Bicycles, birds, and mathematicians

We’ve just returned from a very enjoyable departmental party at Ben’s work. The pure maths department is very small so it was a small and friendly gathering. There were some other kids there and they paired up with our kids and spent the time tearing about the place and burning off energy. We cycled there and home again and it was glorious. I love cycling so much.

The dome-shaped building in the background is the home of pure mathematics and engineering at the University of Aberdeen.

Their common room opens onto a nice little courtyard where some birds nest every year. There were two chicks there. I have no idea what type of birds they are. Does anyone know?

Here’s one of the parents:

Posted

June 5, 2015

Journal

Rachel M

Tags:

bakfiets, birds, cargo bikes, cycling, nesting, party, University of Aberdeen

Comments

15 responses to “Bicycles, birds, and mathematicians”

Denise

June 5, 2015

I like that building, with the grassy area too and so sweet to have birds there.

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 6, 2015
  
  It is a nice building which is a change from the usual buildings that mathematics departments can be found in.
  
  Apparently these birds nest here every year but last year seagulls ate the chicks. I think the chicks are probably too big now for that to happen this year.
  
  Reply
diessoli

June 5, 2015

They look like Oystercatchers to me.
D.

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 6, 2015
  
  Thank you. You’re right!
  
  Reply
TanGental

June 6, 2015

Yes oystercatchers http://www.arkive.org/oystercatcher/haematopus-ostralegus/image-A9705.html

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 6, 2015
  
  Yes, they look just like them. Thanks!
  
  Reply
anniegoldfisher

June 6, 2015

When I read, ‘Here’s one of the parents’, I was expecting to see a human. 🙂

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 6, 2015
  
  lol The birds were much more exciting than the human parents 🙂
  
  Reply
PedalWORKS

June 6, 2015

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think you have helmets on your kids. And yet Mom goes unprotected 🙂 Maybe you are wearing one of those invisible helmets.

My sons partner has just completed her PhD and is looking for a teaching position at one of the local universities. She told me last evening that her father, who is chemistry professor in Germany, works closely with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen, and said it is beautiful there – one of his favourite spots. You have certainly confirmed that.

Next time I hope to see you with a helmet 🙂

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 6, 2015
  
  Aberdeen University is really nice. There’s a lovely park just next door and it’s a huge park. The University is full of lovely old and modern buildings. I’m not such a huge fan of modern buildings but Aberdeen has some nice ones.
  
  Reply
  1. PedalWORKS
    
    June 6, 2015
    
    I love universities. Full of positive energy. I am at UBC right now having a coffee after a great ride around its perimeter in fast smooth hilly roads 😃
Kit Carruthers

June 7, 2015

There is a pair of oystercatchers rearing a chick on the roof right outside my office window. The peep peep peep peeping noises are the most f****** annoying things ever when you’re chest deep in thesis writing! But they are cute 🙂

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 7, 2015
  
  haha. When I went outside to take a photo of the chicks it felt a bit like playing a game of hot and cold. As I got closer to the chicks the peep peep from the parents got faster and faster. As I moved further away it slowed down.
  
  Reply
Chait

June 12, 2015

Uni looks well maintained. Lawns are pristine.

Reply
1. Rachel M
  
  June 12, 2015
  
  The grass in the photo is fake grass 🙂
  
  Reply