Saturday, January 18, 2014
Hen Harrier E-petition.
I know that's not the actual title, but anyone who has received the circular letter I sent out this week then "thank you " for also accessing this site. I elected to update people on its progress , and so I shall!
At this stage very many thanks indeed for expressing interest. As I said in the letter, whilst I've no illusions about the petition automatically leading to the licencing arrangements I suggested, a high number of signatures allows the matter to be raised further with politicians and others and the matter kept alive.
The recent review by the Law Commission of wildlife legislation didn't result, as some hoped, in firm proposals for the adoption of the offence of Vicarious Liability, as has been the case in Scotland. In fact , what has been suggested in this respect is decidedly lukewarm in my view and hardly any different, or practical, compared to legislation already in place.
We clearly still have a long hard battle ahead as far as raptor persecution is concerned and the worst thing possible is to capitulate following the idiotic denials from some quarters and the apathy exhibited by the current Coalition Government. The subject needs to be kept alive.......it will be , believe me!
Finally , for those of you coming across this site and not understanding what all the above is about , please access
Licencing of upland grouse moors and gamekeepers
and, more importantly, please sign!!!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Fascinating goose count figures!
Mid afternoon saw the results of the last two days goose counting arriving from Scottish Natural Heritage ( Tracey Johnson, for which many thanks ). It's fascinating to pore over them, well , that's if you're a goose nerd!! For someone actually involved in the counts it is interesting to examine whether the count from the first day compares favourably with that from the second! Sometimes they are similar, at other times the figures suggest there has been some, shall we say, re-assemblage, less so with Greenland White-fronted Geese and Grey lag Geese, but it does seem to happen with Barnacle Geese. OR, they've got some favoured spot that they simply temporarily disappear into. Sounds improbable....well consider the following!
Monday saw 46453 Barnacle Geese recorded overall on Islay.......Tuesday's total was 37450. In December the first count produced 36291 Barnacle Geese, the second count was 36197. Uhm......interesting you might say, was the first count in January a bit overstated? Aha, but look at the November counts! On the first day the number of Barnacle Geese was 46931, and on the second day it was 37358!!
Now the natural conclusion is that they've disappeared off somewhere else, but , remember, Islay is an island and enquiries on the mainland has determined no influx has been noted. So, what might the solution be? Well, the current situation it seems to me is extremely dynamic with birds being more mobile than previously, far more birds on the SW peninsula (the Rinns ) where I live than , say, five or six years ago. There now seems to be around two thousand Barnacle Geese present there more regularly than previously!! I suspect also that even some of the large groups of geese have the propensity to lose themselves in what is a very rural, even wild landscape, and produce counts that are more widely variable than before. On a large island it's obviously difficult to cover everywhere , however hard you try, so the challenges remain! When it comes to roosts then the main roosts are at Loch Gruinart and at the head of Loch Indaal, and spectacular both are, be it as the birds arrive, or depart in the mornings. But they also roost on some of the beaches ( Laggan and Machir ) as recent surveys have revealed and doubtless they have other sites too. On the period around the full moon they'll also feed all night and then spend their day resting, preening or sleeping at their favoured roosting site, sometimes bathed in sunlight. Not a bad life!
Now the above counts are those associated with the International Greenland White-fronted Goose census, but the more regular counts organized by Scottish Natural Heritage are associated with the subsidy scheme which operates. Whilst payments nowadays aren't directly linked as closely with counts as previously within the subsidy scheme the information is still recorded on a consistent basis to before wherein all observations are recorded down to a specific field reference. Birds that spend an appreciable amount of time on a given area might then move off elsewhere, or are encouraged to do so!! All in all , not as straightforward as might first be considered. By the same token I saw some reseeded fields on Tuesday, that had attracted the attentions of Barnacle Geese, that were absolutely ravaged......bare black areas eaten out and seriously puddled! So, wherever you come from in terms of sympathy or commercial interest, or indeed from carrying the responsibility of seeing fair play based on birds being supported for conservation purposes, but proving a threat to commercial farming, the role is not an easy one. Whilst the birds we play host to may represent an appreciable proportion of an international population, which rightly demands our support, at the same time they can provide pressure on farming enterprises, hence the need for government support. Not the easiest circle to square!
Monday saw 46453 Barnacle Geese recorded overall on Islay.......Tuesday's total was 37450. In December the first count produced 36291 Barnacle Geese, the second count was 36197. Uhm......interesting you might say, was the first count in January a bit overstated? Aha, but look at the November counts! On the first day the number of Barnacle Geese was 46931, and on the second day it was 37358!!
Now the natural conclusion is that they've disappeared off somewhere else, but , remember, Islay is an island and enquiries on the mainland has determined no influx has been noted. So, what might the solution be? Well, the current situation it seems to me is extremely dynamic with birds being more mobile than previously, far more birds on the SW peninsula (the Rinns ) where I live than , say, five or six years ago. There now seems to be around two thousand Barnacle Geese present there more regularly than previously!! I suspect also that even some of the large groups of geese have the propensity to lose themselves in what is a very rural, even wild landscape, and produce counts that are more widely variable than before. On a large island it's obviously difficult to cover everywhere , however hard you try, so the challenges remain! When it comes to roosts then the main roosts are at Loch Gruinart and at the head of Loch Indaal, and spectacular both are, be it as the birds arrive, or depart in the mornings. But they also roost on some of the beaches ( Laggan and Machir ) as recent surveys have revealed and doubtless they have other sites too. On the period around the full moon they'll also feed all night and then spend their day resting, preening or sleeping at their favoured roosting site, sometimes bathed in sunlight. Not a bad life!
Now the above counts are those associated with the International Greenland White-fronted Goose census, but the more regular counts organized by Scottish Natural Heritage are associated with the subsidy scheme which operates. Whilst payments nowadays aren't directly linked as closely with counts as previously within the subsidy scheme the information is still recorded on a consistent basis to before wherein all observations are recorded down to a specific field reference. Birds that spend an appreciable amount of time on a given area might then move off elsewhere, or are encouraged to do so!! All in all , not as straightforward as might first be considered. By the same token I saw some reseeded fields on Tuesday, that had attracted the attentions of Barnacle Geese, that were absolutely ravaged......bare black areas eaten out and seriously puddled! So, wherever you come from in terms of sympathy or commercial interest, or indeed from carrying the responsibility of seeing fair play based on birds being supported for conservation purposes, but proving a threat to commercial farming, the role is not an easy one. Whilst the birds we play host to may represent an appreciable proportion of an international population, which rightly demands our support, at the same time they can provide pressure on farming enterprises, hence the need for government support. Not the easiest circle to square!
Back to normal! 14.1.2014.
The second day of the International Count proved, as far as geese were concerned , to be much the same as yesterday, which is not surprising as the same route is followed. However, they seemed less "jumpy" which is a real bonus from a counting viewpoint, as geese incessantly on the move over an extensive area breeds confusion!!
What was missing today was the raptor sightings or, indeed, any sightings of less frequently met with species. With the weather calming down what was more obvious were the parties of smaller birds, most of which were associated with the various farmsteads. Thrush species ( Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing and Robin ) were notable , as were odd flocks of Chaffinches, all of which had appreciable numbers of Reed Buntings mixed in with them.
Out on the open fields concentrations of Common Gulls , and to a lesser extent Herring Gulls, scoured the saturated ground , along with Rooks, Jackdaws and not a few Hooded Crows in several places. Noticeable in the last couple of weeks have been the numerous large flocks of Starlings which are around too. An early signal that things will change was to see Collared Doves in display!
Thoughts of getting photographs of the Iceland and Glaucous Gulls on the return leg home were dashed when it started to rain heavily around 1400 hours without then abating!! Back to normal!
What was missing today was the raptor sightings or, indeed, any sightings of less frequently met with species. With the weather calming down what was more obvious were the parties of smaller birds, most of which were associated with the various farmsteads. Thrush species ( Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing and Robin ) were notable , as were odd flocks of Chaffinches, all of which had appreciable numbers of Reed Buntings mixed in with them.
Out on the open fields concentrations of Common Gulls , and to a lesser extent Herring Gulls, scoured the saturated ground , along with Rooks, Jackdaws and not a few Hooded Crows in several places. Noticeable in the last couple of weeks have been the numerous large flocks of Starlings which are around too. An early signal that things will change was to see Collared Doves in display!
Thoughts of getting photographs of the Iceland and Glaucous Gulls on the return leg home were dashed when it started to rain heavily around 1400 hours without then abating!! Back to normal!
Monday, January 13, 2014
A good day for birds!
Today ( Monday) was the first of two days devoted to goose counts aimed at establishing the number of Greenland White-fronted Geese within its wintering range. As I've explained previously these are organized , on Islay,by Scottish Natural Heritage with a view to monitoring out own local population.
The day was fine, colder, rather cloudy , but welcome after the spate of poor weather we've had recently!! The sector I was involved with was the Rinns, which produced a quite reasonable number of observations of geese. Quite coincidentally it also produced two male Peregrine, three Sparrowhawk and prolonged views of a male Golden Eagle closely associated with its territory and receiving some unwelcome attention from both Peregrine and Hooded Crow!!
Returning home I had great views of the recently arrived immature Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, both present at separate sites along the strand between Uiskentuie and Bruichladdich. The Glaucous Gull is a typical "bully boy" bird which simply stands its ground and threateningly stares back at you!! In recent days much plant material and other debris has been thrown high up onto the beach line by strong tides. This, in turn, has attracted various bird species and, besides the above two species, other gulls , Oystercatchers, Jackdaws, Grey lag Geese and Starlings all rooted through this readily available food source. Immediately offshore Wigeon bounced up and down on the advancing tide and 56/57 Light-bellied Brent Geese bobbed up and down along with more Grey lag Geese and even a Red-throated Diver coasted around in the shallow inshore waters. Finally, on the rain swollen pond behind Port Charlotte two adult Whooper Swan and their single full grown youngster plus two Moorhen were in view. Contrary to what might be thought the latter species is not that commonly met up with on Islay and can be seen at only a small number of sites on the island. All in all, a satisfying day!
The day was fine, colder, rather cloudy , but welcome after the spate of poor weather we've had recently!! The sector I was involved with was the Rinns, which produced a quite reasonable number of observations of geese. Quite coincidentally it also produced two male Peregrine, three Sparrowhawk and prolonged views of a male Golden Eagle closely associated with its territory and receiving some unwelcome attention from both Peregrine and Hooded Crow!!
Returning home I had great views of the recently arrived immature Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull, both present at separate sites along the strand between Uiskentuie and Bruichladdich. The Glaucous Gull is a typical "bully boy" bird which simply stands its ground and threateningly stares back at you!! In recent days much plant material and other debris has been thrown high up onto the beach line by strong tides. This, in turn, has attracted various bird species and, besides the above two species, other gulls , Oystercatchers, Jackdaws, Grey lag Geese and Starlings all rooted through this readily available food source. Immediately offshore Wigeon bounced up and down on the advancing tide and 56/57 Light-bellied Brent Geese bobbed up and down along with more Grey lag Geese and even a Red-throated Diver coasted around in the shallow inshore waters. Finally, on the rain swollen pond behind Port Charlotte two adult Whooper Swan and their single full grown youngster plus two Moorhen were in view. Contrary to what might be thought the latter species is not that commonly met up with on Islay and can be seen at only a small number of sites on the island. All in all, a satisfying day!
Friday, January 10, 2014
Routine , but enjoyable day.
After a couple of hours or so of necessary admin work I finally got out mid morning and decided to do some seawatching given opportunities had been restricted so far. It wasn't particularly notable , but single adult Gannet and Kittiwake occurred, both of which I thought were particularly early in their appearance. Odd Red-throated Diver and Great Northern Diver offshore together with "cruising" Fulmars and a couple of parties of auks flying south was about it! A single Guillemot in the bay and a couple of Black Guillemots flying around further out provided a bit of variety.
Moving through the nearby village ( Portnahaven ) , where Rock Doves and Starlings fed side by side on food provided by locals whilst Herring Gulls glided overhead, I called in at the "recycling bins" to offload a few Christmas bottles (!), and looked out across to McKenzie Island. Odd young seals dotted the rocks, but a small shape caught my eye within the Sound. Difficult to pin down at first it proved to be an adult Puffin, rather scruffy with its head colour and bill colour muted and still developing , it was feeding energetically quite close in to the shore line. Occasionally dead birds are found in winter along strand lines usually after storms , for example at Machir Bay, but it certainly has not been proved to breed on Islay in recent years, although small numbers are seen off SW Islay in mid summer from colonies further north, when they are probably on feeding movements. Nonetheless, a nice confirmation!
Moving on I completed a WeBS count of Outer Loch Indaal, whose boundary finishes previous to Bruichladdich, at which point the "InnerLoch" is deemed to commence. Given the weather conditions it was near perfect for a count. Sadly, very little was present in the absolute outermost parts of the loch , but 15 Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Red-breasted Merganser, a few Eider, 17 Common Scoter, odd Guillemot and Razorbill and several Shag were present in what might be described as the " Outer Middle Loch". Insufficient time was available to do a full survey of the whole loch so complete totals will be compiled later once the large section from Bruichladdich to the head of the loch can be completed
Returning towards home I placed an area I'd suspected as being suitable for a harrier roost under observation given I'd had odd birds in the area there in the past. However, such was not to be and no birds were seen!! you can't win them all!
Moving through the nearby village ( Portnahaven ) , where Rock Doves and Starlings fed side by side on food provided by locals whilst Herring Gulls glided overhead, I called in at the "recycling bins" to offload a few Christmas bottles (!), and looked out across to McKenzie Island. Odd young seals dotted the rocks, but a small shape caught my eye within the Sound. Difficult to pin down at first it proved to be an adult Puffin, rather scruffy with its head colour and bill colour muted and still developing , it was feeding energetically quite close in to the shore line. Occasionally dead birds are found in winter along strand lines usually after storms , for example at Machir Bay, but it certainly has not been proved to breed on Islay in recent years, although small numbers are seen off SW Islay in mid summer from colonies further north, when they are probably on feeding movements. Nonetheless, a nice confirmation!
Moving on I completed a WeBS count of Outer Loch Indaal, whose boundary finishes previous to Bruichladdich, at which point the "InnerLoch" is deemed to commence. Given the weather conditions it was near perfect for a count. Sadly, very little was present in the absolute outermost parts of the loch , but 15 Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-throated Diver, a Red-breasted Merganser, a few Eider, 17 Common Scoter, odd Guillemot and Razorbill and several Shag were present in what might be described as the " Outer Middle Loch". Insufficient time was available to do a full survey of the whole loch so complete totals will be compiled later once the large section from Bruichladdich to the head of the loch can be completed
Returning towards home I placed an area I'd suspected as being suitable for a harrier roost under observation given I'd had odd birds in the area there in the past. However, such was not to be and no birds were seen!! you can't win them all!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Back on line!
After a period of not having internet access ( not an unusual situation here!! ) I can declare I'm "back on line"!! It's frustrating when it happens and, on this occasion, I have to pass thanks to an Islay resident ( Liz Hathaway ) who put me right and advised the system generally was "down" after a period of my checking plugs, connections, wiring etc etc , phone calls and, generally, confusion and no success.
So, starting today as opposed to backtracking, I've been participating in the routine goose counting scheme operated by Scottish Natural Heritage. I think I've said before that actual goose counting leaves little opportunity for other birding as you're forever scanning for geese!! Still a fine Sparrowhawk, a collection of Lapwings around a lens of floodwater, a single Whooper Swan on an isolated stretch of water and simply being out in much improved weather looking at geese was a bit special, and signalled things were on the up!
On the way home the outline of a female Hen Harrier caught in the diminishing light of dusk and, later, a Grey Heron sculpted in silhouette alongside Loch Indaal were indicators of the more artistic aspect of watching birds , as opposed to birdwatching!!
So, starting today as opposed to backtracking, I've been participating in the routine goose counting scheme operated by Scottish Natural Heritage. I think I've said before that actual goose counting leaves little opportunity for other birding as you're forever scanning for geese!! Still a fine Sparrowhawk, a collection of Lapwings around a lens of floodwater, a single Whooper Swan on an isolated stretch of water and simply being out in much improved weather looking at geese was a bit special, and signalled things were on the up!
On the way home the outline of a female Hen Harrier caught in the diminishing light of dusk and, later, a Grey Heron sculpted in silhouette alongside Loch Indaal were indicators of the more artistic aspect of watching birds , as opposed to birdwatching!!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Challenging Patchwork!
Today appeared to be the first real opportunity to do some real birding. Well, that was the theory, in reality things turned out differently!
I'd intended carrying out the first intensive visit to "the Patch" and to hopefully get a few photographic shots of the best bits of habitat within it. Well, forget the second bit as things proved to be dull and miserable, set against inevitable better opportunities that will arise in the future! Generally conditions weren't ideal anyway as the F5/6 onshore wind was blustery, the sea somewhat angry and visibility impaired with mist.
Several flocks of geese were around with well over a hundred Greenland White-fronted Geese ( none carried collars unfortunately! ) and a few Barnacle Geese in a couple of sheltered fields. Later 4 Grey lag Geese flew around over the coast. Other than Herring Gulls and Fulmars nothing was on the move offshore. Several Shags were feeding in the relative shelter of various bays and still managing to lift themselves out of the huge breakers coming onshore before diving into the turbulent waters. Single Red-throated Diver and Eider were located momentarily before being lost to view. At this stage the forecast heavy seas weren't anywhere near there worst, although rocks emerging two metres above the surface were obscured with ease by swirling walls of cascading water.
Clearly conditions were set to get worse so it seemed sensible to try and cover the area as quickly as possible. Previous to arriving at the bay above I'd parked for a while in a convenient spot to watch over the sea to watch for birds on the move. A dead Brown Hare nearby attracted two Buzzards and a Hooded Crow which all "held station" in the onshore wind, doubtless keeping an eye on their booty in anticipation of my departure! Across on McKenzie island Atlantic Grey Seals were hauled up on each of three small beaches well above the splash zone and, at the north end 11 pairs of Fulmar crouched blissfully on their selected territories. Other than Starlings, no passerines were encountered, so I moved on to another bay, which is sheltered , and regularly attracts a few waders and other feeding birds.
Nothing was in the tiny bay, the whole beach area was piled high with kelp and the inflowing stream, swollen with recent rain, forced an energetic course through to the sea. An then it started to rain ( seriously rain, as we're used to "regular" rain hereabouts ) suggesting things might be coming to an end. Covering the rest of the "Patch area", I was surprised to see eight rather round brown bundles exposed towards the centre of a field. Eventually I determined they were all Brown Hares, tightly pulled in around themselves and occupying what must have been a relatively sheltered patch in an otherwise seemingly open field exposed to the wind.
And that was it, with nothing else new seen, and the weather deteriorating rapidly. Looking at past Blogs we have had things worse around this time of year ( snow on odd occasions, four days without power on another.......in fact the location of "the torch" and "the stove" are in a rehearsed position at home since then ). This recent weather is nonetheless beginning to be wearing and hopefully we'll get some respite soon. As for "the Patch" I guess the challenge still remains, and in major part too!!
I'd intended carrying out the first intensive visit to "the Patch" and to hopefully get a few photographic shots of the best bits of habitat within it. Well, forget the second bit as things proved to be dull and miserable, set against inevitable better opportunities that will arise in the future! Generally conditions weren't ideal anyway as the F5/6 onshore wind was blustery, the sea somewhat angry and visibility impaired with mist.
Several flocks of geese were around with well over a hundred Greenland White-fronted Geese ( none carried collars unfortunately! ) and a few Barnacle Geese in a couple of sheltered fields. Later 4 Grey lag Geese flew around over the coast. Other than Herring Gulls and Fulmars nothing was on the move offshore. Several Shags were feeding in the relative shelter of various bays and still managing to lift themselves out of the huge breakers coming onshore before diving into the turbulent waters. Single Red-throated Diver and Eider were located momentarily before being lost to view. At this stage the forecast heavy seas weren't anywhere near there worst, although rocks emerging two metres above the surface were obscured with ease by swirling walls of cascading water.
Clearly conditions were set to get worse so it seemed sensible to try and cover the area as quickly as possible. Previous to arriving at the bay above I'd parked for a while in a convenient spot to watch over the sea to watch for birds on the move. A dead Brown Hare nearby attracted two Buzzards and a Hooded Crow which all "held station" in the onshore wind, doubtless keeping an eye on their booty in anticipation of my departure! Across on McKenzie island Atlantic Grey Seals were hauled up on each of three small beaches well above the splash zone and, at the north end 11 pairs of Fulmar crouched blissfully on their selected territories. Other than Starlings, no passerines were encountered, so I moved on to another bay, which is sheltered , and regularly attracts a few waders and other feeding birds.
Nothing was in the tiny bay, the whole beach area was piled high with kelp and the inflowing stream, swollen with recent rain, forced an energetic course through to the sea. An then it started to rain ( seriously rain, as we're used to "regular" rain hereabouts ) suggesting things might be coming to an end. Covering the rest of the "Patch area", I was surprised to see eight rather round brown bundles exposed towards the centre of a field. Eventually I determined they were all Brown Hares, tightly pulled in around themselves and occupying what must have been a relatively sheltered patch in an otherwise seemingly open field exposed to the wind.
And that was it, with nothing else new seen, and the weather deteriorating rapidly. Looking at past Blogs we have had things worse around this time of year ( snow on odd occasions, four days without power on another.......in fact the location of "the torch" and "the stove" are in a rehearsed position at home since then ). This recent weather is nonetheless beginning to be wearing and hopefully we'll get some respite soon. As for "the Patch" I guess the challenge still remains, and in major part too!!
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Early Bird Survey......something for all who feed birds!
If you feed birds in your garden , then this is a survey for you and one that is not very time demanding.
On Thursday, 9th January, 2014 the British Trust for Ornithology are organizing a survey to see which species begin visiting garden feeding stations the earliest and what other factors might be influencing their behaviour, essentially overnight temperatures and light pollution. First of all the survey can be completed on any day surrounding the 9th ....... I'm going to complete mine on the 7th hoping that the feeders have not been blown away again!!
To gain a full insight into what is involved, visit this link and gain the full instructions Early Bird Survey .
It's easy to overlook the fact that, in bad weather in mid-winter, birds are really up against it and the availability of food, and their capability to exploit such resources to the maximum, is a life or death matter. Some small passerine species rely, utterly, on their body fat to get them through each of the long winter nights where sub-zero temperatures can be encountered. Factors which enhance this capability are clearly positives and shorter nights , slightly higher temperatures and the opportunity to commence feeding early due to the influence of ambient light may make a difference. Certainly, with my nearest neighbours' houses requiring binoculars to see them, the benefit of an incidental light source is minimal to non-existent in my case!!
So, the requirement is to be in place before dawn, (thankfully rather late at this time of year ), cup of tea to hand, A4 recording sheet ready to scribble your observations on and the task of recording the first ten species to visit. Fill the feeders up the night before and, if you have a max/min thermometer, set it up in a suitable place ( if you haven't got one it doesn't matter ).......and bascically that's it!! Wogan's radio show is a personal option, why not try the Today programme, there may well be a piece on about the survey, you never know.
On Thursday, 9th January, 2014 the British Trust for Ornithology are organizing a survey to see which species begin visiting garden feeding stations the earliest and what other factors might be influencing their behaviour, essentially overnight temperatures and light pollution. First of all the survey can be completed on any day surrounding the 9th ....... I'm going to complete mine on the 7th hoping that the feeders have not been blown away again!!
To gain a full insight into what is involved, visit this link and gain the full instructions Early Bird Survey .
It's easy to overlook the fact that, in bad weather in mid-winter, birds are really up against it and the availability of food, and their capability to exploit such resources to the maximum, is a life or death matter. Some small passerine species rely, utterly, on their body fat to get them through each of the long winter nights where sub-zero temperatures can be encountered. Factors which enhance this capability are clearly positives and shorter nights , slightly higher temperatures and the opportunity to commence feeding early due to the influence of ambient light may make a difference. Certainly, with my nearest neighbours' houses requiring binoculars to see them, the benefit of an incidental light source is minimal to non-existent in my case!!
So, the requirement is to be in place before dawn, (thankfully rather late at this time of year ), cup of tea to hand, A4 recording sheet ready to scribble your observations on and the task of recording the first ten species to visit. Fill the feeders up the night before and, if you have a max/min thermometer, set it up in a suitable place ( if you haven't got one it doesn't matter ).......and bascically that's it!! Wogan's radio show is a personal option, why not try the Today programme, there may well be a piece on about the survey, you never know.
A first class motivator!
This is a book to be read as the wild winds of winter blow outside, rattle tiles on the roof and the rain incessantly lashes down! And so it was, and still is! But enter "Scilly Birding....joining the madding crowd" which will serve to strengthen anyone's determination and resolve, whatever the weather, to enter the New Year with renewed focus!!
It's an engaging book and in many different respects. For those who know little about birdwatching, and particularly twitching, it serves to explain much about the obsessive and disciplined efforts which can be applied to the hobby. For those who are involved, it goes far in setting in print the emotional highs and lows, the sheer dedication required on some occasions in order to see something special and the planning which can accompany such efforts.
Whilst it's only just been published, the events describe a first visit of a fortnight to the Scillies in October in the mid-eighties. Anticipation, angst, anxiety and sheer relief all flood from the pages. I've no intention of outlining the events portrayed, as that would spoil a good read, other than to say the style of narrative and detail is consistent throughout and certainly holds your attention.
Besides planning, fieldcraft, discipline and focussed determination, it also manages to highlight that success might be assisted by a regular intake of beer and pasties and beef stroganoff ! It's hilarious in places, serious and informative in others. I couldn't put it down and would recommend it to all.
Scilly Birding by Simon Davey. ISBN 978-1-908241-17-7
www.bramblebybooks.co.uk
It's an engaging book and in many different respects. For those who know little about birdwatching, and particularly twitching, it serves to explain much about the obsessive and disciplined efforts which can be applied to the hobby. For those who are involved, it goes far in setting in print the emotional highs and lows, the sheer dedication required on some occasions in order to see something special and the planning which can accompany such efforts.
Whilst it's only just been published, the events describe a first visit of a fortnight to the Scillies in October in the mid-eighties. Anticipation, angst, anxiety and sheer relief all flood from the pages. I've no intention of outlining the events portrayed, as that would spoil a good read, other than to say the style of narrative and detail is consistent throughout and certainly holds your attention.
Besides planning, fieldcraft, discipline and focussed determination, it also manages to highlight that success might be assisted by a regular intake of beer and pasties and beef stroganoff ! It's hilarious in places, serious and informative in others. I couldn't put it down and would recommend it to all.
Scilly Birding by Simon Davey. ISBN 978-1-908241-17-7
www.bramblebybooks.co.uk
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
And so to 2014!
Happy New Year to everyone and a sincere wish that your birding in 2014 will be fulfilling and exciting!
Back in situ , back in harness and back to Blogging!!
Today was always going to be difficult in that promises had been made against that times many repeated old line, " Well, give me a ring on New Year's Day", and so it proved to be. Thankfully, the weather wasn't all that kind, with the best part being at the beginning of the day preceding the wind rising and showers appearing!
So a busy day of sorts, but one that also provided an opportunity to prepare for better things to come. Besides sorting out a new approach for recording details within the BuBo programme I also got myself registered ( I think! ) within the Patchwork Challenge scheme. Take a look at Patchwork Challenge 2014
Basically you submit details of the species seen within your favourite local birdwatching patch on a monthly basis, each particular species earns points and you end up with your name in lights or needing to try harder!!! More complicated than that, of course, but it provides an opportunity to make birdwatching fun and is a motivating factor too. The size of your chosen area is limited to 3 km squares in extent and the whole idea links to having somewhere nearby to home where you can grab a period of time on a regular basis and hopefully ensure you're not missing much that's going on.
At some point soon I'm going to go around my selected patch ( so named SW Islay ) and take a few photographs of the various mini habitats/sites within it and set out details on the Blog. And this being the day of resolutions, I also promise to declare the scores that I tot up throughout the year ( foolish boy!).
Back in situ , back in harness and back to Blogging!!
Today was always going to be difficult in that promises had been made against that times many repeated old line, " Well, give me a ring on New Year's Day", and so it proved to be. Thankfully, the weather wasn't all that kind, with the best part being at the beginning of the day preceding the wind rising and showers appearing!
So a busy day of sorts, but one that also provided an opportunity to prepare for better things to come. Besides sorting out a new approach for recording details within the BuBo programme I also got myself registered ( I think! ) within the Patchwork Challenge scheme. Take a look at Patchwork Challenge 2014
Basically you submit details of the species seen within your favourite local birdwatching patch on a monthly basis, each particular species earns points and you end up with your name in lights or needing to try harder!!! More complicated than that, of course, but it provides an opportunity to make birdwatching fun and is a motivating factor too. The size of your chosen area is limited to 3 km squares in extent and the whole idea links to having somewhere nearby to home where you can grab a period of time on a regular basis and hopefully ensure you're not missing much that's going on.
At some point soon I'm going to go around my selected patch ( so named SW Islay ) and take a few photographs of the various mini habitats/sites within it and set out details on the Blog. And this being the day of resolutions, I also promise to declare the scores that I tot up throughout the year ( foolish boy!).
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