*
Oh Yes!
Spring is certainly around the corner....
...and we're so pleased to watch a lovely sunset - yet again!
*
*
My next post will be:
Old Linen - Monograms
from A...
...to Z
A bientôt....
info: | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Crane - Grus Grus: here | and here |
I have the honnor to make the first comment and I'm wondering ...How can you take these magical photos???
ReplyDeleteJe ne voudrais en aucun cas te flatter(je continue a tutoyer) mais je suis impressionnee et seduite de ces publications.Merci!!!
Efxaristo, Olympia! You're more than welcome!
DeleteTo get photos of a flock of cranes - as soon as I hear the sound I crab my camera and rush outside! Because we are situated relatively high up, actually at the highest point in a circle of about 5-10 Kilometer, they seem to like to pass over La Pouyette, probably because of the warm thermal...
It is every year a wonderful and exiting "spectacle" again!
We observe these regroupings in the sky in this farm with much water on it, in Piedmont Virginia; going north, the birds are content to pass over the lake, while going south, they will descend for refreshment. But they exploit the setting for a pause in the way you capture here, which is very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHi Karin,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photographs ...... your hellebores are beautiful. Ours are a little behind yours, probably because our garden is north-facing but, I can see the flowers coming.
Your photographs of the cranes are AMAZING. Birds are so clever aren't they ?!!!!
Today we have clear blue skies and it feels a little warmer although, I think that the temperatures are going to drop again and there is a chance of light flurries of snow !! I love snow but, I can't wait for Spring and the warmer weather now,
Enjoy your garden and the lovely Spring sunshine. XXXX
Dear Karin,
ReplyDeletewonderful signs of spring!
But here is a very ugly *Schmuddelwetter*!
Have a good week waiting for printemps!
♥ Franka
Lovely post Karin. Spring is a long way off around here. We have had a few geese stop by our pond but that is all. No little green sprigs, just more snow.
ReplyDeleteAll of your photographs are beautiful but those with the hellebore and linens are my favorites. Of course, Oskar is always looking his best. nox. Gina
Well, I'm captivated by this post, Karin. Such beauty. And, Oskar. He looks very well, indeed. Our winter has been a cross between Fall & Spring, the trees are all confused, of course. Thank you for the crane photos, aren't they amazing? I love all your photos, never stop doing this for us. Sending a big hug from the sun of Texas !!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Spring will soon be upon us!! My daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses are coming up. And I've seen early daffodils and crocuses blooming in my neighborhood. I'm itching to get out and start digging in the dirt :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the birds, Karin. And thanks for the explanation of their flying patterns.
xo
Loi
Isn't nature amazing......
ReplyDeleteNature is amazing isn't it? I'm so happy for you and Oskar to be back outside but also a little jealous. It's blistering cold here and we have another snow storm coming but soon....soon spring will come!
ReplyDeleteXXX
Debra~
This is a great posting It’s exactly what I was looking for. I like your article.
ReplyDeleteLoved your story and photos of the cranes! Too funny your interpretation of their formation falling into chaos as they have a discussion to determine the new leader! I guess even the most well organized of groups have their moments when things go haywire. Or maybe they were so delighted with the sight of your garden at La Pouyette that they were fatally distracted!!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see Oskar looking so well and happy in his sunny garden. I hope all three of you are well and full of the joys of spring.
Warm greetings xxx
Loved everything about this Post! Oskar, the cranes having a discussion, explantion of the flying pattern, loved it all. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteOskar is quite handsome...he looks like my Tiger (a mutt)love the images of spring
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe birds are such a fascinating spectacle. I'm sure you saw that marvelous film, Winged Migration. Just in case, here is the youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQOwD2SlvAs
In San Miguel de Allende, every evening the birds would return to the sheltering lake in long strings, like a game of cats' cradle in the sky. Very interesting to find out why the V-formations. Here we have only the geese, and of course it is way to early for them to be returning.
Interesting --- when we moved to the Berkshires I discovered a modest flower hiding demurely under other plants, and I learned that it was --- hellebore. The flowers are quietly beautiful, and so are your pictures.
As we wait, in our winter storm advisory mode, your post provides hope and promise of spring. Dankeschoen.
Hello, le temps est aussi beau dans les Charentes Maritimes et les oiseaux s'en donnent à coeur joie. Aujourd'hui il fait très froid mais le soleil est là encore. Vos photos sont très belles et donnent envie de sortir, de prendre l'air, de voir arriver le printemps et de faire des plantations. Merci. Amitiés de Fine.
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