First swifts seen

Although they have been around for about a week, yesterday I saw my first swifts this season. 

They are back from Africa, but stop just long enough to breed, i.e. just a few months. By mid July most have gone south again until next spring.

Often they are heard before they are seen. They scream around the sky in feeding parties.

Sunspots - Friday May 8th

 Solar flux is 117 and the SSN 59. A=7 and K=2.

10m 3W FT8 (Thursday)

 Very briefly, I went on 10m 3W FT8 just after breakfast, although I have been on 10m WSPR most of the day including now.  It is evident that we are now in the Es season.

Trump and Times Radio

It appears President Trump thinks a peace deal in Iran is very close. 

I seem to remember he said he could stop the Ukraine war (sorry special military operation) in 24 hours. Four years later we are still waiting....

Politics is complicated and advisors advise for a reason.

Anglesey Abbey, UK

 

This is Anglesey Abbey this morning. This is the water mill and its mill leat.

What is the best entry level HF transceiver?

People often question what HF transceiver is the best to buy at entry level. Now the IC7300 is available as a Mk2, the Mk1, which has sold over 100k units worldwide, is available readily on the second hand market.

10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)

Most of the day I have been on 10m WSPR TX.

UPDATE 1725z: 16 stations have spotted me, mostly European by Es. Furthest is 4X1DA (3592km).  See map.

Sunspots - Thursday May 7th

Solar flux is 120 and the SSN 105.  A=3 and K= 0.

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

 At about 1905z, I went on 10m WSPR. It is probably too late.

UPDATE 2004z: No spots.

Is Russia hurting?

 The indicators appear to be indicating this?