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After several dives, six minutes later and about 100 meters from where the eel was caught, the Cormorant finally found a spot to consume its prey. I didn’t stay to witness the very end (-;
(Phalacrocorax carbo novahollandiae)
(Anguilla reinhardtii)
(Stictonetta naevosa)
(Cygnus atratus)
A parent and child team of Brown Pelicans compete in first round competition of the annual Armand Bayou Auger In Classic.
Event 2 Boys 4x100 Meter Relay
================================================================
National: * 39.76 5/16/1998 Wyatt (Ft Worth (TX)
State Meet: & 40.24 6/2/1989 Hawthorne
School Prelims
================================================================
Heat 1 Preliminaries
1 Poly (Lb) /ss SS 41.33Q
1) Clay, Kaelin 10 2) Hughes, Joey 12
3) Orange, Ellon 12 4) Orange, Evant 12
2 Steele Canyon /sd SD 41.72q
1) Woods, DeAndre 12 2) Klarer, David 11
3) Dale, Jamie 12 4) Perlin, Alex 10
3 Rancho Verde /ss SS 41.84
1) Hornsby, Greg 11 2) Ooten, Jesse 12
3) Robertson, Paul 11 4) Grayson, Deshawn 12
4 Bakersfield 42.19
1) Hunt, Walter 9 2) Turner, Emanel 12
3) Johnson, Jerek 11 4) Norwood, Johnny 12
5 Jesuit /sj SJ 42.47
1) Frasier, R.J. 10 2) Blocker, Tom 11
3) Arrigo, Joey 12 4) Smith, Marquese 12
6 Castro Valley /nc NC 42.65
1) Rosby, Damion 9 2) Rice, Fredy
3) Rice, Elliot 12 4) Oliver, Dash 11
7 Heritage /nc 43.04
1) Luiz, Joseph 10 2) Carral, Anthony 12
3) Neal, Marquel 11 4) Hamilton, Levyell 11
Heat 2 Preliminaries
1 Dominguez /ss SS 41.28Q
1) Hawkins, Jamel 12 2) Hester, Aaron 12
3) Dillihunt, Leon 10 4) Wesson, Ma'Noah 12
2 DeLaSalle /nc NC 41.59q
1) Carrie, Travis 12 2) Wheeler, Chase 11
3) Kearney, Ricky 12 4) Williamson, Matt 12
3 North, JW /ss SS 41.73q
1) Curry, Tommy 12 2) Crutchfield, Tony 12
3) White, La John 9 4) Cox, Quise 11
4 Rancho Bernrdo/sd SD 42.21
1) Davidson, Oren 9 2) Kemp, Gerald 12
3) Velasquez, Bubba 11 4) Henderson, Nick 11
5 Franklin of Elk Grove/sj SJ 42.58
1) Taylor, Camden 12 2) Banks, Gavin 12
3) Rucker, Jory 10 4) Murphy, Johnell 12
6 Bishop O'Dowd /nc NC 42.73
1) Harrison, Marcus 12 2) Garrick, Carlile 9
3) Jones, Chad 11 4) Brown, Mario 10
7 St. Ignatius /cc CC 43.10
1) Conley, Chadid 12 2) Kennedy, Mike 10
3) Mezzera, Tom 12 4) Mezzera, Jim 12
8 Foothill /no NO 43.13
1) Grimes, Logan 11 2) Gallagher, Brady 12
3) Johnston, Kyle 12 4) Johnston, Cole 12
Heat 3 Preliminaries
1 Compton /ss SS 41.76Q 41.759
1) Grim, Micheal 11 2) Williams, Curry 11
3) McConico, James 10 4) Randall, James 11
2 Santiago (Cor)/Ss SS 41.93
1) Dye, Anthony 12 2) Williams, David 11
3) Gaston, Thierry 9 4) Storrs, Rodney 11
3 Skyline /ok OK 42.01
1) Rucker, Darquis 10 2) Horsley, Carl 10
3) Henry Jr, Derrick 10 4) Sanders, Lamont 10
4 Washington /la LA 42.25
1) Avery, Kevin 12 2) Taylor, Laron R. 12
3) Wilkerson, Revonte 12 4) Forte, Devin 12
5 Lincoln /sd SD 42.28
1) Conley, George 12 2) Phillips, Chris 12
3) Reaves, Nico 12 4) Crossland, Anthony 10
6 Birmingham /la LA 42.76
1) Briggs, Trajuan 10 2) Robertson, Matthew 12
3) Humphrey, Rasan 11 4) Flournoy, Devon 11
7 Lowell /sf SF 43.57
1) Wong, Michael 12 2) Navarro, Bismark 12
3) Banks, Nate 11 4) Han, Wang 11
-- Roseville /sj sj DNF
1) Elliott, Michael 12 2) Newsome, Cullen 12
3) Magnusson, Jordan 10 4) Griffin, Josh 12
Heat 4 Preliminaries
1 Rio Mesa /ss SS 41.43Q
1) Thomas, Jerell 12 2) Greenlaw, Quentin 12
3) Richards, Steven 10 4) Alfino, Sean 12
2 Dorsey /la LA 41.76q 41.760
1) McDade, Brain 11 2) Ally, Kevin 11
3) Hogan, Adam 11 4) Moore, Rahim 12
3 Dana Hills /ss SS 41.80q
1) Harrison, Devin 9 2) Fischetti, Michael 11
3) Ferguson, Stephen 12 4) Foley, Kellen 12
4 Sweetwater /sd SD 41.97
1) Fells, Fred 12 2) Pierce, Marcus 11
3) Benton, Treavon 11 4) Enriquez, Ruben 12
5 Clovis East/ce CE 42.80
1) Bourbon, Richard 10 2) Scott, Taylor 11
3) Smith, James 12 4) Woods, Blair 12
6 St. Francis/cc CC 42.94
1) Andrighetto, Anthony 11 2) Borel, Glyn 10
3) Manoukian, Marty 11 4) Johnson, Lasjohn 11
7 Redwood/ce CE 43.26
1) Stewart, Michael 11 2) Ray, Aaron 12
3) Root, Dillon 9 4) Coles, Idarre 10
8 Palo Alto /cc CC 43.55
1) Williams, Maurice 09 2) Brown, Paul 11
3) Scott, Mike 12 4) Jones, Daniel 10
================================================================
National: * 39.76 5/16/1998 Wyatt (Ft Worth (TX)
State Meet: & 40.24 6/2/1989 Hawthorne
School Prelims
================================================================
Preliminaries
1 Dominguez /ss SS 41.28Q
1) Hawkins, Jamel 12 2) Hester, Aaron 12
3) Dillihunt, Leon 10 4) Wesson, Ma'Noah 12
2 Poly (Lb) /ss SS 41.33Q
1) Clay, Kaelin 10 2) Hughes, Joey 12
3) Orange, Ellon 12 4) Orange, Evant 12
3 Rio Mesa /ss SS 41.43Q
1) Thomas, Jerell 12 2) Greenlaw, Quentin 12
3) Richards, Steven 10 4) Alfino, Sean 12
4 Compton /ss SS 41.76Q 41.759
1) Grim, Micheal 11 2) Williams, Curry 11
3) McConico, James 10 4) Randall, James 11
5 DeLaSalle /nc NC 41.59q
1) Carrie, Travis 12 2) Wheeler, Chase 11
3) Kearney, Ricky 12 4) Williamson, Matt 12
6 Steele Canyon /sd SD 41.72q
1) Woods, DeAndre 12 2) Klarer, David 11
3) Dale, Jamie 12 4) Perlin, Alex 10
7 North, JW /ss SS 41.73q
1) Curry, Tommy 12 2) Crutchfield, Tony 12
3) White, La John 9 4) Cox, Quise 11
8 Dorsey /la LA 41.76q 41.760
1) McDade, Brain 11 2) Ally, Kevin 11
3) Hogan, Adam 11 4) Moore, Rahim 12
9 Dana Hills /ss SS 41.80q
1) Harrison, Devin 9 2) Fischetti, Michael 11
3) Ferguson, Stephen 12 4) Foley, Kellen 12
10 Rancho Verde /ss SS 41.84
1) Hornsby, Greg 11 2) Ooten, Jesse 12
3) Robertson, Paul 11 4) Grayson, Deshawn 12
11 Santiago (Cor)/Ss SS 41.93
1) Dye, Anthony 12 2) Williams, David 11
3) Gaston, Thierry 9 4) Storrs, Rodney 11
12 Sweetwater /sd SD 41.97
1) Fells, Fred 12 2) Pierce, Marcus 11
3) Benton, Treavon 11 4) Enriquez, Ruben 12
13 Skyline /ok OK 42.01
1) Rucker, Darquis 10 2) Horsley, Carl 10
3) Henry Jr, Derrick 10 4) Sanders, Lamont 10
14 Bakersfield 42.19
1) Hunt, Walter 9 2) Turner, Emanel 12
3) Johnson, Jerek 11 4) Norwood, Johnny 12
15 Rancho Bernrdo/sd SD 42.21
1) Davidson, Oren 9 2) Kemp, Gerald 12
3) Velasquez, Bubba 11 4) Henderson, Nick 11
16 Washington /la LA 42.25
1) Avery, Kevin 12 2) Taylor, Laron R. 12
3) Wilkerson, Revonte 12 4) Forte, Devin 12
17 Lincoln /sd SD 42.28
1) Conley, George 12 2) Phillips, Chris 12
3) Reaves, Nico 12 4) Crossland, Anthony 10
18 Jesuit /sj SJ 42.47
1) Frasier, R.J. 10 2) Blocker, Tom 11
3) Arrigo, Joey 12 4) Smith, Marquese 12
19 Franklin of Elk Grove/sj SJ 42.58
1) Taylor, Camden 12 2) Banks, Gavin 12
3) Rucker, Jory 10 4) Murphy, Johnell 12
20 Castro Valley /nc NC 42.65
1) Rosby, Damion 9 2) Rice, Fredy
3) Rice, Elliot 12 4) Oliver, Dash 11
21 Bishop O'Dowd /nc NC 42.73
1) Harrison, Marcus 12 2) Garrick, Carlile 9
3) Jones, Chad 11 4) Brown, Mario 10
22 Birmingham /la LA 42.76
1) Briggs, Trajuan 10 2) Robertson, Matthew 12
3) Humphrey, Rasan 11 4) Flournoy, Devon 11
23 Clovis East/ce CE 42.80
1) Bourbon, Richard 10 2) Scott, Taylor 11
3) Smith, James 12 4) Woods, Blair 12
24 St. Francis/cc CC 42.94
1) Andrighetto, Anthony 11 2) Borel, Glyn 10
3) Manoukian, Marty 11 4) Johnson, Lasjohn 11
25 Heritage /nc 43.04
1) Luiz, Joseph 10 2) Carral, Anthony 12
3) Neal, Marquel 11 4) Hamilton, Levyell 11
26 St. Ignatius /cc CC 43.10
1) Conley, Chadid 12 2) Kennedy, Mike 10
3) Mezzera, Tom 12 4) Mezzera, Jim 12
27 Foothill /no NO 43.13
1) Grimes, Logan 11 2) Gallagher, Brady 12
3) Johnston, Kyle 12 4) Johnston, Cole 12
28 Redwood/ce CE 43.26
1) Stewart, Michael 11 2) Ray, Aaron 12
3) Root, Dillon 9 4) Coles, Idarre 10
29 Palo Alto /cc CC 43.55
1) Williams, Maurice 09 2) Brown, Paul 11
3) Scott, Mike 12 4) Jones, Daniel 10
30 Lowell /sf SF 43.57
1) Wong, Michael 12 2) Navarro, Bismark 12
3) Banks, Nate 11 4) Han, Wang 11
-- Roseville /sj sj DNF
1) Elliott, Michael 12 2) Newsome, Cullen 12
3) Magnusson, Jordan 10 4) Griffin, Josh 12
The preliminary investigations of the storms of July 15th puts five tornadoes on the map for Ontario on the day. Barrie's damage was extensive but all five tornadoes have a rating of EF-2.
You have to go back to 1985 to find a similar event with five or more significant tornadoes. Sadly, Barrie was also the hardest hit on that date as well.
DSC01220_72
Sketch copyright Amy Crehore. Painting Progress is shown on my blog:
amycrehore.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-new-paintings-in-progr...
In der letzten Zeit habe ich mich als Kommentatorin eurer schönen Fotos ziemlich rar gemacht. Einen Grund dafür seht ihr hier... ;-)
Bis zur Ausstellungseröffnung dauert es noch eine Weile, aber noch ist nicht jeder weiße Fleck an der Wand gefüllt, an dem ein Bild hängen wird.
Oben im Bild mein Ankündigungsplakat. Bedingt durch den Beginn der Schulferien war der Abgabetermin dafür gestern... ;-)
Esztergom was the capital of Hungary from the 10th till the mid-13th century when King Béla IV of Hungary moved the royal seat to Buda. During the same period, the castle of Esztergom was built on the site of ancient Roman castrum. It served not only as the royal residence until the 1241 (the Mongol invasion), but also as the center of the Hungarian state, religion, and Esztergom county.
After changing his residence to Budapest, Béla IV gave the palace and castle to the archbishop. Following these events, the castle was built and decorated by the bishops. The center of the king’s town, which was surrounded by walls, was still under royal authority. A number of different monasteries did return or settle in the religious center.
Meanwhile, the citizenry had been fighting to maintain and reclaim the rights of towns against the expansion of the church within the royal town. In the chaotic years after the fall of the House of Árpád, Esztergom suffered another calamity: in 1304, the forces of Wenceslaus II, the Czech king occupied and raided the castle. In the years to come, the castle was owned by several individuals: Róbert Károly and then Louis the Great patronized the town.
The Ottoman conquest of Mohács in 1526 brought a decline to the previously flourishing Esztergom as well. In the Battle of Mohács, the archbishop of Esztergom died. In the period between 1526 and 1543, when two rival kings reigned in Hungary, Esztergom was besieged six times. At times it was the forces of Ferdinand I or John Zápolya, at other times the Ottomans attacked. Finally, in 1530, Ferdinand I occupied the castle. He put foreign mercenaries in the castle, and sent the chapter and the bishopric to Nagyszombat and Pozsony.
However, in 1543 Sultan Suleiman I attacked the castle and took it. Esztergom became the centre of an Ottoman sanjak controlling several counties, and also a significant castle on the northwest border of the Ottoman Empire. In the 17th century Esztergom was besieged and conquered several times during the Ottoman-Habsburg Wars. Most of the buildings in the castle and the town that had been built in the Middle Ages were destroyed during this period, and there were only uninhabitable, smothered ruins to welcome the liberators.
In 1761 the bishopric regained control over the castle, where they started the preliminary processes of the reconstruction of the new religious center: the middle of the Várhegy (Castle Hill), the remains of Saint Stephen and Saint Adalbert churches were carried away to provide room for the new cathedral.
I made two sketches and liked both so I let the materials I found to dictate which one I made. However, I think I’ll add both of them to the list of fashion I want to produce in my own fashion line in the future.
this one I liked because...
I set the camera on the passanger seat on the drive home. three minute exposure of whatever was up there. made a pretty cool picture. this shot is fairly straight up, tending towards the north east.
Biscuit plays Big Billy Goat Gruff and Saxon plays Bigger Billy Goat Gruff here, looking under the bridge for the Ugly Troll, Little Billy Goat Gruff has already made it to the other side where the grass is greener ...
for the fairy tale challenge :-)
had planned on using this little bridge at some stage, did a few preliminary photo shoots and thought it would be good for this story :-)
had to get Biscuit out of bed rest (he's done something to his front right paw) ... lucky this location is close, only a little walk ... to get this together :-)
There were a couple of bursts each hour leading up to midnight. This was around 10:00 pm. It's good there were some preliminary fireworks since the main event had a big cloud of smoke in front of the view after the first few bursts.
This MOC was intended for the preliminary round of the 2017 Bio-Cup contest here on Flickr, the prompt for which was to re-imagine a Lego set in Bionicle form. I've always thought some of the coolest System sets were from Mars Mission, and the Alien Infiltrator already has sort of a humanoid silhouette, so that was a natural choice for me. Unfortunately I was too busy to finish it in time for the contest, but I still definitely wanted to finish and post it at some point. Enjoy!
Fitter in the smokebox of a pannier tank has recently entered the works at Didcot for overhaul after a year out of service
preliminary study for future work
pen and ink
www.flickr.com/photos/michaelkingartwork/10577685425/in/f...
FIRST BLOOD
^lol CoD reference :3
As far as I'm aware, This is the first lego Gregor I've seen (correct me if I'm wrong). Now, as I said I would explain, I will tell you why there are no tally marks or anything. First and foremost, I thought all those tally marks littered all over his face was a kinda dumb design, I prefer it without the tally marks :P I will later on make the tally marks, but not now. Also, many of you noticed Gregor has digital camo all over his armor. I didn't make that because I didn't have good enough views of him from the trailer. So until I see the episode where he is featured, I cannot make accurate digital camo, and therefore will not make it until then. That's why this design is preliminary :P But alas, it is still a basic recreation of Gregor, and I'm quite pleased with it. And to those of you who may think that his name is not Gregor, IGN confirms it here. Tell me what you guys think! And if you're gonna fave, comment too please!
*Andrew
^New signature :3 I'll be doing that from now on.
Oh, one more thing. THE CUSTOM CLONE CONTEST WILL START ON FRIDAY. I WILL HAVE A GROUP ALONG WITH RULES, PRIZES, AND WHATNOT POSTED BY THEN. STAY TUNED FOR THAT!
www.spurnpoint.com/Spurn_Point.htm
Spurn is a very unique place in the British Islands. Three and a half miles long and only fifty metres wide in places.
Extending out in to the Humber Estuary from the Yorkshire coast it has always had a big affect to the navigation of all vessels over the years. Help to some and a danger or hindrance to others. This alone makes Spurn a unique place.
Spurn is made up of a series of sand and shingle banks held together with mainly Marram grass and Seabuckthorn. There are a series of sea defence works built by the Victorians and maintained by the Ministry of Defence, till they sold Spurn to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in the 1950s. The defences are in a poor state, breaking down and crumbling. This is making Spurn a very fragile place wide open to the ravages of the North Sea.
One of the most striking features of Spurn is the black and white lighthouse near to the end of Spurn. Now just an empty shell not used since it was closed down at dawn on the thirty first of October 1986.
There have been many Lighthouses on Spurn over the years the first recorded at around 1427. The present light was built from 1893 TO 1895. The small tower on the beach on the Estuary side was originally the low light. It was built and put in to operation at around 1852. This light was no longer needed when the present lighthouse was opened in 1895.At a later date the light was removed and it was used as a store for explosives and later as a water tower. The tank can still be seen on the top. When it was operational there was a raised walkway from the shore to the lighthouse so it could be reached at all stages of the tide.
The present lighthouse was built to replace an old lighthouse that was positioned just to the south of the present one. You can still see the round perimeter wall surrounding the old keepers cottages and the base of the old lighthouse which had to be demolished due to it settling on it's foundations making it unsafe.
The only light on Spurn today is a flashing green starboard light on the very end of the point and the fixed green lights marking the end of the Pilots jetty.
Because of Spurns ever moving position there have been many Lighthouses over the years. There is a very good book by George.de.BOAR, called History of the Spurn Lighthouses, produced by the East Yorkshire Local History Society. This is one of a series of books on local history.
www.spurnpoint.com/Around_and_about_at_Spurn.htm
Around and about there are plenty of places to eat and drink. Starting from the north of Spurn at Kilnsea there is the Riverside hotel offering good quality food drink and accommodation. Coming south towards Spurn and still in Kilnsea there is the Crown and Anchor pub. A welcoming place serving bar meals fine beers and offering bed and breakfast at very reasonable rates. At the crossroads before you turn towards Spurn there is the Spurn heritage coast visitors centre. Where there is a small cafe and exhibition. At the entrance Spurn point nature reserve is an information centre and bird observatory selling books pamphlets, etc., and the last toilet on Spurn.
Past the lighthouse is the last car park. Two hundred metres further on you find the Humber Lifeboat and Pilot stations. Near the houses is a Small caravan selling tea, coffee, cold cans, hot and cold food, crisps and sweets.
All are open all year round apart from the heritage centre which is open thought the season.
BIRD WATCHING.
Is a very popular pastime as Spurn is internationally famous for birds. There are up to two hundred species recorded at spurn every year. Some of which are extremely rare. The Marmora's Warbler seen at Spurn In June 1992 was only the third recorded in Britain.
SEA FISHING.
The beaches of Spurn provide some of the best sea fishing in the area, with Cod and Whiting and Flats being caught through the winter and Skate, Flats and Bass through the summer. There is sport to be had all the year.
At the very end of Spurn is deep water ideal for Cod but this only fishes best two hours either side of low water, the tide is to strong at other times. All along the seaward side of Spurn is good for all species of fish at all times though over high water being the better. The riverside of Spurn is very shallow and only produces Flats and the bass over high water.
THE BEACH.
The beaches at Spurn are of soft sand and shingle. Whichever way the wind is blowing you can just pop over the dunes to the outer side. There are fossils and all manners of things to find beach combing. Swimming is not safe any were near the point end as there are very strong tides at up to six knots at times. But in side Spurn around the point car park is perfect at high water. The beach does not shelf to fast and very little tide. You can have the place to your self at times, as Spurn is never really busy weekdays.#
A very popular pastime at Spurn is Fossil hunting. There is a good abundance of fossils to be found in amongst the pebbles and shingle.
The Shark Trust has a very interesting PDF file tell you all about Shark Skate and rays the mermaids purses you find on the beach are egg shells from sharks and Rays. Click the link to down load the Shark Trust Brochure.
WALKING.
Walking or strolling at spurn is very easy, as there are no hills. There are various sign posted paths up and down the point. For the fit a complete walk round the whole point is about 8 miles, taking in all the point round the point end and back to the "warren" information place at the start of Spurn. You will need good footwear, as much of the paths are sand. There is limited access for disabled, but not to the point end, as you have to go via the beach.
You can park your car at the point car park and walk round the point end and back to the car park about a mile, or just stroll around the point were you choose. The only place you are not allowed to go are down the pilot's jetty and the centre square of the Lifeboat houses.
In spring and early summer Spurn is covered with a large amount of wild flowers of all species.
There are common to the not so common; from Orchids to bluebells. I must remind you Spurn is a nature reserve and the picking of all flowers is prohibited. When visiting please enjoy Spurn, as it is a very beautiful place and leave only your footprints.
Horse Riding.
There is riding available nearby at the North Humberside Riding Centre. The stables are ideally located with rides along quiet country lanes, by-ways, plus miles of sandy beach and riverbanks. The cross-country course offers a variety of fences for both the novice and the more experienced rider.
www.spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk/
A Brief History of Spurn Bird Observatory
Following visits to Spurn by several members of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union in the late 1930's, a communal log for ornithological observations was instituted in 1938. This included a roll-call of species, the beginnings of a recording system, which later became standard in bird observatories. Realising the potential of the Spurn peninsula for the regular observation of bird migration a group of enthusiasts, notably Ralph Chislett, George Ainsworth, John Lord and R.M. Garnett, had the idea of setting up a bird observatory, with the Warren Cottage at the northern end of the peninsula as an ideal headquarters. Unfortunately the outbreak of war forced them to put their plans on hold but shortly after hostilities ceased a lease for Warren Cottage was obtained from the War Department and the observatory was established shortly afterwards under the auspices of the Y.N.U. with the four members mentioned above forming the first committee. A preliminary meeting was held in September 1945 to decide on the site for a Heligoland trap, work on which was begun almost immediately and the first bird (a Blackbird) was ringed on November 17th. The first minuted committee meeting was held on March 9th 1946 and the observatory was opened to visitors at Whitsuntide that year.
Initially coverage was limited to the main migration seasons, being extended to winter weekends in the early 1950's to trap and ring some of the large numbers of Snow Buntings which used to occur at that time of year and gradually coverage was increased (whenever possible) to cover the late spring and summer. In 1959 there was an important development when the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust (now the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust) became the owners of the peninsula and thus the observatory's landlord. In 1960 a full time warden was appointed by the Trust, and although having no official connection with the observatory the fact of having an observer on the peninsula year-round inevitably helped to improve the ornithological coverage. This was especially the case from 1964 when the current warden, Barry Spence, was appointed, in conjunction with the fact that an interest in birds and their migrations was steadily growing and more bird-watchers were staying at the observatory, often for longer periods.
When the observatory opened there was accommodation for seven visitors in Warren Cottage and facilities included two chemical toilets, the Warren Heligoland trap and an ex-army hut as a ringing hut. Over the next ten years a further five Heligoland traps were constructed along the peninsula, although today only three remain in existence. In 1959 the observatory gained the use of the Annexe, one of two ex W.D. bungalows built at the Warren during the early 1950's, thus increasing the accommodation capacity to seventeen and providing much improved toilet facilities. Over the years the accommodation and facilities have been gradually improved to try to make the visitor's stay at Spurn as comfortable as possible. Other improvements have also taken place, in 1968 part of one of the derelict buildings at the Point was converted into a ringing laboratory ready for the first B.T.O. Ringing Course, held in autumn of that year and in 1971 part of one of the derelict buildings at the Warren was also converted into a ringing laboratory. The other part of this building became a laboratory for the use of students of Leeds University but this also became available to the observatory in the mid 1980's when the University no longer had a use for it. Subsequently it was converted into a self-contained accommodation unit for two, complete with kitchen facilities, and although officially known by the somewhat unimaginative name of Room F (the rooms in the Annexe being known as Rooms A, C, D & E, - whatever happened to Room B?), it was somewhat irreverently christened "Dunbirdin" by regular visitors to Spurn.
In 1965 a sea-watching hut was erected east of the Warren beyond the line of the former railway track. Due to coastal erosion it became necessary to move this in late 1974, when it was hoped that it would last at least as long as it had in its first position. Alas this was not to be, as the rate of erosion increased dramatically in the mid 1970's, necessitating a further move in early December 1977. In that year a clay bank had been built across the field behind Warren Cottage (Clubley's field) to prevent the flooding of arable land by wind-blown sea water, but on January 11th 1978 Spurn suffered its worst flooding ever when a strong to gale-force north-westerly wind combined with a spring tide. In late 1981 due to extensive construction works at Easington a large quantity of boulder clay became available and this was used to build up and extend the bank across Clubley's field, south towards Black Hut and north beyond Big Hedge to join up with an existing bank (which had been built in 1974) behind the scrape. In 1982 the sea-watching hut was repositioned on top of this bank, where it remained until the bank itself was washed away in the early 1990's.
A number of other changes to the observatory recording area began to take place from the early 1970's, including extensive building operations at the Point, commencing in 1974, with the construction of a new jetty for the Humber Pilot boats, new housing for the Spurn Lifeboat crew and the conversion and renovation of various existing buildings for use by the Coastguard and the Pilots. In 1978 following damage to the existing road south of the Warren area a new tarmac road was laid to the west of the original one, this lasted until 1988 when a second "new road" loop had to be laid, followed in 1991 by the construction of the existing loop road running along the Humber shore from just south of the Warren to just beyond Black Hut. The construction of this road resulted in the destruction of the actual Black Hut, although the area still bears the name. In 1981 the lines of wartime concrete anti-tank blocks running from the seashore to the Canal Zone were removed to fill in a breach at the Narrow Neck. This resulted in the southward extension of the Scrape field by the farmer up to Big Hedge and the start of a gradual decline in the condition of this hedge and its attractiveness to birds. In 1982 a local resident excavated a pond for shooting purposes in the wet area adjoining the Canal Zone. This never really proved successful and the land was later purchased by the Y.W.T. and the pond enlarged to become what is now known as Canal Scrape. In 1984 a famous Spurn landmark, the Narrows "Hut", a wooden migration watch shelter which had stood at the Narrow Neck for twenty-three years, was set fire to by person or persons unknown and completely destroyed, it was replaced the following year by a more solid construction made from breeze-blocks.
A period of considerable change began in 1988 when the Spurn peninsula was designated as part of the Spurn Heritage Coast. Projects undertaken include the enlargement of the Canal Scrape mentioned above and the erection of a hide overlooking it, a hide overlooking the Humber wader roost at Chalk Bank, a public sea-watching hide alongside the observatory one, provision of additional car-parking space, the restoration of the short-turf habitat in the Chalk Bank area, provision of footpaths, etc. A major project was the renovation of the Blue Bell in Kilnsea for use as offices, an information centre and a small cafe, which became fully operational in 1995. Another fairly recent project has been the creation of another scrape/pond on Clubley's field.
In 1996 the observatory celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and for the first time in its history SBO employed a full time seasonal warden. This position has since been expanded and the observatory now enjoys the services of a year- round warden. In 1998, with a view to the future, a small bungalow in Kilnsea was purchased with money bequeathed by the late John Weston, a long time committee member, who regrettably died in 1996. This was followed in 1999 by the purchase of a strip of land adjacent to the property and is now known as the ‘Church Field’, this is planted with a sacrificial crop every year, and has also had several groups of trees planted and a feeding station placed in the north-east corner. Access to this field is available by becoming a member of ‘Friends of Spurn Bird Observatory’, a venture set up in 2003 to eventually help with the building of a new observatory when the old one falls way to the sea.
Made of a wired power cell, mercury, and a rather curious spider, Hedral The Abomination
is an experiment gone wrong.
(Has own album)
(part 1)
As usual, the Steamsworks in Berkeley had a platform for playing Twister. They do this to raise money for a gay related charity. The guys from the Steamworks dress down for the occasion, wearing at most a towel. For a dollar, you get to play a game with an incredibly cute bunch of guys. I paid my dollar. It's a lot, I know, but worth it.
Very few people have seen the Hingol National Park in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Its nearest approach is from Karachi. Most visitors tend to go to the Hinglaj temple, an important sight for Hindu pilgrims but we managed to go deep into the national park with the Offroad pakistan who have made numerous visits there. Their website is worth a look :- offroadpakistan.com/
Hingol National Park or Hungol National Park (Urdu: ہنگول) is the largest of National Parks of Pakistan. It is on the Makran coast in Balochistan and is approximately 190 km from Karachi. The area was declared reserved in 1988.[1]
The park area covers parts of the three districts: Lasbela, Gwadar and Owaran of Balochistan province. It contains a variety of topographical features and vegetation, varying from arid sub tropical forest in the north to arid montane in the west. Large tracts of the NP are covered with drift sand and can be classified as coastal semi desert. The National Park includes the estuary of the Hingol river which supports a significant diversity of bird and fish species.
Currently, 20 staff members including 18 game watchers, two deputy rangers are responsible for the management of the Park under the guidance of the park Manager who reports to the Conservator and the Secretary Wildlife, Forest, Livestock, Environment and Tourism.
The shrine of Devi Hinglaj, the holiest among the 51 Shakti Peeths of Hinduism is situated in the park. It is a 15km trek from the main road. There is also a dirt track that leads to the site. Several thousand pilgrims visit the shrine each year.
Detailed inventories of wildlife were undertaken in 2006 and will be completed in the first half of 2007. Hingol is known to support at least 35 species of mammals, 65 species of amphibians and reptiles and 185 species of birds. Some 250 plant species were recorded in the initial surveys including 7 yet undescribed species. Many more species are yet to be collected.
The park forms an excellent habitat to wild Sindh Ibex, Afghan Urial and Chinkara Gazelle. Ibex is found in all steep mountain ranges and numerous in the Hinglaj and Rodani Kacho Mountain areas. Total population is estimated over 3000. The Urial populations are small and occur in isolated populations. The Machi and Upper Pachhri Mountains harbour the largest populations. Total population is less than 1000. The Chinkara occurs in good numbers along the great rivers (Nal-Hingol, Arra, Babro-Mar) in the Northern Plains and in the Harian and Maniji-Gurangatti valley areas. Elsewhere populations have been extirpated are very low. The total populations are preliminary estimated between 800-1200.
The Hingol River banks, estuary and mudflats forms an important habitat for migratory birds. About 40% of the bird species is related to water habitats. Migratory birds listed to visit Hingol include Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican, Sociable Plover, Spoonbills, Black Ibis, Black and White Stork. The Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) visits the plains and valleys.
The River Hingol has been nurturing crocodiles for centuries. The Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) occurs over large areas along the Hingol-Nal and some tributaries up to more than 100 km inland. The total population is about 50. There are several beaches along the more than 100 km coastline, however few tirtles visit the beaches nowadays. Historical records includes Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Green Marine Turtles (Chelonia mydas). The vulnerable Spiny Tail Lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) a mainly vegetarian lizard finds its most western distribution in Hingol.
Mammals in the park include Leopard, Jungle Cat, Caracal and Indian Desert Cat, Indian Fox, Bengal Fox and Sand Fox, Golden Jackal, Sindh Ibex, Afghan Urial, Chinkara Gazelle, Honey Badger, Indian Pangolin, Hedgehog (probably more than one species), Indian Crested Porcupine, Indian Grey Mongoose, Five striped Palm Squirrel, Wild Boar, Cape Hare and Desert Hare, Cairo Spiny mouse, Grey Spiny Mouse, Persian Jird, Indian Desert Jird and Libyian Jird, House Mouse, Roof Rat, and Mouse like Hamster. Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) and Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) are on the brink of extinction. The Leopard and Caracal populations are low.
The park has very few caves/ grottos, including one in the Dhrun Mountains with a bat population.
Birds in the park include Houbara Bustard, Dalmatian and Spot-billed Pelican, Bonnelli's eagle, Imperial eagle, Tawny eagle, Golden eagle, Eurasian griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, Cinereous vulture, Lagger falcon, Red-headed merlin, Kestrel, Close-Barred sandgrouse, Grey partridge, See See partridge, Stone Curlew, Indian sand grouse, Coronetted sand grouse, Painted sand grouse, Eagle owl, Sind pied woodpecker, Hume's chat, Brown rock pipit, Striped buning, Finche larks, Hoopoe, Shrikes and Wheatears.
The Marsh Crocodile, Olive Ridley and Green Marine Turtles, Desert Monitor lizard, Yellow Monitor lizard, and different species of lizard and chameleon have been found in the park.
The government is all set to slice land off the Hingol National Park, the country’s largest, as the Pakistan Air Force and another defence-related organisation eye the prized real estate near the estuary whose value is likely to increase phenomenally once the Gwadar port starts functioning.
Sources in the Balochistan revenue department told Dawn that while the PAF has asked for around 80,000 acres (320 km²), including 23,000 acres (93 km²) in the national park, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission’s demand is for eight mauzas. [2]