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ONE HUGE SCREAM!!
Things have been so hectic recently but I am starting to see everything getting back to normal! Work’s craziness is over, banding data has been going good and I don’t have many obligations for the next few months. My current goal is to get back to birding, nature photography and do some real writing here on this blog.
Four Hungry Barn Swallows
I have been just dieing to just sit back and enjoy the birds that are around me. Take for example these nesting Barn Swallows that I probably walk past daily! This is their second clutch and I had yet to bring my camera with me when peaking into the nest. I always say, “Why didn’t I bring my camera, Mary would love these guys”! Today I remembered my camera and to be honest . . . . I had full intentions on band the nestlings . . . . but I think they are still a few days too young.
Sorry, the video wasn’t framed good and it was way too dark!!
This above video will probably be my last video via dial-up internet!! Yes, I will be soon connected via satellite internet!! I was scheduled to receive it today but the installer called to reschedule for Saturday (grr, will get the full scoop tomorrow on why he had to reschedule)!! DSL and Cable modem isn’t an option where I live, Cell One (cell phone provider) sucks because they can provide me with an express card to work with my computer and I am just sick of dial-up connection. I didn’t want to bite the bullet with the cost of satellite but without a doubt it will be 35 times better than dial-up!! I shouldn’t jinks myself posting this since they have not installed it yet (and then find out that they can’t install it for some dumb reason)!! Just can’t keep the secret any longer (I know many of you are probably wondering why I didn’t post “its here?”)!
Smile Tom – Your satellite internet will be here tomorrow!
I just can’t wait till tomorrow; I have some awesome hummingbird videos that I have been dieing to upload once I have a faster connection!! I promise that I will be doing more with this blog once the high speed is finally here! YEAH!!
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Wow great close-ups of these cute little birdies! Hope everything goes well with your satellite connection tomorrow! YAY!
10 August 2007 at 8:47 pm
OMG Loki sure perked up when I played the video, can’t wait to see the hummers. Fingers crossed that everything goes exceedingly well on installation day!
10 August 2007 at 9:00 pm
Congratulations Tom….I know you will love the high-speed (I sure do). It’s definitely worth the $26.99 a month lifetime rate that QWEST has guaranteed me (that rate is what hooked me and then after getting it found out how much I loved it).
10 August 2007 at 9:56 pm
I hope your reading this on a really fast connection. I love the picture of the barn swallow yelling.
10 August 2007 at 11:32 pm
Best of luck with the installation tomorrow! There is no going back to dial-up. I am continually amazed at how much you’ve been able/willing to do with dial-up. You will be so delighted with REAL internet! 🙂
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a funnier, more compelling picture than that barn swallow in the first picture.
FEED ME! NOW!!!
11 August 2007 at 12:58 am
great shots… they do get your attention don’t they?
11 August 2007 at 5:07 am
@ Pam, thanks and so don’t I!!
@ Marg – very cool with your Loki!! The hummingbird shots are fun (but long)!! Dial up people, shouldn’t try this at home!
@ Ruthie – 26.99$ per month, what?? That is crazy, I am paying almost 3X that! Plus the start up cost! Grr..
@ Barb – still waiting for the guy to show up this morning! It’s almost 8 and he better not make me wait all morning!
@ Liz – thanks but will have it for back up for when the dish is down (will barrow the service from my parents)! REAL internet, that’s a way to sell it to people!! I WANT IT!! LOL BTW: I edited that shot by mistake and loved it!!
@ aullori – thanks and they sure do!
11 August 2007 at 7:44 am
I wanted to say hi and introduce myself.
I first came across your blog just after the Nature Pilgrimage my husband and I attended. I am loving your photos and will be looking forward to your videos once you get high speed. How wonderful it is to get such great close-up photos of the birds. I am sitting here giggling over these babies.
Toni
11 August 2007 at 10:02 am
Love it – their gapes are such an unmissable target for their parents! Great photos, Tom!
11 August 2007 at 10:38 am
Awesome pics…love ’em. I agree, that’s a potent scream. I’m getting that those gaping wide beaks are so speaking about expressing one’s creativity … Go for it, speak up, speak out, and stop holding back 🙂 Yesssss!
11 August 2007 at 1:28 pm
Oh boy… you’ll be zoooooming along Tom and wondering how you ever did without it! Love the sweet swallows! Congrats!!
11 August 2007 at 4:15 pm
Hi Tom – I loved those pix and video of the barn swallows. I’m ready to see your hummer videos! ;o) I’m so glad you are getting satellite for your connection. We switched from DSL to cable recently, and we notice the difference in download speed even between these two services. I had dial-up ages ago, and would never go back. Now you can check out my video of my fledgling house finch! My jaw dropped when Ruthie mentioned what she pays. When we checked into satellite it was going to cost around $60-65/month just for internet, and we would have had to get a new satellite dish as well.
11 August 2007 at 5:08 pm
@ Toni – thanks for visiting and wasn’t the Nature Pilgrimage the best? Hope you are coming back next year (be sure to say hello)! Ugg, still working on the satellite . . been almost 8 hours now! Hope he doesn’t have to come back tomorrow and is able to get it tonight!
@ Adam – thanks and they are soo easy to capture with their mouths open like this!
@ Dovelove – thanks and I liked that scream also!
@ Sharon – still waiting, taking longer than normal, signal is goofy I guess??
@ Janye – I sure hope I am, thanks!
@ Mary C. thanks and those hummer videos will be a 5 star for sure! I don’t have the DSL or Cable option and Satellite is my only option at this point! Ya, I got a bigger package than what you saw! It’s expensive for sure!
11 August 2007 at 9:15 pm
Oh, Tom. I hope everything went well today :o) And thanks for those wonderful little Barn Swallows on video! I remember their sweetness and eager chirps so well… I miss them. Messy little babies, but I’d have them back here unconditionally. You are a blessing.
11 August 2007 at 10:58 pm
Here’s hoping you’re no longer dial-up. Awesome photo of the baby barn swallows – you do capture the moment!
12 August 2007 at 1:32 am
Oh, the sweetness of the babes!
The video is grand!
Always your photos are fun.
You will enjoy high speed. Makes the entire process of posting easy.
Sherry
12 August 2007 at 1:41 pm
@ Mary – thanks but still waiting!! Almost been 3 hours today he has been working on it! Hope it happens soon! I just knew you would love these guys!
@ LostRoses – thanks and still waiting to get off dial-up (still on it)!
@ Sherry – thanks and can’t wait for it!
12 August 2007 at 5:33 pm
Man-those guys have some mouths on them!-Cool Pics!
12 August 2007 at 6:35 pm
I loved the video with their scruffy little topknots back lit. Too cute:0) Good luck with the internet transition.
13 August 2007 at 6:38 pm
Tom
Could I use your second photo of all the babies screaming as reference for an illustration?
Email me or I will check back here for your reply.
thanks, toni
14 August 2007 at 6:52 am
Larry and Cathy – thanks for your kind words as always!
Toni – already emailed you!
14 August 2007 at 12:13 pm