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ventodue

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  1. [quote user="dave21478"]Just as a minor aside to the happy statistics though, a nearby farmers son was bitten some years ago and spent a good few days in intensive care, several weeks total in the hospital and permanently lost the hearing in one of his ears [/quote] Thanks for that Dave.  If you can find out more, I'd be interested.  You being in the Tarn, it's most likely he got bitten by an Asp.  Which is pretty unusual.  When feeling threatened but unable to flee, Asps normally coil themselves up tight and flatten themselves against the ground - and do nothing.  Which would suggest he was either extremely unlucky - i.e. inadvertently put his hand/foot directly on the snake.  Or was doing something he shouldn't have ...[:$]
  2. [quote user="idun"]So where is the best weather in France? [/quote] Ah, well - you'd have to define your terms first  [:D].  For example, if you don't like cold winters, then the coast of PACA could be it - after all, it was Brits fleeing the UK winters who started Nice on its merry way.  But you better like hot summers, if you want to stay there all year ... So how about Biarritz?  That has mild winters and summers that aren't so hot (this time, it was the Russians (amongst others) who discovered Biarritz).  On the other hand, you'd better like the rain ... Here - the littoral of l'Hérault - isn't so bad.  Winters are generally mild.  Altho' it can occasionally get down to -5 or lower, people still get their cameras out when it snows.  We also avoid the worst of both the Mistral and the Tramontane, unlike either Nimes for the former, or Narbonne for the latter.  We have neighbours who left the Var because of the Mistral ...  It doesn't get too hot during the summer, and  a trip to the beach brings the relief of a sea breeze.  And when it rains, it mostly does so in short downpours.  The locals stay indoors, knowing it will soon be over. Ah, did I mention rain?  Now we may have a problem ...  We're heading for a severe drought this year - didn't rain enuf this winter, you see. Mince! Mais bon - on peut pas tout avoir ...
  3. Crakpot, you're absolutely right! As was Les, in that he got the genus right! My bad - I apologize. Not Viperine at all. The fact that I'm writing this at some time past midnight might tell you that I knew I hadn't got it right ... I've just been looking at my old copy of Arnold and Burton's field guide and seen the illustration and description of juvenile Aesculapian. Thanks, Crakpot and Les!
  4. [quote user="PaulT"]People only normally get bitten because they accidentally tread on them / catch them unawares or interfere with them.[/quote] Certainly true here in Europe, Paul.  And just to bring a sense of proportion to the, "Are snakes dangerous?" question, I offer this piece of research I did: "In the 4 years between 1997 and 2001, the anti-poison centre at Lille Hospital, covering about ¼ of France, dealt with 39 cases of snake bite.  In other words, fewer than 10 cases a year.  80% of the cases were minor and all the patients were treated successfully. No-one died.  In contrast: in 2010 alone, 3,994 people died on French roads."   I have read that more people die from wasp stings in France each year than from snake bites ... [:-))]
  5. [quote user="Sprogster"]Pat, Cannes is in the Alpes-Maritime ..[/quote] And Marseille is in the Bouches-du-Rhône [:-))] Better get back to them geography textbooks, Pat!
  6. [quote user="vette"]It could be a Rat Snake, Zamenis situla <snip> [/quote] They'd have to be escapes, Les.  The native distribution of  European Ratsnake, Zamenis situla, is Albania; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Greece; Italy; Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of; Malta; Montenegro; Turkey; Ukraine. (Source: IUCN Ref List, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/61444/0) The native Zamenis  is Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian snake.  But I don't think these are that species?  The skin of Aesculapian tends to be more uniform ... But I stand to be corrected [:)]. Craig
  7. Hi Dave, Let's try and sort this for you.  First off, a Big Thanks to Betty for posting the link to Chris' site. [quote user="dave21478"]Are they the bitey kind or not? Should I be worried?[/quote] No and no.  There are effectively only 2 species of poisonous snake in France: Adder, Vipera berus, the same species as occurs in the UK.  However, it isn't found where you are in the Tarn.  And Asp, Vipera aspis. This does occur in the Tarn, but it is very secretive and hard to find, even when you know where to look.  So no need to worry. [quote user="dave21478"]This year there are lots of these in and around my garage. They are about the diameter of a pencil and maybe eight inches long. [/quote] 'tis the time of year - these are youngsters.  Is your garage near water, btw?  Which brings me to species ... I'm thinking these are young Viperine snakes, Natrix maura.  The Natrix in the scientific name tells you that they are closely related to Grass snake.  They're called 'Viperine' because their markings can resemble that of a 'true' viper, the Adder.  However, snakes can vary a lot in their appearance, individual to individual: basically, what you look like isn't very important to a snake, at least not between one snake and another.  Instead, they identify and distinguish themselves by smell and what we can satisfy ourselves be calling 'taste'.  Appearance is therefore mainly for camoflage, both against predators and for prey.  And can therefore vary a lot. [quote user="dave21478"]I know nothing about the slithery things apart from the fact that I dont like them.[/quote] Hopefully we can change your mind.  Snakes are wonderful things, much mis-understood.  Almost all the species here in France are in decline, partly because of the widespread ignorance about them. HTH Craig
  8. Hope so.  In the meanwhile, you might want to look at this, an advice note from the Garden Bird Health Initiative on how to respond to a possible outbreak of Trichomoniasis.  Basically, you should stop feeding for a couple of weeks. http://www.ufaw.org.uk/documents/GBHi_Trichomonasadvicesheet_Sep06.pdf  
  9. [quote user="johnycarper"]No, these all have feathers and can fly a short distance .. [/quote] Ok, ta John - that was the assumption I'd made. [quote user="johnycarper"]... but then seem to sit on the floor and after a while start shaking and then die.  I think it must be a viral type thing [/quote] Yeah, I suspect you're not far off the truth - poisoning, infection, that kind of thing.  The question is, why is it only the fledglings that seem to be affected? (I say, 'seem', because it's possible that adults may also be dieing, but they're doing so out of your view).   And how come the chicks have got thru to this age, and not croaked earlier?  That would suggest either an infection with a fairly long incubation period.  Or that something new has arrived in their environment. Maybe someone has sprayed pesticide/herbicide over their food source?  This isn't a great time of year for seed-eaters, so the choice of food source may be limited.  You could try getting some niger/nyjer/nijer* (spell it as you like ...) seed and seeing if they show any interest. And don't forget a little water in a shallow saucer, too - dehydration also causes small bird mortality. * Or any similar small seed: one of the mixes sold in your local garden centre for canaries will do the job.
  10. [quote user="Patf"]Maybe they shouldn't be "sitting on the floor" at their stage of development. They should still be in the nest.[/quote] Ooh, good point, Pat.  I shouldn't jump to conclusions ...[;-)] John, when you say 'baby birds', do you mean birds that already have a fair sprouting of feathers?  Or are they still (more or less) naked?
  11. I'd be surprised if it was Cuckoo parasitism, Andy: 1.  The young Cuckoo ejects its 'siblings' much earlier, i.e. either as eggs or as nestlings, not as fledglings. EDIT:  BUT see my next posting ...[:$] If it waited that long, it couldn't hog all the food that its foster parents bring - which it needs to, to be able to grow big enuf to migrate. 2.  Greenfinch is not a normal host of Cuckoo.  I quote: "Finches were very uncommon hosts in these B.T.O. data, only three species (all Carduelinae) being involved:  Linnet, Carduelis cannabina; Greenfinch, C. chloris; Bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula and each having very low rates of parasitism (0.1% or less).  None was recorded as rearing the parasite successfully." Source: "Cuckoos reared by unusual hosts in Britain", http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00063658109476729) That said, I have checked and it appears that fledgling Greenfinches are fed on seeds, not insects (unlike, for example, Chaffinches).  So the mystery remains ...
  12. [quote user="johnycarper"]Yes, they are Greenfinches ... <snip> [/quote] Ok, that's useful to know. If it's just the fledglings that are dieing, that suggests a feeding problem.  For example, high fledgling mortality in some small bird species has been linked to an absence of insects at the time when they leave the nest. Another thought is that Greenfinches (and Chaffinches) can suffer from a disease called 'Finch trichomonosis'.  It's caused by a protozoal parasite, Trichomonas gallinae, whch most commonly infects pigeons and doves, but can jump species. There was a significant outbreak of the disease in the wild finch population in the UK during the mid-2000s. However, that doesn't explain why it's only the fledgings that are dieing - unless they are particularly vulnerable to it (which I don't know). But whatever it is, I supect there's nothing you can do, I'm afraid.  It will be interesting to see if the parents try to second brood.    
  13. Difficult to say ... The 'shaking' you describe could either be normal begging behaviour ... or it could be symptomatic of some kind of poisoning, most likely parasitic or fungal in origin.  Are the parents trying to feed the fledglings at all? P.s. It might help if we can get the species defined (there's no such bird as a yellow finch). Have a look on tinternet at pictures of Greenfinch - here for example: http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greenfinch/ ... and say if that's what they are.  (Unusual for Greenfinch to be nesting in a barn wall, tho'.  They normally nest in bushes ...) A+ Craig  
  14. [quote user="Pierre ZFP"]I did find a list once of things you are not allowed to plant  (can I find it again? No! ) <snip>[/quote] Interesting, Pierre ZFP.  I’ve not seen a list of plants you’re not allowed to plant in your garden - except Cannabis sativa, of course [:)].  Would love to know more, and how such a ban operates in practice …   As regards the natural environment, to the best of my knowledge, the only plants whose “commercialisation, l'utilisation et l'introduction dans le milieu naturel” is forbidden in France are two species of Water purslanes (or Water primrose), specifically Ludwigia grandiflora and L. peploides.    The French vernacular name for these plants is Jussie à grande fleurs and Jussie rampante respectively.  Both are exotic invaders who proliferate quickly, blocking waterways and impoverishing the native flora and fauna.  They are prescribed by the Arrêté du 2 mai 2007 issued under Article L411-3 of the Code de l’environment.   On the other hand, in the UK there’s a whole list of invasive/exotic plant species whose  “introduction into the wild” is (theoretically) prohibited.  The best known are probably Himalyan Balsam, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed.   The prohibition is made under Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Protection Act, and the species concerned are listed under Schedule 9, Part 2. (Go http://www.ukwildlife.com/index.php/wildlife-countryside-act-1981/schedule-9/schedule-9-part-2/).   Craig    
  15. Well, I'm not sure you can BAN a particular species of plant, Mrs Trellis [:)].  But you can authorise its destruction. The national list of those plants thought worthy of this distinction is established by the Version consolidée au 22 septembre 2013 of this:  "Arrêté du 31 juillet 2000 établissant la liste des organismes nuisibles aux végétaux, produits végétaux et autres objets soumis à des mesures de lutte obligatoire."   And there we find the following species listed, against which " ... la lutte est obligatoire sous certaines conditions": ·        Cirsium arvense (Chardon des champs/Creeping Thistle) ; ·        Cuscuta spp. (Cuscute/Dodder) ; ·        Orobanche minor, Orobanche cernua, Orobanche crenata et Orobanche ramosa (Orobanches/Broomrapes) ; ·        Viscum album (Gui/Mistletoe)   So maybe your OH has been meticulously aiming his destructive tendencies against these very species?  However, the more normal method is for their destruction to be authorised on an annual basis at département level via an arrêté préfectoral.  Here's the one for Creeping Thistle from L'Ain in 2008, for example: http://www.ain.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/APdestruction_chardons.pdf
  16. Hi Chris, Chancer has explained the situation pretty well : there are only 2 manufacturers in Laguiole itself.  The only thing I would contest is the assertion that they are assembling "Chinese made parts".  That isn't the impression given by this 5 minute video here, shot in 2012 for the TV programme Echappées Belles. http://education.francetv.fr/videos/aveyron-laguiole-et-ses-coutelleries-v111943 Do note however, that the guy does say that the only piece they don't make on site is ...  the corkscrew itself! HTH Craig
  17. Thanks for the update.  Frustrating, if not unexpected, I guess ... Craig
  18. [quote user="Mrs Trellis"]Has anyone bought headlights this way? [/quote] Yup - bought the ones for our Hyundai from an eBay seller in Germany [:D].  Fitted 'em myself by the side of the road - 'twas only a couple of screws. Craig
  19. I'll be interested to hear how this develops, Gardian.  From what I understand, if he is clear felling to use the land for some purpose other than forestry, then he needs to have got an "Autorisation de défrichement".  However, if he doesn't intend using the land for a non-forestry operation, then he doesn't. Because in that case, the operation isn't considered a "défrichement" but a "déboissement". Have a look at the link below, from which this: "À savoir : la destruction accidentelle ou volontaire du boisement ne fait pas disparaître la destination forestière d'un terrain, si elle est suivie d'un renouvellement par replantation ou régénération naturelle. Il ne s'agit alors pas de défrichement, mais de déboisement. C'est bien le fait qu'il y ait changement de destination qui détermine s'il y a défrichement." http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/professionnels-entreprises/F31667.xhtml [quote user="Patf"]Eventually it dawned on me to ask if this was allowed and I was told "in principle no, you haven't the right," because each section belongs to a private individual.  I thought before that that the woods belong to the commune and the people who live there. [/quote] Hi Pat, Most woodland in France is privately owned.  I quote: "En effet, la forêt française est privée à 74 %, soit près de 11 millions d'hectares sur les 15 millions de la forêt française. La forêt privée occupe 20 % du territoire national." http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/For%C3%AAt_priv%C3%A9e_fran%C3%A7aise Craig
  20. [quote user="woolybanana"]If a rent is considered too high, the tenant may appeal to the local commune who can reduce it. [/quote] Careful here, Wooly. 1.  The rent control provision only applies in 'les zones tendues'*, not everywhere. 2.  And the level of rent is established by the préfet, not the commune. But what IS unclear is just how the préfet will set this loyer médian de référence.  Now, while the law provides for the establishment of un observatoire local des loyers to provide the information needed, it seems that this information will include the rents operating in the state, i.e, the subsidised, sector - not just the private market.  So that raises the question of how to reconcile a private sector rental of say, 300 euros against a subsidised rental for similar accommodation at 150 euros.  I think you can see the problem .... All Mme Duflot has said at the moment is that: " Une instruction sera adressée aux préfets de région au cours du premier semestre 2014 pour généraliser ce dispositif aux 28 agglomérations concernées par l’encadrement des loyers." Like I said earlier; it's a mess ... * Currently:  "28 agglomérations de plus de 50 000 habitants où il existe un déséquilibre marqué entre l'offre et la demande de logements (et qui sont à ce titre soumises à la taxe sur les logements vacants) : Ajaccio, Annecy, Arles, Bastia, Bayonne, Beauvais, Bordeaux, Draguignan, Fréjus, Genève-Annemasse, Grenoble, La Rochelle, La Teste-de-Buch – Arcachon, Lille, Lyon, Marseille – Aix-en-Provence, Meaux, Menton – Monaco, Montpellier, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Saint-Nazaire, Sète, Strasbourg, Thonon-les-Bains, Toulon, Toulouse.  Un décret fixera la liste des communes comprises dans ces zones."
  21. [quote user="PaulT"]:Perhaps the reason is that, as a UK resident, it would be financially advantageous to me to have a French registered car and use it in both France and UK - it would save me £260 per annum Road Fund Licence.[/quote] That is EXACTLY the reason, Paul.  Think of the loss to the UK Exchequer if every UK resident was able to register his/her vehicle in some other European country where there was no road tax ....[:-))] (In other words: it's a British problem, not a French one ...)
  22. It's a mess. 1.  A landlord is now not obliged to enter the 'garantie universelle des loyers' scheme, but can still ask for caution instead.  Given the many uncertainties around the functioning of the GUL, not least its financing (see below), I suspect many will continue to do so - which will only create more confusion in the market. 2.  As Pickles pointed out, the financing of the GUL scheme is completely obscure.  Cécile Duflot has estimated the cost at 420m€, a sum which is meant to be "financé par des économies sur des dépenses actuelles de l’État, des organismes HLM et des collectivités territoriales".  Yeah, right ... 3.  On a general matter of principle, I contest the idea that relieving a tenant of his/her responsibility for not paying rent is a 'Good Thing'. We are a long way from the original 'Bright Idea' of Mme. Duflot, namely to do something about the perceived high rents in certain French cities, notably Paris.  For reasons of political ideology and simple practicality, Mme. Duflot chose to ignore the painful truth that this situation is a consequence of the imbalance in supply and demand - for many years now, France has failed to build enuf housing to meet the needs of its increasing, and increasingly urbanised, population.  And this law will, as Pickles points out, only exacerbate this situation by limiting the amount of private investment in new housing.  Which is already happening.  I quote: «En 2014, nos ventes de logements devraient baisser de 10 à 12%, affirme François Payelle, président de la FPI (Fédération des promoteurs immobiliers). Elles oscilleront donc entre 65.500 et 67.500 unités. On n'était jamais descendu aussi bas depuis 1995; mais à l'époque, la France comptait 56 millions d'habitants contre 67 millions aujourd'hui.» Source: http://www.lefigaro.fr/immobilier/2014/02/13/05002-20140213ARTFIG00188-logement-neufs-les-ventes-plongent-encore.php
  23. Of course!  'Climbs walls, brings food back, eats both apples and fat balls ...'. Ta Chris! Look for droppings in your loft, Patrick - like mouse, but larger and normally in piles.  Plenty of piccies/info on Tinternet. Craig
  24. [quote user="JandM"]Anyone know anything about chemins rurals? <snip>[/quote] Have a look here, James.  It's from the on-line advisory site for local élu(e)s, put up by the Caisse des Dépots - so it should be reliable: http://www.mairieconseils.net/cs/ContentServer?pagename=Mairie-conseils/MCQuestRep/FicheReponse&cid=1250265951121 The first para says most - my underlining: "Les chemins ruraux sont les chemins appartenant aux communes, affectés à l'usage du public, qui n'ont pas été classés comme voies communales (code rural et de la pêche maritime, art. L.161-1). Ils appartiennent au domaine privé de la commune et leur entretien ne figure pas au nombre des travaux constituant une dépense obligatoire pour les communes. Le Maire est pour sa part, chargé de la police et de la conservation de ces chemins (art. L.161-5)." So, first off, you need to establish whether or not your chemin is, or isn't, a voie communale. For that, there's some info here, for example: http://www.bagnolsenforet.fr/pdfdivers/voiecommunale.pdf ... which leads us to the 'Real Thing, namely: http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=D607C1CD6C96290FB4C666A266AE8BBF.tpdjo03v_1?idSectionTA=LEGISCTA000006149505&cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070667&dateTexte=20080505 ... which, in Article L141-3, states that: "Le classement et le déclassement des voies communales sont prononcés par le conseil municipal." So a visit to the Mairie would seem to be in order ...[:D] HTH Craig  
  25. [quote user="bixy"]Also, I doubt very much if a fouine would be interested in apples. [/quote] Well, yeah - he/she would/might, Patrick.  Stone (aka Beech) Martens aka Fouines, Martes foina, are omnivores rather than strict carnivores - in fact, it's one of the species' ecologial separators from Pine Martens. Dunno about the origin of the lump of fat, mind ...  [:)] Craig
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