France in Focus

Has anyone else spotted any yet? We've just seen two smallish groups flying overhead and definitely heading SW.

I thought I heard a grue or two a couple of nights ago but put it down to hearing things. That's bad news! I hate autumn and winter, especially after no summer.

What a coincidence, we were only just talking about not seeing any grues yet.
Last year we were back in Kent at the time putting mami's pa's property on the market so missed them.
If youve seen them over Confolens then we should later today.

Veem wrote: ↑Sun Oct 10, 2021 3:11 pm Has anyone else spotted any yet? We've just seen two smallish groups flying overhead and definitely heading SW.

Yes, first lots went over today. Heard them yesterday, but I think they were on the lake up the road.

Saw a flock of them going over on Friday night. Standing in the corner of a field, on horseback, on a beautiful sunny evening. A magical moment.

Saw more circling over the house just now. I guess they start to circle, looking for a lake to stop off at for the night.

Winter is a-coming!

Bayleaf wrote: ↑Sun Oct 10, 2021 5:39 pm Saw a flock of them going over on Friday night. Standing in the corner of a field, on horseback, on a beautiful sunny evening. A magical moment.

Saw more circling over the house just now. I guess they start to circle, looking for a lake to stop off at for the night.

Winter is a-coming!

Generally they circle when they've found a thermal and the hot air allows them to gain height. Of course, whilst they're up high they might well look for the nearest lake. I wish I'd been on horseback when I saw them here - but at 33 I think it's too big an ask of my boy to be ridden at all.

Just 2 hours ago I saw and heard the first group heading south.

Have just watched a large V of about 50 grues fly over.
The chainsaws are a buzzing as well so its officially autumn.

Doug wrote: ↑Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:05 am
The chainsaws are a buzzing as well so its officially autumn.

Quick digression. I'm getting quite proficient with my Stihl battery-powered one (petrol ones are too loud and scary for the likes of me!). I still wear ear/eye/head protection, but it's so nice to just stop and start at the touch of (two) buttons. It's not scared of bigger logs either! In summary, hopefully I won't be a noise polluter as it's noticeably quieter than traditional chainsaws! No waste either, as any small bits go for kindling, and sawdust collected to put in the pony shed.

Back on subject, I always get a little blip of sadness seeing the grue fly South, as it means winter is coming, and always get a lift when they fly North in Spring! At least we have the beautiful Autumn colours to enjoy.

We have both [mention]Bayleaf[/mention] electric for near the house and a large fuel one for out and about.