Friday 23 October 2009

Stunner

Skulked off work this pm for a few hours on Cemetery Watch.  Thought I'd try Blyth first for the Black Redstart.  Arrived just after 2pm and was enthused that Northumbrian Birder's car was outside.  Wandered in and in the NW corner was 'himself' and a stunning male bird.  Very mobile, elusive at times, but frequent short glimpses kept the interest up.  After NB left, I remained there and got more views.  Brilliant.

And now the competition.  Spot the bird.  It is there.  Honest!


Sunday 18 October 2009

Off The Rails

Nothing too inspiring coming off Birdguides today.  There was a Pectoral Sandpiper at St Mary's, presumably the wetland, but annoyingly, the location was vague.  In fact, very vague.  To simply say, 'One present' is poor.  'One on the Wetland.'  Better.  'One on the south end of the wetland.'  Better still.  Whilst part of learning is to seek and find, sometimes time is of the essence.  Anyway, rant No. 1 over.

Rant No. 2?  People who let their dog crap everywhere.  If I can pick Lil's up, why can't others.  I am sick of standing in it or worse, trying to stop 'Herself' eating the feckin' stuff.

Rant No. 3?  Feckin' amateur footballers who leave energy drink bottles littering public fields.  And worse, the caps and covers that one day will choke a dog.  If I let mine sh*te on their pitch, they'd be livid.  But it's OK for them to leave the bi-products of their hobby lying about.

Rant No. 4?  The 'gentlemen' who frequent Arcot Lane and Lake.  I am all for live and let live, but this afternoon it was like Piccadilly Circus.  I am tired of being embarrassed about who is behind me (no comments, please) when I am trying to watch the feathered friends.  And who knows what comes into view when scanning the bushes!

WHIE today - never before have so many Jackdaws, Woodies and BHGs been in the air at once.  Amazing.  Move over Hitchcock! 

Arcot this afternoon - Teal and Mallards, Crows, Jackdaws and Magpies, BHGs, HGs and CGs, Snipe and Moorhen and a Water Rail up and down the west bank.  Best views I have ever had.  Superb!  And I know you are asking, 'Where's the pathetic photo?'  Not to disappoint, voila!