Who(op)per!

New computer and Windows 8 and too many new toys has made what was an easy process of cropping crap photos a right toil. Anyway, added a few Lifers to the list this week, starting with Pallid Swift on Saturday but dipped the Bonelli's Warbler, Boooo! Managed to get to Howick on Tuesday for this beauty: Managed views of the Pallas's this morning but not a hope of even a record shot. And now 133 for the patch this year thanks to six of these at Arcot this afternoon:

Creative Accounting

With news from Mr Sometimes that Gannets were viewable from the northern-most boundary of the patch, off for a few local Lifers. He had also had Kittiwakes and Fulmars. In 20 minutes, managed the former two but not the Fulmar and that was with the scope on 60x and with a touch of eye-strain. Back and out 'mit Hund', and Pinkies over in two skeins, heading south. So 132 for the year, but my list to the right of this post will not update. Bollocks!

Memorable Experience With Three Birds

Spent today over at The Lakes taking belated advantage of a 2012 Christmas present before the year ends. Fantastic day here. So here's me and a Verreaux's Owl, we clearly have the same hair dresser, then the Bald Eagle' with Sapphira, the White-tailed Sea Eagle and finally with Ben, the Goldie: