Birders' Nest

[Elgarian Redux]

Up on the moor again this morning. Quite a strong breeze, so almost impossible to get anything to stay still. Shot after shot of blurry blobosauruses (or nothing at all), but there was a meadow pipit who stayed on a bit of wire for just long enough. Doesn't really matter - it's just marvellous up there.

We'd driven up listening to Elgar's violin sonata. You look out over the hills as you listen, and it breaks your heart.

[owlice]

Still under siege, I'm swinging by to let you know about the following newly-named asteroids, as you will surely recognize at least some of the names:

(56018) Yujawang = 1998 VH4
Discovery: 1998-11-11 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Yuja Wang (b. 1987) is a Chinese American pianist known for her virtuosity and unique
interpretative style. Born in Beijing, she began studying piano at the Beijing Conservatory
before continuing her education at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Wang has
received numerous awards and has collaborated with major orchestras and conductors.

(56067) Argerich = 1998 YH2
Discovery: 1998-12-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Martha Argerich (b. 1941) is a world-renowned Argentine pianist celebrated for her
virtuosity and passionate performances. She began playing the piano at an early age and
trained both in her home country and in Europe. Her unique style and energetic stage
presence have made her an iconic figure in contemporary classical music.

(56095) Buniatishvili = 1999 BL6
Discovery: 1999-01-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Khatia Buniatishvili (b. 1987) is a renowned Georgian pianist celebrated for her
exceptional technique and musical expressiveness. Born in Tbilisi, she displayed
prodigious talent for the piano from a young age. Khatia has received numerous awards
and performed with leading orchestras worldwide, establishing herself as a prominent
figure in classical music.

(56170) Rolandovillazón = 1999 FK6
Discovery: 1999-03-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Rolando Villazón (b. 1972) is a renowned Mexican-French tenor celebrated for his
powerful voice and emotional expressiveness. He has performed in prestigious opera
houses like La Scala and the Met. Villazón is known for his interpretations of works by
Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, establishing himself as a prominent figure in classical music
and opera.

(56172) Véroniquesanson = 1999 FD7
Discovery: 1999-03-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Véronique Sanson (b. 1949) is a French singer-songwriter, regarded as one of the most
influential voices in Francophone music. Blending pop, rock, and chanson, she explores
themes of love and heartbreak, leaving an indelible mark on French music throughout her
career.

WGSBN Bull. 5, #17
(58606) Charlestrenet = 1997 TF27
Discovery: 1997-10-04 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Charles Trenet (1913–2001) was a French singer-songwriter and composer, renowned
as one of the greatest interpreters of French chanson. His works, including classics like
"La Mer" and "Boum!", blend poetry and melody. Trenet's legacy endures in music,
continuing to inspire generations.

[Elgarian Redux]

Still under siege, I'm swinging by to let you know about the following newly-named asteroids, as you will surely recognize at least some of the names:

(56018) Yujawang = 1998 VH4
Discovery: 1998-11-11 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Yuja Wang (b. 1987) is a Chinese American pianist known for her virtuosity and unique
interpretative style. Born in Beijing, she began studying piano at the Beijing Conservatory
before continuing her education at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Wang has
received numerous awards and has collaborated with major orchestras and conductors.

(56067) Argerich = 1998 YH2
Discovery: 1998-12-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Martha Argerich (b. 1941) is a world-renowned Argentine pianist celebrated for her
virtuosity and passionate performances. She began playing the piano at an early age and
trained both in her home country and in Europe. Her unique style and energetic stage
presence have made her an iconic figure in contemporary classical music.

(56095) Buniatishvili = 1999 BL6
Discovery: 1999-01-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Khatia Buniatishvili (b. 1987) is a renowned Georgian pianist celebrated for her
exceptional technique and musical expressiveness. Born in Tbilisi, she displayed
prodigious talent for the piano from a young age. Khatia has received numerous awards
and performed with leading orchestras worldwide, establishing herself as a prominent
figure in classical music.

(56170) Rolandovillazón = 1999 FK6
Discovery: 1999-03-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Rolando Villazón (b. 1972) is a renowned Mexican-French tenor celebrated for his
powerful voice and emotional expressiveness. He has performed in prestigious opera
houses like La Scala and the Met. Villazón is known for his interpretations of works by
Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, establishing himself as a prominent figure in classical music
and opera.

(56172) Véroniquesanson = 1999 FD7
Discovery: 1999-03-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Véronique Sanson (b. 1949) is a French singer-songwriter, regarded as one of the most
influential voices in Francophone music. Blending pop, rock, and chanson, she explores
themes of love and heartbreak, leaving an indelible mark on French music throughout her
career.

WGSBN Bull. 5, #17
(58606) Charlestrenet = 1997 TF27
Discovery: 1997-10-04 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Charles Trenet (1913–2001) was a French singer-songwriter and composer, renowned
as one of the greatest interpreters of French chanson. His works, including classics like
"La Mer" and "Boum!", blend poetry and melody. Trenet's legacy endures in music,
continuing to inspire generations.

Nice to know that Villazon and Argerich (the only two I know) are contributing to the music of the spheres. But it's not all gain from the cool names point of view: 1998YH2 and 1999FK6 were pretty far out.

[Elgarian Redux]

Out this morning to spend a few hours with our daughter's family, who are holidaying by a nearby lake, and far off I could see some duckosauruses that I couldn't identify. The photos were really just a matter of point, click, and hope, but just look at these guys. Great-crested grebe with its spectacular stripey juveniles, one of the shots catching - purely by chance - a spot of successful fishing. Dodgy photos (and over-sharpened) but weirdly gratifying.

[Kalevala]

Still under siege, I'm swinging by to let you know about the following newly-named asteroids, as you will surely recognize at least some of the names:

(56018) Yujawang = 1998 VH4
Discovery: 1998-11-11 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Yuja Wang (b. 1987) is a Chinese American pianist known for her virtuosity and unique
interpretative style. Born in Beijing, she began studying piano at the Beijing Conservatory
before continuing her education at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Wang has
received numerous awards and has collaborated with major orchestras and conductors.

(56067) Argerich = 1998 YH2
Discovery: 1998-12-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Martha Argerich (b. 1941) is a world-renowned Argentine pianist celebrated for her
virtuosity and passionate performances. She began playing the piano at an early age and
trained both in her home country and in Europe. Her unique style and energetic stage
presence have made her an iconic figure in contemporary classical music.

(56095) Buniatishvili = 1999 BL6
Discovery: 1999-01-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Khatia Buniatishvili (b. 1987) is a renowned Georgian pianist celebrated for her
exceptional technique and musical expressiveness. Born in Tbilisi, she displayed
prodigious talent for the piano from a young age. Khatia has received numerous awards
and performed with leading orchestras worldwide, establishing herself as a prominent
figure in classical music.

(56170) Rolandovillazón = 1999 FK6
Discovery: 1999-03-17 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Rolando Villazón (b. 1972) is a renowned Mexican-French tenor celebrated for his
powerful voice and emotional expressiveness. He has performed in prestigious opera
houses like La Scala and the Met. Villazón is known for his interpretations of works by
Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, establishing himself as a prominent figure in classical music
and opera.

(56172) Véroniquesanson = 1999 FD7
Discovery: 1999-03-20 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Véronique Sanson (b. 1949) is a French singer-songwriter, regarded as one of the most
influential voices in Francophone music. Blending pop, rock, and chanson, she explores
themes of love and heartbreak, leaving an indelible mark on French music throughout her
career.

WGSBN Bull. 5, #17
(58606) Charlestrenet = 1997 TF27
Discovery: 1997-10-04 / ODAS / Caussols / 910
Charles Trenet (1913–2001) was a French singer-songwriter and composer, renowned
as one of the greatest interpreters of French chanson. His works, including classics like
"La Mer" and "Boum!", blend poetry and melody. Trenet's legacy endures in music,
continuing to inspire generations.

Hello.  Hope that you are enjoying your vacation.

By the way, I think that you posted this in the wrong thread (vs. astronomy one). 

K

[owlice]

The siege has ended so now I have a little time for birds (and possibly a short nap). So much to respond to!

I thought the photo would show merely two blurry little blobs of coloured fluff, but I was luckier than that.

Kaleidosauruses.

A lovely shot of exotic Kaleidosauruses! And it shows off your camera very well, too; the birds are clear, though they are far away.

Could I talk a bit more about that fuzzy boundary? Some years ago I had some lengthy conversations with an artist, Briony Clarke, who'd devised a thing she called a Seafax.
...

The resulting images knocked me sideways. I don't think she'll mind if I post two of them here, because I'm extracting them from an article I wrote about her work. There are mysterious step-like features ('stairways to heaven' she once called them), and vortices - strange black holes that seem bottomless. I never saw one of these images that wasn't beautiful. Art from the ocean.

'But is it art?'

Have we not already determined -- or at least hinted -- that it is the viewer who decides? The sea might like a vote here but cannot speak except here in movement, where it has been quietly eloquent.

The inset image looks nearly biological to me.

I'd find them beautiful anyway, but my appreciation for them was enhanced by their back-story. The idea of the ocean 'dictating' the art like the human unconscious, was very appealing to me.

Yes, this was appealing to me, too, in part for the creativity of the idea and its execution.

Yes I see that. When you're photographing the bird, all your attention must be on that. Philosophising about whether you're engaged in art would seem to be a good way to ensure you don't get the shot!

Indeed!! And as I have so many ways to not get the shot, I do not need to add to that list!!

You are all observing.
'Where's my camera?' wailed the cormorant.

hahahaha!!! Oh, that's great!

We used to get cows in the field at the bottom of the garden, and they were guaranteed to come and peer over the hedge if I started playing. My wife captured one such moment - see below. What on earth was all that about? I never knew. But see how attentive they were! Best audience I ever had.

I love this!!!

Hahaha, that's absolutely hilarious, what a great photo! They really do look utterly bewitched by your playing!

^ All of that!!

When I read this my imagination became full of ballistas, broken battlements, and splintering drawbridges. I presume your actual seige is a gentler one?

No blood was drawn, but some of it might have been inconvenienced. That surely means the siege was gentler than what came to your mind!

Up on the moor again this morning. Quite a strong breeze, so almost impossible to get anything to stay still. Shot after shot of blurry blobosauruses (or nothing at all), but there was a meadow pipit who stayed on a bit of wire for just long enough. Doesn't really matter - it's just marvellous up there.

We'd driven up listening to Elgar's violin sonata. You look out over the hills as you listen, and it breaks your heart.

Beautiful pipit in a beautiful place!

Out this morning to spend a few hours with our daughter's family, who are holidaying by a nearby lake, and far off I could see some duckosauruses that I couldn't identify. The photos were really just a matter of point, click, and hope, but just look at these guys. Great-crested grebe with its spectacular stripey juveniles, one of the shots catching - purely by chance - a spot of successful fishing. Dodgy photos (and over-sharpened) but weirdly gratifying.

Oooooooooohhhh!!! Not dodgy at all, and you got grebes!!! Baby stripy grebes, and one of them being fed, at that!!! Wow!!!

[owlice]

I have scarcely been out; Canada is still burning, the plume is still here, and the air outside has been deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups (not that I am in a sensitive group). I did, however, meet a grad student on campus a few evenings ago; we sat on the library patio to watch for hummingbirds and saw ... one. One who flew in, looked around for the briefest of time, and flew away. No camera effort were expended, as its visit was so short.

Oh well. It was still lovely to sit there; the smoke was elsewhere that day, the temperature was comfortable, and campus was very quiet. We knew a Grey Catbird had a nest nearby, but we were unsuccessful in locating it (from a distance, as we didn't want to stress the bird).


We were also entertained by squirrels and chipmunks who occasionally came by to harvest rose hips.



Tomorrow, I hope to spend some time outside.

And I will take my camera. 

[Iota]

I have scarcely been out; Canada is still burning, the plume is still here, and the air outside has been deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups (not that I am in a sensitive group). I did, however, meet a grad student on campus a few evenings ago; we sat on the library patio to watch for hummingbirds and saw ... one. One who flew in, looked around for the briefest of time, and flew away. No camera effort were expended, as its visit was so short.

Oh well. It was still lovely to sit there; the smoke was elsewhere that day, the temperature was comfortable, and campus was very quiet. We knew a Grey Catbird had a nest nearby, but we were unsuccessful in locating it (from a distance, as we didn't want to stress the bird).


We were also entertained by squirrels and chipmunks who occasionally came by to harvest rose hips.



Tomorrow, I hope to spend some time outside.

And I will take my camera. 

Sorry to hear about the smoke problems, that must be really difficult! Hope it clears soon.

What captivating photos those are! How piercing the eyes of both the Catbird and chipmunk are, like black onyx, the blackness seems almost bottomless! It seems particularly intense in the Catbird, it's quite hypnotic!

[Elgarian Redux]

I've written a long post, but the board software says I'm 'FORBIDDEN' to post it. So I've saved the text and will try again tomorrow.

[Elgarian Redux]

It still won't let me submit my long post. How frustrating. What do I do? Break it into small sections and post them one at a time? Off to bed for now.

[Elgarian Redux]

The siege has ended so now I have a little time for birds (and possibly a short nap). So much to respond to!

I was never quite sure exactly what the siege was (Did I miss something you said? Was I obtuse?), but I presume you were trapped somewhere, in some way, by wildfires. Were you significantly at risk? I hope not! At any rate, it's very good to see you back here.

[Elgarian Redux]

Have we not already determined -- or at least hinted -- that it is the viewer who decides?

Well you did suggest that, and I might feel inclined to agree with you in principle, but what happens when different viewers reach different conclusions (as they surely do)? And does the artist have no say in whether his or her art is art? I'm not at all sure that there's a clear answer.

[Elgarian Redux]

The inset image looks nearly biological to me.

I enlarged the black hole/vortex to see if there was structure within it, but I thought the experiment inconclusive. The holes retained their mystique.

Yes, this was appealing to me, too, in part for the creativity of the idea and its execution.

I spent months - years - thinking about it, looking at it, writing articles about it, talking to Briony about it, and giving lectures on it, and my admiration simply grew throughout the process. Quite overwhelmed, some of the time. My daughter wrote to her asking if she could make something for me for my birthday, and Briony sent a lovely folder, containing about a dozen seafaxes. (Bear in mind that a seafax has two completely different sides.) The mystery multiplied.

One thing that seems relevant is the need to recognise that 'art' is understood to exist across a very wide spectrum when it comes to the input of the artist. At one end is the highly intrusive injection of the artist's temperament or character - I'm thinking of painters like Van Gogh. At the other is the virtual elimination of it in religious icon paintings, which are regarded as acheiropoietai, 'things made without hands'. The ideal icon (I am informed) is painted as if it were not made by an individual painter at all. Seems to me that the Seafaxes fall at that extreme end (acheiropoietai) of the artistic spectrum. And, bringing the discussion smoothly back on topic, this is the area where some of the wonderful bird photographs we've been seeing here might fall: at that same far end of the artistic spectrum: almost not art, but capable of affecting us as art, regardless.

[Elgarian Redux]

Oooooooooohhhh!!! Not dodgy at all, and you got grebes!!! Baby stripy grebes, and one of them being fed, at that!!! Wow!!!

But you see, I didn't know they were grebes. At that distance I just couldn't tell what they were (there were mallards and coots all over the place, and all I knew was that they were not like them), and the whole thing was an amazing fluke. I just gasped when the images came up on my computer.

[*Getting this all posted felt almost like a life's work - posting it in pieces, constantly getting the FORBIDDEN notice, and deleting stuff until it became permitted. There was no pattern that I could discern!]

[Elgarian Redux]

I have scarcely been out; Canada is still burning, the plume is still here, and the air outside has been deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups (not that I am in a sensitive group). I did, however, meet a grad student on campus a few evenings ago; we sat on the library patio to watch for hummingbirds and saw ... one. One who flew in, looked around for the briefest of time, and flew away. No camera effort were expended, as its visit was so short.

Oh well. It was still lovely to sit there; the smoke was elsewhere that day, the temperature was comfortable, and campus was very quiet. We knew a Grey Catbird had a nest nearby, but we were unsuccessful in locating it (from a distance, as we didn't want to stress the bird).

'From a distance', eh? What a lovely photograph, with the bird actually seeming to be shy.

We were also entertained by squirrels and chipmunks who occasionally came by to harvest rose hips.

The eyes!

Tomorrow, I hope to spend some time outside.

And I will take my camera. 

Yes. That's the advice I would give to any young person starting out in life. I wouldn't be seen outside without one, as you know.

[Elgarian Redux]

In desperation, I've switched from Firefox to Edge. See how that goes.

Addendum: AND I've now reported the problem in the bug report thread. That'll show 'em!

[owlice]

Least Sandpipers


There are at least two birds in this photo:


Vesper Sparrow

[Elgarian Redux]

Least Sandpipers

Rare! And Small!

There are at least two birds in this photo:

And at least 5 million bits of rock.

Vesper Sparrow

Cheepy and chirpy! Yet looking strangely knowing.

[Elgarian Redux]

There are at least two birds in this photo:

I can find two, but no more:

[owlice]

I can find two, but no more:

The Winner and Still Champion: Elgarian Redux!!!! Congrats!!!!

Also: "5 million rocks and 2 birds" hahahaha!!! Oh, that's great!!