Double Doldrums

Won't mention the Football (well only once) becuase we didn't play any! Couple that with the usual June dearth of rarities and birds in general as the breeders lie low and I can't help but long for the Autumn. Might try a trip to Bempton to liven things up a bit.

Where did that Bridled Tern go?

D-Day

Well...this is it! Just about remember '66. Loved '70 and '82. So close in '90. Now we have players who are undoubtedly world class...for their clubs! We have had a string of highly regarded managers...they can't all be bad? Today is the day to become world class for your COUNTRY! It's up to you lads...COME ON ENGLAND!!!

Quail? - YES!

Took a walk N along the east bank of the river from Bubwith. About half-way up Duff' could clearly hear 1/2 Quail calling from on the reserve. Also had a Grey Wagtail and a pair of Oystercatchers.

Quail?

Just in case anyone was wondering I haven't heard any Quail in my frequent visits to NDC with the hound.

More Bubo

Added my ABA and Texas lists to Bubo. Suppose it's my stateside equivalent to my British and Yorkshire efforts. Don't want to appear too sad, so probably just add my Duff list and leave it there. My details can be found by clicking the Bubo Link on the sidebar.
Looks like the Marmora's has departed. Rare Tern on the way? Bridled please!

Interesting reading the different styles of Blog. Some loaded with photos, some loaded with swear words, some funny, some mysterious, etc etc. You may have noticed I have a mixture on my Blog list from both ends of the spectrum!! The bottom line for me is that it's all about what we love...BIRDS!

Bubo!

Just for a bit of nostalga I traced through my British and Yorkshire lists...strictly BOU of course! So they're now on Bubo for the world to see...and check (like anyone is interested). I enjoyed the experience however, and it brought back many great memories of cracking birds from the past. The lists are easy to use and give you pointers to acceptance. There are one or two elements that I find inconsistent however. House Finch (which I saw) and Alder Fly (which I didn't) are listed although they haven't been accepted yet? This makes the league aspect |(if that concerns you) rather ambiguous. I repeat though I like the idea and full marks to the designers of the site. To access it just click the banner above with my totals on . I have actually reduced my British list on research and placed Wilson's Snipe and Royal Tern in the 'pending' envelope! There's integrity for you...

Been a good year for the Cuckoos?

Definite increase in Cuckoos singing in this neck of the woods. A very positive note! I've even heard one for the last few nights from my garden.

Little Shearwater

Bit puzzled by the release of the news. Bird in a sensitve breeding area with no chance of a sighting. As we know some will push it to try and get a view. Difficult one, but might we be talking searchlights from boats etc etc...?

Eagles everywhere?

As you know I am positive to sightings...most of the time. This being confirmed by my recent trip to Suffolk! No, I didn't go to Hampshire. Today we now have sightings of "possible" LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE!!
I sincerely hope this bird/s can be pinned down and identified, ideally photographed. Alas, the various sightings and variable species claims surely can't help the cause of these reports?
N.B. Managed to sort out my photos into sets on Flickr. I'll add some of my better efforts from my trips over the past few years. Just added some Owl shots. Also added a slideshow.

Eagle Eye

Being a super optimist I decided to make the most of the half-term holiday and Louise's nail appointment by driving down to Suffolk to try for the BOOTED EAGLE. I had some info' off Birdforum and found the spot with no trouble. Spent a pleasant three hours scanning the skies with three others but no joy. Did have nice views of Hobby though.

Marmora's Warbler

At last. Been hoping to claw ths one back for a long time. Missed the Spurn bird, although I was there at dusk when others fortunately connected! St Abb's Head a misjudgement!
Anyway, got there, found the spot easy and within 15 mins was enjoying great 'scope views of the bird singing in a holly bush in bright sunshine. A glorious bird in a a glorious location. Definitely better views than at Spurn. Still need it for Yorkshire though.
British List 471 BOU
p.s. Rafa biting the dust finished off the day nicely!!!