Always a time for reflection. Visiting over. Things have inevitably changed over my many years. I don't like taking my rose-coloured spectacles off as they're replaced by my cynical pair... which I don't like. Family are spread far and wide these days.
The old bones and replacement joints don't like the cold weather but I'm not complaining. It could be worse...much worse! However, walking distance is a problem at the moment...it helps me empathize with Bud! My lad is still healthy at 13.5 years.
So, my Year...all details in the diary of course. I added 2 Species to my British List, namely...
PALE-LEAF WARBLER
SCARLET TANAGER
Both handily in Yorkshire!
Other County additions were...
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE
STILT SANDPIPER
SNOW GOOSE
Totals on my Bubo badge.
We "lost" a couple of Redpolls off our Lists with possibly more lumps/splits to come in the ever changing World of Taxonomy. I try to keep up!
The Village produced 3 additions...
Quail
Little Ringed Plover
Spoonbill
...taking me to 195. Must do more Seawatching!?
Just one overdue addition at Duff which was greatly appreciated...
Avocet
...taking me to 168
Long-tailed Duck and Great Reed Warbler were excellent York Area ticks taking me to 239.
Our visit to Cyprus produced 6 additions...
GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL
WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER
TURKESTAN SHORT-TOED LARK
ASIAN DESERT WARBLER
SEMI-COLLARED FLYCATCHER
Grey Plover
...taking me to 223.
My Scilly List rose to 246 adding...
Barnacle Goose
Black Kite
Little Tern
Woodchat Shrike
I think that tidied the numbers game up.
...and so...it all starts again...