Monday, 14 February 2022

Scilly meets Northwich, Feb 2022

Three months after moving in to our lively new home and the re-build / decorate phase was in full swing. We needed a plasterer so Karen found one on Facebook and he duly turned up at the house on a Saturday morning. I opened the door to a large, jolly bloke with a strong Cornish accent. Naturally I asked whereabouts he was from, and to my surprise he responded "the Isles of Scilly, if you know where that is". IT quickly transpired that he was Martin Hunt, son of the legendary but long gone Scilly birder David Hunt. Martin's dad was a pioneer of Scilly birding and the rarity scene, before he was tragically killed by a tiger in India. Martin regaled tales of  the 780s and 80s birding scene, he knew people who remain twitcing stalwarts and had even seen some great birds (including the one and only UK Sapsucker in 1975). His dad was also an artist of some repute in his day. Martin was duly awarded the job (how could I not!), and when he came round I was blown away - he brought me three cards that were prints of his dads postcards. A lovely moment.







Saturday, 12 February 2022

North Wales 11th February 2022

A last minute day out in sunshine, but freezing cold.

Clocaenog: Excellent views of at least five Goshawks displaying. Crossbills and Siskins. Good views of the annual Great Grey Shrike.

GG Shrike and Hawfich. The views were better, honest.


Llanrhychwyn: a superb male Hawfinch, with both Merlin and Red Kite over whilst waiting.

Colwyn Bay: Fading light. Lots of Common Scoter but no Surf. Long-tailed Ducks, Red-throated Diver, common auks, Red-breasted Merganser.

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Gulling, Northants, 2nd February 2022

 I don’t spend enough time looking at gulls, so definitely remain firmly camped with the relative novices. I suspect that’s mainly because there’s nowhere local that a diverse range of gulls is easily accessible. Today I managed a couple of hours near Lilbourne in Northants after a work meeting. A roadside pool, beautifully positioned adjacent to the busy A5 and an enormous construction site.

Despite the surroundings I was pleased to find an adult Caspian Gull, plus a few other candidates and head scratchers.