DOVES

Doves fall into flight. At least that is what I have witnessed. They drop off of a perch, fall three feet and then their wings set into flight. One of their flight modes. They are powerful when they choose to be, other wise their comings and goings are of no great notice. A note here to their credit, they cannot seem to fly without some chirping involved. They chirp on final approach to landing and on take off. I have yet to watch doves come and go here without some chirping involved. 

They seem to travel in pairs and prefer snacking on the walk and strut. I have watched them comb an area letting no parcel go un-looked. Lots of pecking for what ever doves peck for. 

The arrival of my squirrel-proof birdfeeder did catch their attention and it was there, watching them land on the roof peak, where I started paying attention to them. 

They appear unsteady on their feet when not on the ground. They look like you and I do when we are trying to walk a tight space with nothing to hold on to. Our arms and head bob around trying to maintain sure footing, not to slip or fall. 

One of the first doves to land on the birdfeeder walked to the end of the ridge line like the one in the photo, top left. He/she peered over the edge to see all the feed they would need for a week, just sitting there. In the process, the little guy was constantly catching his balance, wings popping up and out to prevent a fall or slip. Then to the other end along the ridge to peer off that end. More feed and seed, but how to get down from the roof to the feeding tray? 

Doves cannot, it appears to me, make the approach and landing to the space between the feeder floor and the edge of the roof line. That open space seems too small for the mechanical flapping area of the flying dove. Bluejays have that flight pattern nailed and hit that open space like a jet landing on a carrier deck. Their landings "wham" on the edge of the feeder deck with resolve. They are off as fast as they land. 

But the doves have had to work and figure it out. A bluejay that lands on the top of the roof, simply jumps, and turns in mid-air landing on the ends of the feeder tray. Doves tried that for days, only to fall flapping to the ground. Doves do not; did not hover 6 weeks ago. Today, they have learned the jump to a hovering flight and that appears to be an awful lot of work. Just a few days ago I saw the first of doves jumping from the roof peak and hovering near the end of the feeder, inching his way to a landing spot. Bingo, it worked. Wings flapping, dove hovering to a landing. But I felt out of breath just in the watching. It looks laborious and challenging. 

A note at posting time this evening. I watched a Dove defy all that I have said above. A quick hop from the peak, turn and land on the end of the feeder tray. Effortlessly. Doves are apparently smart and have an excellent learning curve. 

On bad weather days, doves have found their way into the feeder and appear to be down and nesting. Protected in a high perch place. They seemed to be right at home. Over time, they have learned what it takes to get into the feeder for dove wants and purposes.

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THE OLD FARMERS ALMANAC 

My wife related a story this weekend of a visit she recently had with a friend regarding The (old) Farmer's Almanac. Her friend was wondering if it comes on the Kindle or some electronic form. Yep, the information is there, but apparently 70% of their sales still come from the folks who like the book setting next to their favorite chair. Ours sits proudly in the above photo, partially covered by electronic tablet. Regardless, it has its place next to my chair like an old friend. 

It has for as long as I can remember and my habit with this book dates back to parents and grandparents days and beyond. Started in 1792, 1793. There was always the latest version in my grandparents home and my parents home. Always!

There is an old time appreciation with printed books, this one in particular. The table top looks barren with out it for one. But there is no other links I have to navigate through to find a variety of stuff to read about; most important weather forecasts. And therein lies the simplicity of a bound book. Any story starts and progresses at the hands of the user. There is a lot to be said for old ways. Old ways that are not constantly interrupted by a second party distractions. My wife is adamant about the relationship of a good book, good light, a comfortable chair and quiet time. 

Apparently, the sun is at some low point now and for the year ahead where no sun spots will have a noticeable cooling affect on you and me in the near future. The Almanac proclaims snow in late October. November wet and murky. December is slush, snow and an arctic blast. And that is just skimming for blogging purposes this week. 

I find these skimming hints in this years almanac set me deeper into my chair and I re-read these remaining months of 2018. It helps set me into winter chores this three day holiday weekend. 

A garage bay cleared of flat surfaces and all of their accumulations yesterday. The floor swept like new and a vehicle now neatly rests in its protected winter  home. Today, it is the outdoor woodshed area to be cleared of tool debris and working easy access to stacked wood. It is an eyesore and that in of itself will be rewarded with this winter chore completed. Tomorrow is prepping the downstairs for tractor and snow removal equipment attached when the time arrives. 

Yep, the (old) Farmer's Almanac is still an old friend for as long as I can remember. 

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Air boat project #2 (son's boat) plans to be in the water tomorrow morning. It is a work of design, art and function. A video for sure next week to share.

Final glass coat on the bottom of the RC boat this morning.

This three-day weekend is a yearly mark of time and seasons for many folk. School officially kicks off and the putting away of hot summer days for Fall weather. It is also a wake-up call for folks that winter is just around the corner and if you have things to do, best get to "gettin"!! 

As for the world of crazy this week, it is still there in all of its glory but all set on a back burner here. A good decision. 

Have a good week ahead and thanks for the visit.