#31 BACK ON THE HOME FRONT - 19 JUNE, 2024
WHAZAMMO AND THE GILLIG #31 (Click the "MORE POSTS" link at the bottom to find Post #1)
The events that direct our lives... BACK ON THE HOME FRONT
Part of, the essence of, building the GILLIG, buying the GILLIG, and planning the future with the GILLIG revolves around selling the current habitat... our 40 foot TOLLYCRAFT, and making the transition boat-to-coach.
At the turn of 2024 Whazammo's "read" of the American situational dilemma was such that the February entrance of the GILLIG entered...with exit plans from the boat and Florence set for August 15th-to September 5th (after Labor Day), if you are following this blog you know 1/2 of the story.
The other half takes place aboard the Motor Vessel So...fea, and really is quite simple, the prep for selling, sorting, and transfer after 8 years aboard, is somewhat thrilling, yet emotional as well, as you create a new home and identity aboard the GILLIG. The kitties, the marine-specific stuff, and the time consumption is fully consuming.
And, this week-end we added in a biggie.
On Sunday afternoon we had a boat sale showing scheduled for 1400, so, it was a 0900-1300 top-to-bottom on deck scrub and wash down, after 1600 or so the tour was over, we had spent time admiring the view from the upper (flying) bridge deck, which becomes note worthy.
Back to the GILLIG all day on Monday, and then it happened ! 0500 Tuesday I am awakened by the kitties raising hell, and a ruckus up on top, I go up to investigate... from 1600 Sunday to 0500 Tuesday (35 hours) Mr. and Mrs. Seagull were building a nest on the upper bridge dash, NO-NO, I chased them off... there was debris (sticks, dirt, grass, rope, paper, crab shells scattered everywhere !
I got a big garbage bag, cleaned the deck, dash, and seating up, then went to dump the main nest into the bag... there was an egg ! (which explained the constant dive bombing I was enduring), I dumped the garbage bag atop the nest and retreated, now not wanting to disturb the nest.
How sweet ! <S> If you are not familiar with Federal law... Seagull nests are among those protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), you can discourage a bird that has just "started" building a nest (before it lays any eggs), and, an inactive nest (no eggs or young) can be removed, but an active nest cannot, it is illegal to disturb an active nest, even if it is in an inconvenient location (like this Seagull nest on my flying bridge), without a permit from the U.S. FWS and from the State of Oregon also. Permits are seldom granted.
Seagulls typically breed once a year, with their breeding season usually beginning in April and lasting through August. They build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young during this period. It’s worth noting that the exact timing of the breeding season can vary slightly based on geographical location and specific seagull species. However, it’s best to assume that any seagull nest you encounter during these months likely has active eggs or chicks inside.
Seagull eggs take about three weeks to hatch, and chicks usually leave the nest after 5–6 weeks... do the math, 19 June +3 +6 weeks = the 22nd of August ! SOOO, how do you sell a boat, have potential owners tour, and accommodate Mrs. Seagull ? Sorry, but you cannot go up on deck... we have a nesting seagull ! How respectful are potential buyers going to be to the marine environment and the Seagulls ?
Our end of the dock, quiet, remote, no pedestrian traffic location makes us a Gull haven (it is also illegal to feed gulls as well).
It is an omen, a sign, a blessing of nature to have a mini-brained bird trust you enough to build a nest so close, years ago in the woods above our bus we had a Brown Falcon build a nest and raise one chick, it was thirty feet above our entry and fire ring, she watched us every night for five months (we watched each other).
And so, we have noises above us, but, we must let it go, and take steps to prevent next year's return... after 7 years here, a Seagull nest ! Is there a message here?
We have lost a full week to this boat sales effort, and the Gull will most likely now end the visitations, so, next week... it's back to the GILLIG ! (we needed a break anyway).
We worry about our super great harbor 1 hour long fireworks show coming up, we have the best viewpoint in the harbor... what will Mr. and Mrs. Seagull do ??
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