At the moment if anyone needs any further information about the theatre project they need to contact me as I am the only one of our little committee in residence here in France. My email address is judy.kent@hotmail.com. Tel. No. 0563 53 29 95. We are all meeting up again at the end of the first week in March.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
News and views from the Tarn, Aveyron and Tarn and Garonne corner of South West France. taglines82@gmail.com
Monday, 24 February 2014
Eileen Burgess is real, and is moving to France
Dear Sir/Madam.
We shall be at Les Plassoles, 81170 Le Riols. From Norway about the 15th April for good.
Now can you help us, we are British but have lived in Norway a long time, do you know how we can get French lessons, my wife speaks a little French I nothing but need to learn.
Iv have always wanted to live in France since a small boy now I'm 67 iv finally made it. I've tried to use your site but this is my best shot.
Please help us.
Roger Green & Eileen Burgess.
Val says I received an email from Norway a few weeks ago saying how they had such a short day. I dare not copy it as I was unsure who would want to put something on TAG from Norway.
Well now I know
Firstly Roger and Eileen, please call me Val
We really look forward to welcoming you to our corner of France.
You will love living at Le Riols, lots of nice people there. There is just out of the village a lady who speaks exemplary French having been a student at Hull University some years ago, she also has lived in France some time.
Having just phoned her she lives so close, one of your closest neighbours, Linda ( partner Simon) Her tel number is 0581400039.
She will be happy to help you in any way she can, her partner is a handyman and she will give you conversational French lessons if you would like.
There is also Michelle in St Antonin who gives lessons, perhaps in a more formal style. Linda
will tell you all the options when you arrive.
will tell you all the options when you arrive.
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A lad from the North
One of the hunters cars up the road has an"82" number plate so he is obviously local, but he has a sticker on the car saying " born a ch 'ti, always a ch'ti" or in French "né ch'ti , toujours ch'ti"
ch'ti are people from the North of France. With the amazing hit of the film " Bienvenue chez le ch'ti"
with Danny Boon, people from the North are proud of their accent. We have some friends who have a sticker saying "ch'ti en vacance"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.comy
ch'ti are people from the North of France. With the amazing hit of the film " Bienvenue chez le ch'ti"
with Danny Boon, people from the North are proud of their accent. We have some friends who have a sticker saying "ch'ti en vacance"
Comments to taglines82@gmail.comy
The " Crem" at Montauban for me!
A reader says " I am staying in France and it will be the Crematorium at Montauban, for me"
Val says We had one year where we were there 5 times for friends services.
In our experience it is a nice new building, and services have all been tasteful. Not where you really want to go but if you have to leave there could be worse places for your good byes.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Val says We had one year where we were there 5 times for friends services.
In our experience it is a nice new building, and services have all been tasteful. Not where you really want to go but if you have to leave there could be worse places for your good byes.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Zany optimism in Verfeil
"Verfeil sur Seye - mean anything to you? Luxurious countryside; generous gastronomy; beautiful women? All of them are there, but above all its punk side" That's how Acte deux introduce the village on their website in announcing a week of documentary films from 4th - 8th March.
Films every day from Tuesday to Saturday, from 14h - midnight. The programme is described as "independent, itinerant, free, alternative, experimental". Entry is free, but a contribution is expected. Food is available all week including a barbecue on Saturday. And the concert on Friday promises to be noisy. Entry charged based on the roll of a dice ( throw a 1 = 1 euro; six is free!).
The organisers recall the successes of "des croches et la lune", Verfeil's legendary week of cultural (and horticultural) events and ask all to come and take part in the zany optimism as spring approaches.
details at http://www.act-2.org/
Val says I might try one and for the zany, noisy one perhaps could wear my " onesie"
Malc says "Listen Val, never leave the house or grounds in that onesie!" he added please.
comments to taglines@gmail.com
Films every day from Tuesday to Saturday, from 14h - midnight. The programme is described as "independent, itinerant, free, alternative, experimental". Entry is free, but a contribution is expected. Food is available all week including a barbecue on Saturday. And the concert on Friday promises to be noisy. Entry charged based on the roll of a dice ( throw a 1 = 1 euro; six is free!).
The organisers recall the successes of "des croches et la lune", Verfeil's legendary week of cultural (and horticultural) events and ask all to come and take part in the zany optimism as spring approaches.
details at http://www.act-2.org/
Val says I might try one and for the zany, noisy one perhaps could wear my " onesie"
Malc says "Listen Val, never leave the house or grounds in that onesie!" he added please.
comments to taglines@gmail.com
Labels:
Events,
Festivals and Fetes
Le Colombier at Les Cabannes
Well done Val! Thank you so much for putting the theatre letter on taglines this week and I am sure we will be off to a flying start when we can get Donald back from his world tour in the autumn. He is doing The Last Confession with David Suchet and sets off to Toronto in April and will be away until October.
Love Judy
Val says we know of many thespians living in the area, if the theatre gets up and running I am sure the possibilities are endless. How do we join and who do we send money to?
In an earlier post I could not remember the second name of Jean Louis
The name of the dynamic man who runs a theatre group in St Antonin is Jean Louis Delage.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Love Judy
Val says we know of many thespians living in the area, if the theatre gets up and running I am sure the possibilities are endless. How do we join and who do we send money to?
In an earlier post I could not remember the second name of Jean Louis
The name of the dynamic man who runs a theatre group in St Antonin is Jean Louis Delage.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Le Colombier,
Les Cabannes
TAG pops in for coffee
I think TAG is your friend on line, who pops in for a coffee with the latest news.
We all need each other, more than we know, through TAG you can find out what is happening. From me you learn what should be happening ( meant to be a joke!)
What support systems there are, what other expats are feeling, what the French are doing.
The biggest disincentive to French life, people tell me is the dreaded "Monsieur Guillotin" at the tax office. This is now the name for any unsmiling difficult personage at tax offices throughout France, beware of the guillotine.,
You can say " problem with the Gullotine and I would know what you mean. Perhaps you need to live in the St. Antonin area to get this joke.
It is true French bureaucracy is the " killer" for us all, if we could only crack this, life would be so much simpler.
But the French say this too, and no I have mine black and no sugar, and if you have a beignet avec confiture, it would be churlish to refuse. ( jammy doughnut)
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
We all need each other, more than we know, through TAG you can find out what is happening. From me you learn what should be happening ( meant to be a joke!)
What support systems there are, what other expats are feeling, what the French are doing.
The biggest disincentive to French life, people tell me is the dreaded "Monsieur Guillotin" at the tax office. This is now the name for any unsmiling difficult personage at tax offices throughout France, beware of the guillotine.,
You can say " problem with the Gullotine and I would know what you mean. Perhaps you need to live in the St. Antonin area to get this joke.
It is true French bureaucracy is the " killer" for us all, if we could only crack this, life would be so much simpler.
But the French say this too, and no I have mine black and no sugar, and if you have a beignet avec confiture, it would be churlish to refuse. ( jammy doughnut)
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
On going home...
Hi Val and Malc,
Always interesting to read Taglines, but I was particularly taken with the
comment about those being homesick. What to do if one of you wants to go back,
but the other wants to stay? My feeling is that you've got to separate the
'physical' from the 'psychological'. The former covers all that France has to
offer: sunshine, le bien manger, open roads, cheap housing and of course the
wonderful world-beating French health service. But, the psychological, a
yearning to return to your roots, your English culture, where your heart lies -
which is the strongest option for you? That's the question.Keep up the good work,
Gill x
Writing as Olga Swan, see my blog about my life in France:
www.olgaswan.blogspot.com
Val says and the problem if you are suddenly left on your own, is yet another issue. I am told you should not do anything hasty after a bereavement, it takes two years before one should make a life changing move. I could imagine that the need to flee to what one remembers as safe and comfortable seems when grieving, the way to go.
We do have support systems here and they are improving all the time. I have just watched on TV old frail people being sent home from hospital in the UK to be on their own with no bread or milk in the house. So not everything is rosy back home, you see I do say back home, although I call Mas del Sol home as well.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Always interesting to read Taglines, but I was particularly taken with the
comment about those being homesick. What to do if one of you wants to go back,
but the other wants to stay? My feeling is that you've got to separate the
'physical' from the 'psychological'. The former covers all that France has to
offer: sunshine, le bien manger, open roads, cheap housing and of course the
wonderful world-beating French health service. But, the psychological, a
yearning to return to your roots, your English culture, where your heart lies -
which is the strongest option for you? That's the question.Keep up the good work,
Gill x
Writing as Olga Swan, see my blog about my life in France:
www.olgaswan.blogspot.com
Val says and the problem if you are suddenly left on your own, is yet another issue. I am told you should not do anything hasty after a bereavement, it takes two years before one should make a life changing move. I could imagine that the need to flee to what one remembers as safe and comfortable seems when grieving, the way to go.
We do have support systems here and they are improving all the time. I have just watched on TV old frail people being sent home from hospital in the UK to be on their own with no bread or milk in the house. So not everything is rosy back home, you see I do say back home, although I call Mas del Sol home as well.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Going home
France did well at the Winter Olympics 2014
Tenth overall with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 7 bronze medals, well done those Olympians.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Sport
Art exhibition at Caussade, mark it in your diary
The 4th salon international of water colour painting will be held 4th to 16th April at l'espace Bonnaïs. 39 artistes from around the world will be exhibiting
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Lenga Viva lives on at Laguepie
The festival to encourage and celebrate the occitane language called Lenga Viva will still be happening in 2014 in Laguepie but with out the founder at the helm Alain Raynal. The festival which as well as lectures includes, occitane dancing, food and all things occitane. The new team is listed below and the festival is in July.
Une nouvelle équipe
Le nouveau bureau de l’association est ainsi formé : président, Jacques Alaux ; vice-président, Claude Sicre ; secrétaire, Denis Coste ; trésorière : Nicole Scotto d’Abusco ; trésorier-adjoint, Roger Carrier.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Events
Two youngsters killed in the Alpes Maritmes
Rocks falling down a mountain side fell, crushing the roof of a chalet killing two children age 7 and 10 years old and injuring 7 others.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Helping Cancer Support
Val says I asked on behalf of a reader what one needed to do to qualify to be a ''support listener''
Dear Val,
Sorry for the delay in replying, glorious weather has kept me in the garden!
Our trained members follow a two day initial training programme, this is followed by bi monthly training days of which they are expected to attend three in any one rolling year. We usually run one initial training programme every year across the whole of the CSF Sud area. This year, with the addition of members in the Tarn, we have run one programme there and will be running another in the Aude in March. This is already full.
The training is to enable our members to act as "listeners" rather than advisers. Our aim is to support and we insist that anyone who would like client contact must complete the course satisfactorily. This includes, for example, those who feel they wish to give language support at hospital, or hospital or home visiting, as well as those giving telephone support.
I should add that the training course is a CSF National Programme, followed by all the CSF associations across France. Although all the associations run themselves independently, we are all affiliated to the National body which means that the standards are the same in each association. Differences are mainly influenced by the size of the anglophone population and their local needs.
Our main need is for publicity as our aim is that every anglophone who MAY need support knows that it is available. Thus, we are always looking for members - the membership fee is €10 per annum - who can help to publicise us and the kind of support we offer, as well as helping at and/or attending our events.
If anyone would like more details about membership then please contact Helene Barratt, our Tarn Department Representative, the e-mail address at helene745 @orange.fr Our local website also has details of our events and the CSF National website has ore information about the associations. The websites are below, under my address.
I hope this is of some help and do thank you very much for promoting us.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Dear Val,
Sorry for the delay in replying, glorious weather has kept me in the garden!
Our trained members follow a two day initial training programme, this is followed by bi monthly training days of which they are expected to attend three in any one rolling year. We usually run one initial training programme every year across the whole of the CSF Sud area. This year, with the addition of members in the Tarn, we have run one programme there and will be running another in the Aude in March. This is already full.
The training is to enable our members to act as "listeners" rather than advisers. Our aim is to support and we insist that anyone who would like client contact must complete the course satisfactorily. This includes, for example, those who feel they wish to give language support at hospital, or hospital or home visiting, as well as those giving telephone support.
I should add that the training course is a CSF National Programme, followed by all the CSF associations across France. Although all the associations run themselves independently, we are all affiliated to the National body which means that the standards are the same in each association. Differences are mainly influenced by the size of the anglophone population and their local needs.
Our main need is for publicity as our aim is that every anglophone who MAY need support knows that it is available. Thus, we are always looking for members - the membership fee is €10 per annum - who can help to publicise us and the kind of support we offer, as well as helping at and/or attending our events.
If anyone would like more details about membership then please contact Helene Barratt, our Tarn Department Representative, the e-mail address at helene745
I hope this is of some help and do thank you very much for promoting us.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Cancer Support
Put your order in now for Spiced Cuisine
Spiced Cuisine will next be at St Antonin Noble Val on Monday 3rd March. Please see the attached ad or go straight to www.smc-cuisine.com.
Please ensure that your orders are with us by Friday 28th February.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Sara & Sharon
Spiced Cuisine
Buddy is now Hugo
Hi Val,Just to let you know HUGO has a new and loving family with lots of land to chase rabbits in. So thrilled it's another happy ending - what a lucky puppy !
Vx
Val says good luck Hugo, from what we hear, you are the lucky bunny!
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Vx
Val says good luck Hugo, from what we hear, you are the lucky bunny!
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
The old and the new at Albi: a visit to the new Grand Thèâtre
TAG told you about the " portes ouvertes" open days at the new Theatre at Albi, and as Malc and I and a car full of friends went this afternoon for a mentally stimulating couple of hours, I just hope others picked up on the invitation and went as well.
I supposed one might think it would need a play, opera or dance event to be magical but you would be wrong, the visit had a touch of magic about it.
Firstly we arrived to discover the old theatre that we all thought it was, was not the one, but the Athenor, which had two stages, but now outdated.
The very impressive building is near the hospital, we turned a corner and there it was, this amazing building of which the architect Dominque Perrault has created such a fine edifice.
We arrived just after two and did not realise that we had timed it perfectly, ten minutes later and there were queues around the block.
There are two theatre spaces: the first, the larger we were shown had the most enormous stage, everywhere the walls are black, the seats are red and under each seat is an individual climatisation system. Because the building is concrete, for perfect sound the walls are lined with wood, all black of course. The second theatre which is on top of the other is a smaller space and is, we were told, the same size as the stage of the first theatre.
Going backstage we saw the dressing and changing rooms and I had to pretend to be an actress to try out one of the lighted mirrors in the dressing room. I felt better when I saw others were doing the same thing.
We were given presentations as we were guided around and all the young staff were so well trained and helpful and all smiling, that in itself was a joy.
At the very top is a restaurant and roof terrace overlooking the city with a super view over to the Cathedral, the old and the new in proximity.
We all came away wanting to go back for one of the shows but we will have to be quick to book as already many performances are fully booked.
We did think it would be nice to pop in and up for lunch if we were having a shopping day in Albi.
Find out the programme on www.sn-albi.fr
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
I supposed one might think it would need a play, opera or dance event to be magical but you would be wrong, the visit had a touch of magic about it.
Firstly we arrived to discover the old theatre that we all thought it was, was not the one, but the Athenor, which had two stages, but now outdated.
![]() |
| The impressive exterior |
The very impressive building is near the hospital, we turned a corner and there it was, this amazing building of which the architect Dominque Perrault has created such a fine edifice.
We arrived just after two and did not realise that we had timed it perfectly, ten minutes later and there were queues around the block.
There are two theatre spaces: the first, the larger we were shown had the most enormous stage, everywhere the walls are black, the seats are red and under each seat is an individual climatisation system. Because the building is concrete, for perfect sound the walls are lined with wood, all black of course. The second theatre which is on top of the other is a smaller space and is, we were told, the same size as the stage of the first theatre.
![]() |
| The main stage |
We were given presentations as we were guided around and all the young staff were so well trained and helpful and all smiling, that in itself was a joy.
At the very top is a restaurant and roof terrace overlooking the city with a super view over to the Cathedral, the old and the new in proximity.
We all came away wanting to go back for one of the shows but we will have to be quick to book as already many performances are fully booked.
![]() |
| The foyer and queues to look around |
Find out the programme on www.sn-albi.fr
comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Raise your hands those who are homesick
Our time in France, is it an adventure that we at some point want to put behind us and go back to the well known, understood, English speaking life we once turned our back on?
Or are you like Malc and I settled in here, as this is our new and interesting life in France and much as we love the UK and the good life it gave us, we now embrace this new culture and language with interest and enthusiasm
Out and about this last week we have met friends who have been here for many years now planning on going back, for them the adventure is over.
Talk of missing grandchildren, getting old and frail, maybe suddenly being on one's own out in the country, even not wanting to end up in a French " maison de retraite" has been voiced this last week.
I am trying to remember when we came did we think we would ever go back apart from visits?
Malc thinks we never thought that far ahead but when we think of it now, we know we are still happy to stay. I could not go with out my pets, and imagine transporting my donkeys back to England, even if we could afford a field and stable for them when we got there.
Malc thinks a field and stable would be all we could afford now ... for us!
Twelve years ago we sold a lovely 3 bedroomed bungalow with orchard, rose garden, all with gated entrance and long drive in for about £ 350,000 . We reckon now that property in the Henley area would be nearer the million mark, so no going back for us.
Someone who is selling a big country house here says they will probably end up in a small flat wanting to be near family near Oxford!
Is it a sensible move with poor health and advancing years to make the move now whilst you can? Probably the sensible decision, but then when did Malc and I ever go for the sensible option.?
It would be really interesting to have feedback on this one.
Val says I think I have struck a chord here " 25" ticks is the highest ever.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Or are you like Malc and I settled in here, as this is our new and interesting life in France and much as we love the UK and the good life it gave us, we now embrace this new culture and language with interest and enthusiasm
Out and about this last week we have met friends who have been here for many years now planning on going back, for them the adventure is over.
Talk of missing grandchildren, getting old and frail, maybe suddenly being on one's own out in the country, even not wanting to end up in a French " maison de retraite" has been voiced this last week.
I am trying to remember when we came did we think we would ever go back apart from visits?
Malc thinks we never thought that far ahead but when we think of it now, we know we are still happy to stay. I could not go with out my pets, and imagine transporting my donkeys back to England, even if we could afford a field and stable for them when we got there.
Malc thinks a field and stable would be all we could afford now ... for us!
Twelve years ago we sold a lovely 3 bedroomed bungalow with orchard, rose garden, all with gated entrance and long drive in for about £ 350,000 . We reckon now that property in the Henley area would be nearer the million mark, so no going back for us.
Someone who is selling a big country house here says they will probably end up in a small flat wanting to be near family near Oxford!
Is it a sensible move with poor health and advancing years to make the move now whilst you can? Probably the sensible decision, but then when did Malc and I ever go for the sensible option.?
It would be really interesting to have feedback on this one.
Val says I think I have struck a chord here " 25" ticks is the highest ever.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Going home
A fabulous sunny day yesterday and another today
I just love getting up on a morning and going out in to the fields. The sun was just rising this morning, mist was in the valley bottom but at Mas del Sol, blue skies. Wild birds singing, the hens cackling until I release them, the donkeys stop hee hawing when they see me and start with an odd panting sound. To me it sounds like " mammy, mammy, food now" and that is exactly what it is they are saying. That big old donkey is such a softie, he has the sweetest look in his eyes and is the most patient waiting for his hay. Rosie, the one with a curly forehead, as always is the naughtiest with ears back ready to defend her hay pile against intruders, as if anyone would dare Rosie! We all have your number and stay clear of those nifty hooves.
The water buckets always need refilling, 4 donkeys drink a lot of water when eating hay.
Suddenly everyone is fed and all is calm as I survey the landscape, ( not the wondrous cross) quiet meditation before the start of another busy day.
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The water buckets always need refilling, 4 donkeys drink a lot of water when eating hay.
Suddenly everyone is fed and all is calm as I survey the landscape, ( not the wondrous cross) quiet meditation before the start of another busy day.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
A packed hall at the Domaine de Sautou
What a good evening and over 100 people celebrated the launch of a new book by Suzanne Ghersenzon- Spénale, the wife of a familiar face the ex Mayor of St. Antonin.
A short talk by Jean Marie Nosal about his trip to Bamako with a film without sound playing projected on a screen running the whole evening, 700 children in a school with cardboard walls.
Jean Marie met and had discussions with new Malian ministers and on showing photos of the school to one minister, the minister said " but where is this happening? " Jean Marie's amazed reply " here in Bamako"
Winnie Nosal told us how we are progressing with the 120 femmes scheme and new people were signing up last night so I will check with Winnie today. I am sure we have met our target of "marraines" and maybe even exceeded it.
The evening ended with George Brassens songs and people were bringing up the words on their smart phones and singing along with Jean Luc Ribes and Olivier Spénale.
I have never had an evening that has not been "a bit special " at Sautou.
Malc had a good night playing snooker and England won after a very good game.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
A short talk by Jean Marie Nosal about his trip to Bamako with a film without sound playing projected on a screen running the whole evening, 700 children in a school with cardboard walls.
Jean Marie met and had discussions with new Malian ministers and on showing photos of the school to one minister, the minister said " but where is this happening? " Jean Marie's amazed reply " here in Bamako"
Winnie Nosal told us how we are progressing with the 120 femmes scheme and new people were signing up last night so I will check with Winnie today. I am sure we have met our target of "marraines" and maybe even exceeded it.
The evening ended with George Brassens songs and people were bringing up the words on their smart phones and singing along with Jean Luc Ribes and Olivier Spénale.
I have never had an evening that has not been "a bit special " at Sautou.
Malc had a good night playing snooker and England won after a very good game.
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Identified as a Sparrowhawk
Morning all,
A couple of pictures to start of this sunny jour.
What am I?
Peregrine Falcon, Merlin or Sparrowhawk? what a choice: this is a tough one.
Earlier in the day I was resting on my shovel in the trailer after emptying a ton of ballast and stone me, a Peregrine Falcon flew right past me at ankle height, it had a lovely grey back and a purposeful short wing flap as it disappeared round the side of the house. I am sure they know when you have no camera to hand.
So I dust myself down and after a cuppa, exit into the garden with the intent of tracking down the Peregrine. I reckon it has noticed our highly populated bird feeders and is hoping for a feathery snack. Okay found it. It is sitting on the post at the end of the garden and I have plenty of cover in front so I can sneak a little closer. Look at that front, all that plumage, definitely Peregrine Falcon and those talons - ouch! But hang on a second, the picture with it diving off the post shows some nice dark stripes on the tail feathers just like a Merlin and so it was also definitely Merlin.
This is a conundrum could it be a hybrid? No. Back to the books and a quick search on the Internet. Eureka, or should I say Voila? It is all in the eyes, which are a striking yellow, so it is a Sparrowhawk or épervier for those wishing to learn the French word.
Sparrowhawks are very similar in size to the Merlin so it was an easy mistake to make as it flew past but it was the shot on the post that highlighted the key difference which was the eyes.
Val says To view these birds as a larger image go to Wild photos
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
A couple of pictures to start of this sunny jour.
What am I?
Peregrine Falcon, Merlin or Sparrowhawk? what a choice: this is a tough one.
Earlier in the day I was resting on my shovel in the trailer after emptying a ton of ballast and stone me, a Peregrine Falcon flew right past me at ankle height, it had a lovely grey back and a purposeful short wing flap as it disappeared round the side of the house. I am sure they know when you have no camera to hand.
So I dust myself down and after a cuppa, exit into the garden with the intent of tracking down the Peregrine. I reckon it has noticed our highly populated bird feeders and is hoping for a feathery snack. Okay found it. It is sitting on the post at the end of the garden and I have plenty of cover in front so I can sneak a little closer. Look at that front, all that plumage, definitely Peregrine Falcon and those talons - ouch! But hang on a second, the picture with it diving off the post shows some nice dark stripes on the tail feathers just like a Merlin and so it was also definitely Merlin.
This is a conundrum could it be a hybrid? No. Back to the books and a quick search on the Internet. Eureka, or should I say Voila? It is all in the eyes, which are a striking yellow, so it is a Sparrowhawk or épervier for those wishing to learn the French word.
Sparrowhawks are very similar in size to the Merlin so it was an easy mistake to make as it flew past but it was the shot on the post that highlighted the key difference which was the eyes.
Val says To view these birds as a larger image go to Wild photos
Comments to taglines82@gmail.com
Labels:
Birds
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