THE ELEVENTH OPEN MIC

This evening was another success with about thirty pieces being read which did include a few short stories. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged two new readers to step up to the microphone and perform – it’s always good to see a new face and hear other voices.

So it’s congratulations to everyone that attended whether as a listener or a reader. In the meantime, keep the imagination, going to allow the words to flow because we intend to do it all again next year.
We will stick to the same format but, as yet, we still have to fix the date which is likely to be in March.
John Edwards 4th December, 2012

Stanza Mar Menor Poetry Group Meeting of Friday 23rd November 2012

The four of us David, Kathy, Margaret and John had a terrific meeting in San Javier this morning.

Margaret produced four poems for discussion, two of which were recent and two having originated a bit further back in time. They were entitled as follows ‘The Boss’, ‘Thoughts on Autumn Leaves’, ‘The View’ and ‘Enjoy those good days’. These contained some great rhymes and some wonderful thoughts among other things.

David read two more of his train poems and they will be two of my favourite ones. He has nine more to write with much of the research completed he intends to finish his project by the end of the year. These two were ‘Belle’s Finesse’ of only ten lines but with some great rhyme which included ‘rumpy-pumpyness’. His second one ‘There’d be Nowt Without Navvies’ hit the spot and contained some hard-hitting points.

Kathy having been irritated by Auntie Beeb wrote a damn good rhyming rant about how they covered the U.S. presidential elections which forced her to turn to ITV. They are titled as follows ‘Channel of Thought’ and then ‘Stormy Sea’ which talks about the divide between Democrats and Republicans. She says she still loves Auntie.

She now has a published book available to buy, ‘ Fallyn and the Dragons’ and she has a book signing at Bookworld in Haberneras, Torrevieja, tomorrow morning. We now have another signed copy in the library!

John produced several poems on trees and two that were directly connected with the last open mic. The latter two were about what it could be like to stand there at the microphone and what it is like from the microphone’s point of view. He intends to read these at the next ‘open mic’ which is going to happen on Monday evening, 7,30pm at Chadwick’s, Villamartin on 3rd December, 2012.

The other two were about the same subject that emanated from the summer trip to England when staying on a farm near Marston Moor where Cromwell saw off ‘The Royalist Forces’ in 1645. The oak tree around where a field hospital was situated is beautiful and a snippet of history provided the spark to write these two poems using different points of view.

MOVING ON

We have been discussing how we can move forward, individually and as a group, with the intention of entering competitions, getting published or both. Margaret has compiled a list for forthcoming competitions not only for poetry but for story writing too. Closing dates vary from monthly, quarterly and annually but with this list there can be a greater deal of control.

It has been discussed before but we should look at what is being published and what is being considered as worthy by judges.

This will be an on-going feature and which will involve future discussions.

David produced a poem ‘Tyne Dock’ by Francis Scarfe (1911 – 1986) which describes life as he saw it.

It was decided that we can all delve into our pasts and produce something similar for our next meeting on Friday 7th December, 2012.

This one will be the last for the current year and we will resume again in January.

Further information can be obtained by looking on www.portoftyne.co.uk

Also David has submitted war poems to the following site and has been successful. You can go to www.warpoetry.co.uk

If you are getting bored at home why not try a ‘Scarfe’ poem and send it in?

There seems to be a lot going on but keep writing

John Edwards 23rd November, 2012

MORE BIRDING – ON SPAIN’S SOUTHERN COASTS

This time we headed south towards Malaga which was to become the start of a very wet week away. However we did get a good day (05/11/12) in at Parque Natural del Río Guadalhorce which is alongside not only a motor way but not that far from Malaga Airport. Leave the AP 7 at Km 232 which is on the south side of the bridge spanning the river. On entering the urbanisation turn left, but beware, as there are one way streets which make it not that straightforward. However there is ample parking by the school where there is a ramp that leads to the footbridge to cross this branch of the river. The site actually lies between the two arms of the river. The footbridge is only about 400 metres from the road bridge and once on the embankment both can be clearly seen. Pathways are good which connect the five hides. I know that we could have picked a much better time for the water levels were very high, it was windy with both cloud and some sun. On a better day we would have seen more than we did. The highlights were White Headed duck, Osprey, Marsh Harrier with Common Sandpipers being the only waders. This was our second visit here and it is certainly worth a visit of two to three hours at least. It is advisable to take some refreshment with you.

After a very wet six days we were in Villacana Resort which is within metres of Río Guadalmansa near to Estepona. We decided to head past Tarifa and visit the rice fields and the waterways of Río Almodóvar. This is easily located by taking the road towards Cadiz. On the left there is a junction which leads to Zahara de Los Atunes. Immediately opposite there is a camino that will lead you directly into this area. Your birding starts as soon as you turn in. There were White Storks in the hundreds in scattered groups and around midday there were at least one hundred riding the thermals. We had picked the right day for there was little wind and the temperature was in the mid- twenties. We saw Marsh Harriers, but the star raptor was a Black-winged Kite that spent most of the day perched. While Michelle was photographing it a Kingfisher flew. Among the Storks there was an abundance of Cattle Egrets, Grey Heron with some Little Egrets. Add to this about 200 Common Cranes and about the same number of Lapwing. We soon saw four Green Sandpipers on the mud at the edge of the river and we watched these for some time. We expected to see more waders and some wildfowl but we were disappointed except for a good quantity of Mallards. We had some great views and this is one area that is well worth a visit again.

We had fleeting views of what we now know were Kestrels although we had seen Lesser Kestrels before. Upon more examination of some of the photos taken we had a Black Kite flying and perched. We were aware that a blue object appeared to be attached to a wing of the Black-winged Kite. It was showing a small light/bright blue tag on its right wing. We think that it could read possibly ‘a zero/o and the number 3’.
For me this is a must visit site, easy on the feet for you can drive all of it.

Our second week was near the coast with Sierra Bermeja in the background from which the numerous streams and rivers flow. Access to the banks of Guadalmansa is very easy as there is a road which runs down to the beach and one that runs inland. I heard Cetti’s calling, Blackcap and Chiffs feeding. Waterfowl – apart from Mallards- were none existence and so were waders. The description of this site in Butler’s book is correct and there is a very good view of the lagoon from the seaward end with sadly not a bird in view.

I had great views of a hunting male Kestrel and four Turnstones on the beach but that was it. I expect that during the migration months and summer time would produce many more varieties.

I have not listed all the birds that we saw and information for the sites are contained in J R Butler’s Second Edition of Birdwatching in Spain’s Southern Coast.
John Edwards 18th November 2012.

COSTA BLANCA BIRD CLUB AT PEGO MARSH

The Costa Blanca Bird Club met yesterday morning at Pego Marsh. It was a grey morning, temperature was in the high twenties, with little wind and very humid. Trepidation was in the air as many came prepared to do battle with the anticipated attacks by mosquitos. There were plenty of other stuff flying but I only got bitten once. Perhaps, others sweated needlessly all togged up.

As the cars were being parked a Cetti’s Warbler was heard calling and the first Yellow Wagtail was seen. Further down the track there were numerous Goldfinches (Jilguero) drinking from a puddle with Serin (Verdicillo), Chaffinch (Pinzon Vulgar) and a Bluethroat (Pechiazul). There were numerous Grey Herons (Garza Real), Little Egret (Garceta Comun) with some Cattle Egrets ( Garcilla Bueyera) showing later amongst the rice fields and so there was plenty of cover.

Two Marsh Harriers (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental) were soon up and about and on a pylon close to N332 was an Osprey ( Aguila Pescadora). One was later seen with a fish on this same perch.
We carried on and on one of the banks I had the pleasure of seeing in the scope, at one time, a Bluethroat , Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera) and a Tree Sparrow (Gorrion Molinero). Lying in one of the puddles waving its pincers around was an American Crayfish. Fran tried to get it to play but without any success. We saw Common Starling ( but not Spotless. Pete warned us of Kingfisher (Martin Pescador) as it flew overs.

There was a Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico), then a Snipe (Agachadiza Comun) flew up and disappeared again amongst the rice. A Zitting Sisticola (Buitron)flew and perched giving us a good view of it. Our first not-so-obvious young bird was a first winter (Northern) Wheatear (Collalba Gris). Its white eye stripe distinguished it from a Black-eared Wheatear (Collalba Rubia)

At the corner where the river flows in there was a Cetti’s calling and somewhere among the reeds we could here Water Rail’s (Rascon Europeo) duetting. At one stage, just before lunch, there were four raptors high in the sky and far away. The opinion could be that one might have been a Bonelli’s Eagle (Aguila-azor Perdicera) with two Marsh Harriers or even Booted (Aguililla Calzada. They were a long way away to know what they really were. Add to these sightings were Stonechat (Tarabilla Comun) and Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizon)

Lunch was in the lovely village of Forno at The Nautilus which was an enjoyable interlude. It was such a friendly occasion that gave us a time to talk with friends and acquaintances. After sufficient replenishment we were summoned to see what the rest of the afternoon could bring. It was decided that we should try the opposite side of the road from where we had been. This produced an exceptional sight in that we disturbed a juvenile Purple Heron with something in its feet. Apart from a flock of Jackdaws, there was nothing to write home about. The hour was five in the afternoon and so it was decided to end the day.

We had with us the very knowledgeable and friendly Els and Stefan whose identification skills helped us considerably.

Michelle and I stayed locally at Hotel Font Salada which is just off the N332 and situated in the citrus groves with an established charm of its own. It is both rural and modern with a bit of quirkiness thrown in for good measure. The restaurant looks very good although we did not eat there. We would stay there again but the nearest shops are in Oliva.


The following morning was again grey and cloudy with some wind. We retraced our journey of yesterday morning. I had an excellent view of a Little Ringed Plover and later on I watched a perched Bluethroat with a Sardinian in the background while a Cetti’s was calling. Michelle watched a group of Yellow Wagtails but couldn’t get a decent shot of them. We had a glimpse of a flying Kingfisher and that was about it. We spent two relaxed hours and would have stayed longer but it was very quiet. There was not a Water Rail to be heard and so we headed for home.

TENTH OPEN MIC

THE TENTH OPEN MIC


WE HAVE DONE IT ONCE AGAIN AT
10TH ‘Open Mic’ held at Chadwick’s, Villamartin, on 8th October which was supported by members of the poetry group Stanza Mar Menor and Torrevieja Writers Circle. This was again another successful evening of poetry, prose and short stories.

Subjects were diverse but then that is what writing and creativity should be all about. Great titles such as ‘Genetic String’ and ‘The Circus’ were read by Margaret Rowland. Kathy Rollinson entertained us with her recital of the end of the world. Grim stuff you may think but fun. An aged uncle’s false teeth were turned into poetic form by Avril Dorman and Sue Champion brought a more serious one about ‘Saving the Elephant’ and so we should. Kathy had already said her bit on animals performing in circuses but it’s tough in the wild too.

Travelling into London allowed David Urion to give his view of Oxford Street on a July day where he spoke of silly ‘Chavs’ in absurd fashions. He writes the most provocative of lines whereas John Edwards’ poem on his journey to Bilbao to see the exhibition of David Hockney put culture back into the proceedings!

Others entertained too but Douglas Hill finished off with his ‘risque’, personalised take on ‘The Listeners’ which, for me, hit the spot in terms of humour and made his point very clearly. Sex is part of life, isn’t it?

I cannot mention everyone but as far as I am concerned every person that walks up to that microphone and performs something that they have created or some piece that has inspired them – then they are all stars.

New faces stepped up to deliver and they were well received by a supportive audience. You don’t have to read as some of our regulars just come to listen, enjoy a social occasion and sip their orange juices. The venue is ideal and on winter evenings we are the only ones making a noise.

I would hope that these few words will have inspired you to come along for we have another one on MONDAY, DECEMBER 3rd at the usual venue of CHADWICKS in VILLAMARTIN – So why not come along as well.
You can contact John Edwards on 676257833 if you wish to know more.

I walked out this morning and traced my footsteps from my springtime journeys. Obviously our African visitors had left but there was still plenty to hear and see. Two Linnets and a lone Greenfinch were high up on the wires. About 50 Goldfinces flew up and there must have been at least 30odd Linnets flying and feeding. I could hear a Sardinian Warbler rattling away and then it showed clearly. I went on to the canal and reedbed and there was activity all around me. I find it always pays to keep still and so I stood by a clump of reeds which were in full sun and waited. A female Blackcap - maybe a juvenile one - perched close at hand. Such a great view of it with its eye glinting in the sunlight.I moved on, heard Green Woodpecker calling and then saw a couple fly. A glimpse of red revealed a Robin. I searched the openings on the old farm buildings and there was a Little Owl sitting on a corner On the way back I stopped to look at a sunny scrubby bank and (I believe) a male Dartford Warbler briefly perched a top a bush. I could clearly see its 'cocked' tail and having checked the bird bible that's is what I think it is. A Partridge ran, another Sardinian popped up close by with a Great tit calling. I found it in an almond tree with a few Chaffinch. I think that this was an hour very well spent. I intend to do this regularly through the winter months and maybe focus on the Dartford, Cetti's and Zitting Cisticola as well. There are normally Southern Grey Shrikes here but not today. They may have had to move on as some of the reed had been cleared away.

My origins lie in Herefordshire and I have always looked on the village of my birth, Tarrington, as my 'home' wherever I have lived. They are about to bury a 'Time Capsule' there this coming week and I submitted the following two pages for inclusion.

THE JOHN EDWARDS FAMILY IN TARRINGTON

John Edwards (my grandfather) was born in Woolhope in 1865 and he moved with his father another John Edwards (1847-1930) and his wife Frances Anne (nee Goode) to Croft Cottage, Aldersend Road prior to April, 1901.

My father George (16th May 1909-18th April 1997) was born at 13 Pear Tree Cottage where both of the above mentioned Johns were living together with George’s mother Edith Mary (nee Bright). I was born in that same room on 22nd February 1945.

My mother Iris Miriam Sloman was born in the garrison town of Aldershot in 1912 and because her father’s military postings she and her two younger siblings were left in the care of their mother. Due to a lack of care all three were fostered out to the ‘The Goode Family’ on Common Hill, Fownhope. I visited there as a child and found this to be a typical abode with only basic amenities. I know that my mother suffered as a consequence of her treatment in childhood and she would have left school at the age of 14 years with an education that had been diminished by absence away from the class room due to illness. I think that love would have been in short supply with a father only able to visit occasionally but I knew that she had a loving and supportive younger sister. Only having received some education she was put into service at Breinton and then she was employed by ‘The Miss Lloyds’ at Tarrington Court. On April 7th 1934 she took the short walk across the orchard to the cottage after attending her wedding to my father in Tarrington Church.

She entered a very basic cottage that had only two men as occupants where any comfort would have been minimal and there she put her ‘home-making’ skills to work. She succeeded for I was born into a moderately comfortable home that was full of love and care. It was basic. There was one shiny brass tap in the corner of the kitchen and a black-leaded range in the living room. This was soon replaced by a fireplace and cooking was done with paraffin burners. The food was always good and we ate well but we could never afford any excess. Farm labourers’ wages were poor with these being supplemented only by seasonal hop and fruit picking.

I can remember frost on the inside of the windows and a ruddy face from sitting round the open fire but with a draught on the back of my neck. Bath time was a simple but quick affair in a galvanised tin bath with kettles of boiling water being the only source of heat. The toilet was the common earth closet at the end of the garden in the same brick building as the ‘pigs’ cotts’. Cool in summer, draughty in winter but good for the environment as sewage treatment consume s energy. Nothing was wasted in those days as the human waste was added to the kitchen garden every couple of years or so, in the autumn, which seems to account for the fact that garden soil is black and no longer exhibits the red Herefordshire Sandstone colour. This garden provided almost all of our vegetables and the front garden was well attended to for every season of the year. It was a riot of colour. Even poor people have pride and they prided themselves with their gardens. That was the way it was then.

Electricity came to the home, in 1950 to replace the paraffin lamps and now we had light at the flick of a switch!

My grandfather, my mother always said, was good to her and this must have made up for the previous years of her life. I remember him too and when he died on 18th October 1953 it was a sad place to be. Phil Wargent and Geoff Smith (Maurice’s uncle) came to the cottage with a clapper which had sheared off one of his beloved bells, to show my ill grandfather. They all went upstairs with it and I think that was his last conscious thought on this earth. A broken clapper brought to show him and a true countryman’s life came to an end.



The 1847 John was one of the founder members of the Herefordshire Dioscesan Guild of Bell Ringers and taught his sons how to ring. He lies in a formerly unmarked grave just below the tower in a place that was pointed out to me by my father. In 2009 I placed a stone to commemorate his life, his wife’s life and my parents’ lives who were both cremated.

My grandfather is now part of that history and a photograph of him is in the vestry at Tarrington to commemorate the peal of 1913. ‘Clavis Campanogia’ or Key to the Art of Bell-Ringing was bought in 1886 by John Edwards (born 1847) from Richard W Hooper and is in the possession of Mary Lewis –a descendent of my grandfather’s brother Charles- and whose husband was awarded the MBE for his service to the community and campanology. This book was published in 1788 and was given to the bell ringers of Fownhope by John Rudhall in 1794.

Mary was also an accomplished bell ringer and rang in an all women peal to commemorate the refurbishment of the Five Sisters Window in York Minister. She also possesses the set of hand-bells that my grandfather once owned. The interest in ringing did not extend to my father and sadly will end with Mary. There are many others that are still prepared to toll the bells and keep tradition alive


My childhood was pure freedom for once I was old enough to get out of the gate I had acres of beautiful countryside to play in. We were surrounded by orchards with all the blossom, fruit and wildlife to go with it. Economics intervened and by the mid 1960’s twenty of my lovely orchards had disappeared. Tarrington Court I came to know well for on its pond I made rafts from a piece of cowl from the hop kilns, we dammed the stream and climbed the yew tree in the centre of the lawn. We played in the attic which was once my mother’s bedroom when she was in service there. I came to know every field on The Leys Farm but not with the same knowledge that my father had for he worked every one on that 1920’s American Case tractor. He baled the first bale in the parish-other than in a rickyard-and cut the first corn with a combine harvester. I can remember threshing machines, binders cutting corn into sheaves, milk being delivered in a churn from a horse drawn cart and whooping cough and polio. Also whist drives in village halls, church fetes and seaside trips.
I can also remember those that are not with us like Tony Smith who died of ‘lock-jaw’ when only seven and whose tiny remains are in the new churchyard along with others I knew. I still go back to say hullo and to remember. I can fondly say thank you, Tarrington, for giving me life with some excellent memories that I do fall back on.

I WANTED TO WRITE MORE BUT..

On the trip to England I had hoped that I would come back with several pieces at least but the only one that has been completed is the following one.

TO BILBAO for HOCKNEY

Standing corn, stubble fields to deciduous leaf,
arable beige gives way to strong greens.
High ridges close in as roads descend.
Apartments rise to ten above
topped only by heady luxuriant hills.

Iberdrola’s massive tower points up
like an expensive finger dictating
tomorrow’s bill – a statement of intent.

Museo Guggenheim, resplendent Bilbao
shines in summer sun. A pale blue clouded sky
plays with the metal plated façade, eyes tricked.
Stone steps sweep upwards
taking the vision with them, attracted now
as strong shapes dominate the thoughts.

Metal designs, make of them what you will
to ships prows, to iceburg bulk, to tin cans.

Stone, titanium, glass and, inside, Hockney.

Make the time, to create the space inside your head
to allow these master craftsmen in.

John Edwards©03.10.12

The need to see open spaces again found me heading towards The Eagle Owl site. It was late in the afternoon when I put the scope onto a known perch for this large bird. The distance here is great and as I was about to leave I saw a 'falcon' with a kill in that same tree. I could see the white face markings only with the magnification as high as possible which leads to think that it may have been a Peregrine Falcon. This hour or so saw many swallows heading south and not a lot else.

Saturday involved a hot walk into La Mata and again the swallows were very evident but nothing exceptional until I put the scope on an Osprey perched on the island. The lake was almost totally devoid of waders or other water birds.A loud bang saw the Osprey together with about 10 gulls fly away.However this lone bird did make the effort worthwhile.

POETRY STARTS AGAIN AFTER THE SUMMER BREAK

STANZA MAR MENOR resumed after the summer break. We met in the usual place on a very wet morning just the four of us David, Douglas, Margaret and this scribe. Kathy was investigating Granada but no doubt she will have found something to write about for when we meet again.

OUR NEXT MEETING IS NEXT FRIDAY WHICH HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD ONE WEEK. It is now on FRIDAY 5TH OCTOBER as it is a public holiday on the following one. We then have a three week gap until 26th October.

The four of us managed to chat and discuss those poems that had been brought. David showed us three more of his train poems and we discussed some more of his ideas. He is now up 35 completed ones out of his target of 50.

Douglas produced three which were very different from each other-as usual well received.

Margaret brought two very emotive ones which were both funny and sad.

John’s meagre contribution was a poem written about the journey to Bilbao and a visit to see Hockney’s exhibition at The Guggenheim. It needs some more work on it.

If anyone wants to see any of these just ask the author concerned.

The quality of those poems offered for discussion makes me realise each time that we meet just how bloody good our meetings are and how beneficial the support and feedback is.

Last Saturday David, Douglas and I travelled to Relleu where Jo Shapcott was holding a morning’s workshop. These three will look at what had been achieved and this will form the basis of next Friday’s meeting.

Also discussed was a session to critique one or some of the poems published in Poetry Review. This has been suggested by Paul McGrane with the idea of submitting our thoughts back to The Poetry Society. I am of the opinion that it is something to look at, even if our views never leave the meeting. This is not just for praise but an invitation to comment either way

On Monday 8th October at 7.30m at Chadwick’s, Villamartin I will be hosting the 10th ‘Open Mic’.
Your support is required and will you please advertise it and coerce as many as you can.

That’s it for now until next week.
28th September 2012

ROSA BLANCA AGAIN

We are in Sierra de Segura again and staying at RosaBlancaBnB with Wendy. This time we have been accompanied by two urbanites from Hove-Neal and Robbie- who had decided to see some of ‘the real Spain’. Oh! How they enjoyed the experience of it, the sheer beauty and the space of being up there. Now that they have seen a little they want to come back and seem some more. We went ‘off road’ and high into these mountains. Angel was our driver as there was two vehicles out on this trip and the ‘boys’ thought that he was just that-an angel!. He knew his stuff for you could see that he loved his local patch and he certainly knew where those elusive animals were.

We were up there almost all alone and high enough for the air to be clean and nowhere is there a pylon or pole in sight. The only technical muttering is deep from inside someone’s man bag as a mobile demands attention. You are never alone with a phone-even someone else’s tuned in to ‘Message in a Bottle’. The sound of the wind in the trees was all the music that I could ever want. It just helped the peace settle around us.

Okay, enough of that and now down to hard facts. It was a light birding day but there were still some Swallows heading south with a few Northern Wheatear fluttering about. There were flocks of Mistle Thrush, Serin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Linnet. It was good to see two Black Wheatears that flew to our right-their white tail feathers showing clearly for us. We had a great view of a perched female Kestrel but others flew around often as they swept low over the parched sierra hoping to scare up some prey.

We had some really great views of Griffon Vultures as they perched on rocky outcrops and flew around. We had the advantage of being higher than they were thus being able to see their brown plumage. In one location we had a quick look at a large bird that flew before anyone could see what it really was. The thinking ranged from Golden Eagle to even Black Vulture but sadly in the blink of an eye it had disappeared among the trees.

Our two mountain men found a female Muflon and we had good views of Cabra Montes, Red (Ciervo) and Fallow (Gamo) deer with young. All this was good as the sierra is waiting for its autumnal soak for the fungi to poke their heads up and to allow the rut to get going. The leaf colours are changing but the next few days will see that change accelerate.

All four of us had great fun during our two night stay-which is never long enough for me-with Neal and Robbie seeing this area for the first time. They witnessed the friendliness of the rural people which was amplified by being poured gin and tonics among the trees by a very sociable Spanish family enjoying their day out. It just tastes better when it is unexpected. Thank you to everyone for helping me to enjoy each day.

back home

I have posted my last one on our eleven week trip and now we are concentrating on getting back to some state of normality back at home.
Michelle has written her last entry on our travel blog at http//:travelsa-d.blogspot.com

JOURNEY’S END

We have done it. We have arrived back safely to our home after seven weeks away and over six thousand miles of shared driving with a fully loaded car. An idiot coming out of a Ledbury side street could have meant that these first two lines would not have been written. As it was Michelle stamped on the brakes and we missed this hapless spectacled blonde (she would have to be, of course) who zoomed around the stationary front of us and disappeared on the end of my scream. Could she ever guess what her renamed ‘handle’ now could be.

In Woolhope the Swallows and House Martins were still feeding over the meadow in readiness for their migration to Southern Africa. When we arrived in San Miguel it was good to see Swallows were still here-summer is not quite over. It’s a sad time when they have all gone.

We left Portsmouth late Sunday evening (16th) to travel to Bilbao via Roscoff (that’s the way this sailing goes) which meant that we had a full day at sea doing a lot of wave watching. The ocean was smooth and so it was ideal to look out for any marine life. I saw the most number of dolphins ever on one trip and spent another couple of hours chatting to the ORCA representative on the top deck. Most were common Dolphin but he believed that some might have been striped. He could not clearly see the markings but from their behaviour he thought that is what they were. I had my first clear view of a Sun Fish. Birding wise there were some adult Gannets with Shearwaters skimming over the water. Next time that I do this trip I will have a much better look at the bird book but it is possible that we saw several Cory’s Shearwater with their brownish plumage (it would have been good to have an expert to hand) The ORCA man had studied in Marine Biology and got himself a 2.1 and so now he is looking for a job. He is also paying more attention to birds and studying The Collins Bird Guide.

Today the temperature is well above 30 degrees and we have already adjusted to being home but not the heat. It is Fiesta time and our friends from Hove are here as well. We are catching up with other friends who were left to in Spain in the heat and we intend to go to Sierra de Segurra with our Hove friends at the week-end.

Writing has had been firmly place on the back seat but I will be kick started on Saturday when I will be going to a poetry workshop being run by Jo Shapcott. Then I have a Poetry Stanza meeting followed by an ‘open mic’ evening on 8th October. In addition my home village, Tarrington, are preparing to bury a ‘time capsule’ for which I hope to have included a piece written by me.
It is now siesta time but I will post this one later.

We know that we have been lucky with the weather while we have been in England insomuch that when it rained, for most of the time, it rained not on us. However I think that summer did end last Sunday which was a beautiful day for the forecast indicated rain approaching from the west.We have had some rain and the temperatures are definitely lower.We spent the whole day at The International Biirds of Prey Centre at Newent and we saw three of the flying displays of a variety of owls and falcons. I would recommend this site and they do need our support. During one of the displays a wild Hobby flew high above us and at the end of the day two Buzzards appeared.

We have spent the last two days at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust where we hoped to get as much birding in as possible. This was our only chance to go there and they still await the arrival of the northern wintering birds. It was quiet therefore but we did get two really good hits those being a Long Billed Dowitcher and one Mediteranean Gull which were both pointed out by friendly birders-both recorded by Michelle on her magic camera. You will get one eventually posted on this blog. We saw Peregrine flying and a Hobby flew over to scatter the waders. To add to our day a Bullfinch flew in front of us and we intend to go back and walk that hedgerow in the morning.


These were also two important days when I met a distant cousin for the first time in fifty three years and so birding was running alongside some of my past.

We are still enjoying Herefordshire and maybe see some more farmland birds.

We are both enjoying the September sunshine and have watched the cut grass allow the heat of the day turn it into hay with a little help from a woman on a tractor.Overhead there are swallows and housemartins feeding themselves up for their trip to the south. We have a pair of kestrels perching in full view and buzzards are heard frequently. At night the tawnys call.

Wednesday saw us take in Richard Third and Twelth Night at Stratford. It was entertaining enough but the that bit extra was provided by a 'fat team' who thudded down the aisle and flopped into their seats. They would make good friends sitting next to them on an aeroplane. There was more when Mrs Huge Size arrived with Mr Slim. I wonder how that works but neccesity is the mother of invention- so good luck to them.

All in all a good night and yesterday was a quiet day with a trip into Fownhope and then into Ledbury and of course visits to the bookshops. I have a lot of memories there and so it was good to amble around and take it all in again.
The writing that I had every intention of doing has not happened-so far-but I still am thinking on it.

LAST TWO WEEKS

We are on the last part of our eleven week journey with fourteen days in Woolhope, Herefordshire – a village where my paternal grandfather was born and a place that I have regularly come to over the years with my parents. This area has provided some wonderful memories for me and it is a great place to return to. The countryside has mature trees, thick hedgerows and is alive with wildlife.

We left Walton Thorns Farm having had a good chat with our host Graham about the birds on his farm. The small number of birds in and around the buildings can be attributed to regular visits made by Sparrow Hawk. The trail camera did not capture a thing and we will have another go at Christmas.

Saturday afternoon was spent in The Shed at Kingsholm trying to shout on a transitional Gloucester side that were overpowered in the first half but managed to do much better in the second but we still lost by five points. The atmosphere created by this home crowd was refreshing and there was none of the chanting and obscene language of the round ball game. It was just a friendly place to be with real ale and Guinness available to drink during the match. Afterwards there was more beer and a curry in Gloucester City Centre with some very good friends. It was so good to sit with many others wearing the cherry and white of their home team.

Yesterday it was a’ Sunday Lunch’ with the same friends in The Crown Inn next to the church in Woolhope. It was all so thoroughly enjoyable. This morning we are catching up with ourselves, enjoying the birdsong outside and waiting for the sun to burn off the mist. Yesterday evening we had a Buzzard perched close by and as the light went Tawny Owls were calling.

WALTON-IN-THE-WOLDS

We have been very fortunate with our English summer up until now. We have had rain but it barely affected whatever we were doing on any particular day.

Our location is on Six Hills Farm in Walton-on-the Wolds and as I write this I am looking out on saturated land that needs more sun and no more rain. This is our second day of heavy rain but it is forecast that clear skies will appear later. This is a beautiful renovated barn to stay in and one that we will be back to for this coming Christmas. It is a very good choice and the best accommodation in eleven weeks.

We have set the ‘trail camera’ up but nothing seems to have come close to activate it. There is both Fallow and Muntjac deer in the vicinity, together with Fox, Badger and elegant Hares. They are on show daily but we have only seen one at a time. Buzzards have flown regularly and we know that there is Kestrel here as well. Yesterday morning I walked out and had a good sighting of a Mistle Thrush feeding on the weather beaten cornfield and then I had my treat of the day when a male Yellowhammer flew up and perched on top of the hedge. I watched it for several minutes and was thrilled by its bright yellow head and brown body albeit straggly in the rain. We disturbed two Tawny Owls the other evening but have not heard or seen them since. Apparently there are Barn Owls here as well.

I think that this winter is going to be very tough particularly for the small bird populations. Although there is plenty of good cover with all the hedgerows but the berries seem to have gone already if, they were there at all after this very wet summer.

Sadly there are hardly any birds around the farm buildings and I surmise that there are no suitable nesting sites. I expected that there would be House Sparrows but not one was on view. In fact the last sparrow that we saw were Tree Sparrows at Rutland Water

ON THE MOVE AGAIN

Today is our last one in England's smallest county as we leave Oakham for Barrow-upon-Soar in the next county to the east - Leicestershire. We have to be there for tomorrow as Sammi (Michelle's neice)will be 18 and we we are there to help her celebrate it.

Today was another visit to Rutland Water to watch the ospreys. The wildlife trust resposible for the care of these birds have done a great job as there are breeding birds present here. We watched the female bird with her two chicks for several hours. We were lucky with our timing as they will soon all be going to their wintering grounds in West Africa. This years chicks will have to make the journey without any experience whatsoever. How about that for an experience! You can imagine that modern day human parents are relunctant to let their children play in the street. We love our wildlife but we respect the fact that they live in a dangerous world. Additionally there was much going on on the water with a mass of Tufted Ducks, Swans, Canada Geese ever present. In front of the hide was a nesting pair of Great Crested Grebes. This pair seem to be trying again to raise a brood and the second egg was laid this morning - too late I fear for this season. Shovellers were within metres of us and a Kingfisher perched in the tree next door.
We leave the small town world of Oakham for another stay in a rural setting.Another week of family, socialising, beer and birds.

HIGHS BUT NO LOWS

I was asked last night by Neal ‘On The Trains’ Ball what was the highlight so far. I had already anticipated that someone would ask this and my instant thought is that it has been all good – so much so that it seems that I have been having a great time everywhere we have been. I know that Michelle will have her own thoughts on this and I suspect that I can name a couple of her highs at least. She will say so later.

The one continual thought that I do have is just how beautiful England really is. We have seen some great trees and the countryside, thankfully, is littered with them. The five hundred or so years old oak at Tockwith sticks in my mind not because of its girth but because it is still there after centuries have past. It has history too for it is recorded that there was a field hospital under its younger limbs by Cromwell after the battle of Marston Moor which occurred a mile or so down the road in 1644.

We are staying at Oakham, Rutland Water is a mere 10 minutes away with great trees surrounded by English greens everywhere one looks. They are all fantastic.

Friday (18th) was our first visit to a Bird Fair. Lots to see and we did. To pursue our hobbies of birding and photography were on our primary list to achieve. We were also on a research mission to glean as much information in respect of Australia, including Tasmania, and New Zealand. We did that and more when we sat in for talks on, Andalucia, Extremadura and Sierra Andujar. This latter one was given by a birding friend Julian Sykes on how to see ‘El Lince’, the Iberian Lynx. You can see him on his website at www.juliansykeswildlife.com It is always good to see someone you know and chat over things. We enjoyed the weekend on some hot English summer days. The sun has really shone for us.

Today Michelle was in Leicester doing family things. I spent the day in the nature reserve. This is a must do site and even the Osprey flew in the afternoon. I concentrated on a few ducks which included Teal, Gadwell, Shoveller, Pochard and Scaup. I saw both Common and Green Sandpipers and also a Little Stint. All very worthwhile and I will go there again before we leave here. Another great day in England with some good moments writing this blog at The Grainstore while downing a pint of Rutland Panther. They have six ales and one mild all of their own and this coming Thursday is the start of the 13th Rutland Beer Festival when they will rack up 70 different ales, beers etc. I have tasted the six but 70! See them on www.grainstorebrewery.com if you are a beer buff like me.

OLYMPICS TO MINSMERE

It’s time for a ‘down’ day as we have been seeing so much and so, this morning, it is time to catch our proverbial breathe to reflect. In short we are having a bloody fantastic time having combined London’s – or should I say Britain’s - Olympics with our stay in England. I can still see the images of Eton Dorney, the podium at Hampton Court getting ready to present another gold medal and two Saturday evenings at the Olympic Stadium at Stratford in East London. Terrific stuff, terrific viewing that was full of emotion and national pride.

Whoever came up with the term ‘Games Makers’ for the volunteers deserves a gold medal for enhancing their contribution from that mundane word of ‘steward’. This should really be given the accolade of ‘The Friendly Games’ for there seemed to be smiles everywhere. The British Broadcasting Corporation provided the best coverage that anyone could produce. We have some great presenters who did their nation proud. While all this was going on we were still doing our own thing as you can see from previous blogs.

Since then we have been concentrating on more birding and photography. Both the Bittern and Bearded Tit had eluded us at Cley, Titchwell, and Lakenheath Fen. Yesterday we made a one and half hour journey through England’s beautiful rurality to go to Minsmere a marvellous RSPB site.
We had already spent hours looking for these elusive two species. Our luck soon changed. We met two friendly birders and when they entered our hide the Bittern flew. After twelve sightings we were on a high and the shots Michelle took ensured that we can see this great bird on a screen. The Bearded Tit was much more difficult with only a brief sighting as one dived back into the reeds. There is always tomorrow. We were a little late for adult Hobbies but a juvenile one flew down a dyke while we were waiting for a Bittern to fly again.

It's Summer in England

Today has seen clear blue skies and this is truely an English summer's day. Today was our first visit to Titchwell Marsh a well orgnanised RSPB site. We had a great day starting off with moths at 9am - no, I'm not getting nerdy or geeky - but there were some experts there. We ticked off fifty birds and the star of the day was a Whimbrel that we watched for 20 minutes or so - there was no doubt about it and our first since Tabarca about four years ago. According to a RSPB man there was also a juvenile Mediteranean Gull amongst all the Black-headed ones which we did get the scope on.

We finished off this little jaunt with a visit to the Kings Head in Blakney and beer served from behind the bar - you can't get that in Spainetter or better it.

ANOTHER GREAT DAY

This morning it was a good hour spent on Cley Marsh.We made the most of our time and as we walked to the hide there was a young Sedge Warbler sitting a few feet away in a bush, a Reed Bunting showed on top of a bush and a Reed Warbler proved too elusive for Michelle's camera. The best bird on the water was a Green Sandpiper followed closely with one Golden Plover still in winter plummage. There was also the most number of Knot that I have ever seen. A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew right in front of the hide to give us a good view of it. Luckily there was a Lesser Black Backed Gull only a few feet away from a group of Greater Backed which was good for comparison.

We then drove to Wisbeach via Fakenham and Kings Lynn and enjoyed the summer greens of the verges and hedgerows topped by the spent browns of the seeded grasses. Trees again we enjoyed.

On our return a hunting Barn Owl flew in good view a field's width away from the patio in good light so that Michelle managed to get three decent shots. Then two kestrels flew only yards away. It goes to show that you need to be lucky.

The two kayak men that we met at Low Newton, Northumberland are now in the Deal, Kent just 350 miles from home. You can see them on http://midlifekayak.com.That's it until tomorrow with a full day at Tichwell

Another Day in Cley Marshes

Norfolk has really got its act together. They have 54 sites in the county and tomorrow we will go past four of them as we drive via Fakenham towards Kings Lynn.This is a fantastic area not only for birding but for wildlife in the general sense. Its beautiful, interesting and the facilities are in place. if you don't believe me have a look on their website www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk to see for yourself. Why not follow their example of protecting Norfolk's wildlife for the future and pay them a visit.

Today we spent time in two different hides in the company of other birders who were friendly and helpful. Without them we would not have identified two Curlew Sandpipers away in the distance.We saw at close range Spotted Sandpipers in both summer and winter plumage. Our list for the day almost got to fifty and what do we know. We must have missed loads! The one and only Barnacle Goose was still evident and on the way out a Whitethroat popped up. Apparently there was a Common Gull close by but it would have probably have been my first good view of one.
That's it for now. Heading inland tomorrow for heath and ancient woodland.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Now that we are at Cley we joined this trust. We are staying for a week and we intend to spend many hours on the marshes here. This morning it was summer again with only a light breeze which made it ideal for a visit.There were plenty of waders on display but it was strange for us to see Spoonbill, Avocet and Little Egret other than in Spain.The pick of the day was seeing Golden Plover but the list still numbered twenty eight different species. We will keep looking for the smaller birds but our target is certainly to see Bearded Tits and of course the boomong Bittern.

ON THE MOVE AGAIN

The end of our fifth week saw us leaving Boggle Hole on the North Yorkshire coast, heading for Cley in Norfolk via Blacktoft Sands just a few miles east of Goole and south of the Humber. This is an important reserve run by RSPB. It’s a great place to sit and watch and give yourself a surprise or two.

The Tree Sparrow has made wonderful recoveries where the habitat has been restored for them to feed, nest and breed and here at Blacktoft is one of the locations where they exist in good numbers.
We also saw Black-tailed Godwits, Coot, Dunlin, Green Sandpipers, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Mallard, Moorhen, Pheasant, Redshank and Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Snipe, and Teal.

While we were watching the water birds two adult and two juvenile Marsh Harriers put on an ariel display for us which also included a parent dropping a meal for the youngster to catch. One of the young ones perched on top of a bush where we could see the immature plumage and compare it with an adult.

Patience paid off when a Water Rail emerged from the reeds and showed itself. This was not a first for us but they are always difficult to see. The other elusive one is the Bittern which is what we hope to see in Norfolk.

Blacktoft is a great place to go to, it is well organised, the hides are very good and the birds are on show. You should give it a visit and we would love to go back as there is so much to see. We did manage to see both Sedge and Reed Warbler with a male Blackcap showing.

Tomorrow it is going to be Cley Marshes just outside our door!

LAST DAYS OF JULY

It is now past the end of July we are in our fifth week with so much to see, to do and to enjoy. This week we are on a farm just above Boggle Hole an area that Michelle visited when much younger and this is the reason we are here. Anyway it is good to be close to the coast and be able to walk back along the beach after enjoying a beer in The Dolphin in Robin Hood’s Bay. Both of us agreed that a pint of ‘Wainwright’ from Thwaite was the best brew so far. We will have to visit again.

On Monday 30th we visited Bempton Cliffs to see and photograph the sea birds that nest on the cliffs. This is an RSPB reserve, the staff were helpful and informative and what a place to call your office! The Gannets and Kittiwakes provided most of the entertainment but we thought that we had our bird of the trip. A small falcon was perched on the cliff in clear view and was photographed. We thought that it could be a Merlin but it was a juvenile Kestrel. It was good moment but we will still look for the elusive Merlin. It was a great experience with people of all ages enjoying the location and supporting the efforts of conservation. We are now members again.

Yesterday was a different day as we walked the ‘Cinder Track’ from here to Whitby – a distance of about ten miles. This took us along the track of an old railway where the rails had been laid on cinders and the route was just inland of the coastal walk. There was a lot of activity in trees and bushes seemingly full of young birds. It was another good day which included the Larpool Viaduct that spans the River Esk and the Whitby to Grosmont railway line.

TOCKWITH AND THE FAMILY

Now for a few days with family at Tockwith set amongst some of Yorkshires finest farmland. This area is pretty much level with the River Nidd running through, bushy hedgerows and some great trees all nearby. It is England’s trees that we miss most.

On the property was a giant of an oak tree which it was said was over 500 years old and I will say that it could tell a tale or two. According to local information underneath its branches there was a field hospital which had been set up to deal with some of the wounded from the battlefield of Marston Moor fought in 1644 which was just down the road. The Royalist Army were defeated with 4000 dead and The Parliamentarians under Cromwell losing a only a few hundred. I wonder if that old oak can remember the dying sounds of the wounded from an age that defied divine rule and split families. Religion or an individual’s concept of it has destroyed many lives. Maybe there is a poem there somewhere.

These few days went quickly with no time to write or email (the signal was poor) but that was not the object as it was an important time for us. We had days out at Ripon, Skipton with its castle still complete and a day spent between Pickering and Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We will do the Whitby end this week to get some more steam, smoke, nostalgia and photographs. Here, there was more beautiful scenery with sun instead of rain. My grandchildfren had their first experience of the power of steam and how it used to be. Another good day out.

At Tockwith we had the farmland birds with our first view of Tree Sparrows for a while, Yellow Hammer again, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and on two occasions Greylag Geese flying overhead. Tawny and Barn owls live here but we only heard them. The star was the continual singing of the Song Thrush. Now we are at Boggle Hole we are surrounded by House Sparrows, Dunnock, Blackbirds with a pair of Greater-spotted Woodpeckers. It is good to be among farmland with its wildlilfe again.

IMPRESSIONS OF HARROGATE FESTIVAL

This was our first visit to Yorkshire with the triple aims of birding, literature and family (I wonder if this is the right order?) with the 8th Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival our only goal for 19th to 22nd July – to enjoy the criminal intent, to see how the writers shape up in a public forum.

The sole venue was the Old Swan Hotel famed for where Agatha Christie was found after she went on her own journey away from domestic un-bliss and booked in using the name of her husband’s girlfriend – there’s imagination for you! We enjoyed our stay but the hotel must have been much grander in years gone by.

A well organised event ran to a strict time line with all the guests and chaired panels acquitting themselves well. The opening and award for the crime novel of the year went smoothly with the oil being added by a ‘free’ pint of Theakstons ‘Crime of Passion’ ale, it being sweetened with almonds just like the smell of cyanide on a corpse. I wonder if the brewer is still alive! However, from the short list of six, Denise Mina won with The End of The Wasp Season, she made a brilliant acceptance speech so we bought it together with £200 worth of other books. What a cheap week-end!

We enjoyed it all, heard some great writers, met some lovely people and had our writer/book horizon expanded.

High and lows were Ian Rankin with Peter Robinson being disappointing for me and their session could be re-labelled ‘Two Grumpy Old Men having a Chat over a Beer’ although I suspect that they could have done a lot better. There were many other sessions that were excellent such as John Connolly (you can’t keep the Celts out of it), Peter James and Kate Mosse. There was some smooth work done Mark Lawson and Barry Forshaw who were impressive. Mark Billingham and his committee all deserve accolades for creating the programme. A bloody could show – well done.
For next year start looking at www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com why don’t you?

BIRDING, BEER, MORE BIRDING THEN TO THE LITERATI AT HARROGATE

We had four phases to our last day in Northumberland and then onto Harrogate but the previous evening, it was most interesting.

We had had a quiet morning to prepare ourselves for the next part of the journey but decided to visit Low Newton again later. It was a damp sort of evening with rain beginning to settle in.
The Ship Pub & Brewery had impressed us a few days before, since they brewed on the premises we decided to go back and to sample some more of their brews. Not only the beer was enjoyable but the company that we encountered was not only that but informative as well.

The place was packed with people eating at all the tables. We took our pints outside and spoke to a couple from Leicestershire who were into birding and photography. They said that within half a mile of where we were staying was a colony of terns at Long Nanny Burn.

The rain increased so we moved back to the bar. Standing there were two guys that we now know as Andy from Falmouth and Geoff from Bristol. They were on the southern leg of Kayaking around Britain and having started from Falmouth they were on their way home. What an adventure that must be and we gave them full credit for even thinking about doing it let alone giving it a go. They were stocking up on calories as they had only emergency food with them and a tent to protect them from the wonderful wet summer. They said that they had to shelter for 14 days in total with three of the days being consecutive.

I remarked that the wildlife would be wonderful as they would be so close to it being only inches above the water. I think that their best encounters were with three groups of sea otters on the west coast of Scotland and also eagles. Great stuff for they have our respect and we hope that they have a safe onward voyage.

You see, it pays to go for a beer even if the only excuse is to do research and get something to write about. Even Prince Charles is going there next Tuesday when he visits the region to support small businesses. I say ‘good for him’

The following morning we visited the tern colony, saw Common Terns in flight and managed to get a shot on camera. It is a protected RSPB site which can be ‘googled’ for more information.

Next, came a visit to The Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Washington, right on the banks of the River Weare in Sunderland. This is a relatively small site but with some great community activity as well as ancient woodland, wet areas and fresh water ponds. We had great views of Lapwing, Shovellers, Redshank and Heron. The wintering birds had still to arrive which will increase the population significantly. The small birds are there but we had not sufficient time to find them and these would have included Bullfinch, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge and other warblers. I did however see one Willow Warbler. I would love to spend a day there.

Afterwards, we continued to Harrogate for the tenth Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

The opening event was about an hour and a half long with Mark Billingham and Simon Theakston giving funny and articulate performances only to be seriously out done by Colin Dexter who received a life time achievement award for his creation of Morse. His characters, his books and the TV series had endeared him to all of us. Now over eighty he was able to deliver his acceptance speech with humour and dignity. It was for both of us a truly great and emotional moment. It was good to be there and we would not have wanted to miss it.

LINDISFARNE AND LOW NEWTON

Monday 22nd July was reserved for a morning on Lindisfarne – a Natural England Reserve – which is a massive area for which many species depend upon for both breeding and, more importantly for overwintering. We investigated the island for a further visit as we could not spare enough time to see all that we wanted to see.

On the way we stopped at the end of the causeway to see what was flying. We were rewarded with a male Reed Bunting, a Yellow Wagtail and Linnets in the corn. However, upon leaving we stopped to look over Budle Bay at Warren Mill and watched the incoming tide bring the birds closer to us. There were almost fifty Swans, several Curlew and then twenty Redshank flew in.

We moved on to Seahouses discovered ‘The Olde Ship’ relaxed for a while and then we returned to our accommodation and walked just inland of the dunes to see what grassland birds were around. It was wonderful walking through uncut grasses and colourful flowers. I don’t know whether this will be cut but I suspect that the very wet weather has prevented it so far. However it was a joy to walk amongst it all and while we were doing this, two groups of Curlew flew over us numbering one hundred. Birding sources have already mentioned that some of the northern nesting birds have already arrived in their winter quarters. We wondered if that was the case with these birds. We saw linnet flying, watched a perched reed bunting, an immature Northern Wheatear, and what we believed were meadow pipits – photographs have still to be viewed closely – and then we saw our first English Partridge scurrying about in a paddock of horses.

Sadly butterflies were almost absent and the two we saw we did not recognise – we will check up later.

Summing the day up is easy. It was not as good as we had hoped but nevertheless we saw some birds. Basically it was birds and booze especially when I remember ‘The Ship Inn Pub & Brewery’ at Low Newton where they brew their own. You can look them up on www.shipinnnewton.co.uk
We thoroughly recommend this location as it is perfect to sit in peace and quiet, watch the ocean and sip.

COQUET ISLAND

This Sunday morning found us in need of a few quiet hours so that we could catch up with ourselves.
An enjoyable breakfast and then a few emails and to bring the blog smack bang up-to date.

We had booked a 1pm boat ride with Dave Grey’s Puffin Cruises from the harbour at Amble. The weather was kind, the sea calm with some cloud. The goal was to see Roseate Terns on Coquet Island (an RSPB site) which is one of the few places that they breed. We knew that we were unable to land and so all our watching was from the boat. It was not easy to view them as we had to pick them out from the other terns that also inhabit this rocky island just a short distance off the mainland. However Michelle managed to capture them digitally and we were able to identify them flying.

This trip we had been very enthusiastic about as Coquet does have a good ‘facebook site with some very good photographs exhibited on it. It did not match up yesterday but at least we have seen all four types of tern that breed in Northumberland.

Then we had a quick visit to the ‘Poison Garden’(with one of the worst guides ever), did a bit of the ‘Woodland Walk’ at Alnwick followed by a quick pint and then ‘home’ for dinner with Countryfile.

THE FARNES

This was the purpose of the trip which was to see the Puffins. Madam was not disappointed for how could she be with thousands in the sea, flying over it, flying over us and underneath our feet. There is much more to say for this was an amazing day.

We left the harbour at Seahouses aboard The Glad Tidings to head out towards The Farne Islands. There was plenty to see with Terns, Shags, Puffins and Gannets all around us. We were unable to land on Staples but we ‘ hove to’ alongside cliffs of sheer rock covered in a white dressing – you could smell it too. The rocks were covered with Guillemots and every niche had a Kittiwake clinging to it – telling us their name constantly. There were still a few Razorbills that had delayed their departure just for us with the occasional Fulmar showing.

Grey/Atlantic Seals were plentiful and they are good fun to watch. Thankfully, there is a good population of them here.

We were able to land on Inner Farne. Arctic Terns were everywhere mostly within feet of us and not shy to show there annoyance at the intruders. Intrusion of the human kind you may think would seriously affect them but the alternative is true. It may be that us humans give protection and reduce predation which was what the breeding results show.

There was also a colony of Sandwich Terns with a smaller number of Common Tern also breeding on this rocky island.

For Michelle, she came for ‘The Puffins’ and she saw thousands and did her best to get some good shots. They fly fast and furious and to capture one in flight is difficult. She did very well but you will have to wait to see her results. We did get close up and personal when one of the wardens showed us one that he had caught. They are beautiful, amazing and funny birds. What a privilege to see so many in a small area.

For me, being that close to so many seabirds, was a great experience. It was a good learning day.

We returned to harbour on a sea that was as though it was a slightly ruffled cloth of silk shining under a re-emerging summer sun. A roadside pub beckoned which quenched our thirst and gave time to reflect on another good day.

TICKETS TO RIDE FOR BEER AND BRASS

Enthusiasm and friendliness is what you get when you take a trip on The Bluebell Railway.

We found this out when we entered the station at Horsted Keynes last Saturday evening to take a ride with nostalgia. We were greeted on the platform by smiling staff and throughout the evening the service was excellent. We all had a great time.

Robbie and Neal, long-time friends who live in Hove are frequent visitors to this line with Neal playing the enthusiasts part. It was he who had booked our tickets along with two friends, Amanda and Pete (alias ‘Pooks’). I was pleased to see that they were all serious drinkers which did mean that all the ale on offer was quaffed with an enthusiastic air.

For Michelle and I visiting England after 6 years in Spain to see the results of peoples’ endeavour to keep our railway history up and running was a real joy. To smell the steam, hear the toot of the whistle and hear that explosion of escaping smoke was a wonderful experience. To stand alongside one of these snorting beasts was a reminder of the power of steam and how it changed the world. To sit in one of these carriages where you can feel the history of transport and touch it.

The station buildings, platforms and all with herbaceous borders are real reminders to show how people used to care, to take a pride in what they did and I know that there are real people who still do all of that.

The Horsham Borough Brass Band added that extra bit of finesse to the evening playing under the platform canopy while the rain beat its own tune.

ON THE SOUTH COAST

We had done our homework and we knew that Selsey Bill and Bracklesham Bay would allow us to watch gulls, terns and maybe some waders with the former site being more important during the migratory months.

CHURCH NORTON (Grid reference SZ 872 958 ) is located on the edge of Pagham Harbour and is an interesting location having mature trees and a tidal marsh with shingle banks. Singing over head was a Song Thrush and on a tree opposite was a male Green Woodpecker. Looking over the marsh we could see Black-tailed Godwit with Curlew showing well and calling. Oystercatchers were easily evident and nesting with Greenshank and Redshank feeding in the mud. We saw one Sandwich Tern with numerous Black-Headed and Herring Gulls doing their own noisy thing. Both Heron and Little Egret were seen but with weather and time against us we felt that there was much more to see on a return visit.

We then visited The RSPB Reserve which is located on the Selsey/Chichester road and is sign posted. Persistent rain drove us into a hide which overlooked a lake which provided very good views of various waders, including Lapwing and a Little Gull. Leaving the hide we saw and photographed a White Throat.

The above locations are important sites and we would recommend the latter two. The Wildfowl & Wetland Centre at Arundel is a must. There are many ducks and geese to observe but our aim was to see the Water Vole. We visited this site on both days and saw voles on each of them and more than once on each boat ride. We sat within feet of them while they chewed away. They are just great to see.

Our other stars were Sedge Warblers and a Reed Warbler rattling away in the reed outside reception. Peregine Falcons also obliged on both occasions and we watched a perched one drying himself out after rain. We just needed more time.

ON THE FERRY GOING OVER

We left Bilbao on the 8.30 ferry to Portsmouth arriving at the same hour on Tuesday 4th July. The wind was light and the temperature was around 23C. It’s all so easy it certainly is much better than the constant waiting at airports. There is not that much to say but it is relaxing with no need to rush around.

Birds and marine life were very disappointing to start with but we soon had three separate sightings of dolphin. The ‘ORCA’ representative on board soon enlightened us and I can now tell whether it is a common dolphin or not. I later stood with him on the upper deck and saw clearly the markings of this species. Birding was slow but then there were (possibly) either Cory’s or Sooty Shearwaters skimming the waves. I may be able to tell the difference one day! Then there were immature Gannets flying overhead. I know that they are not adult because the book says so and the older ones are too busy parenting – it’s that time of year. No bloody whales though – princely or otherwise.

1st July.
The wind was blowing hard when we awoke just like the previous evening. It was therefore a quick break fast , then head north to see what we could see on our way to Bilbao. We travelled through more corn fields with luxuriant green deciduous forests lining the hillsides. Griffon Vultures, our first on this trip, were circling overhead.
Our first destination was within 5km of the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here there are the Salburúa Wetlands with 203 hectares of forest, marsh and water all teeming with wildlife. There are listed walks and hides that actually overlook water! Nesting White Storks were in abundance, a heronry was in the trees opposite, waterfowl with young were swimming about which included both geese and coot. We did not have time to stay too long but together with information gleaned on our arrival in Bilbao there has to be a return visit either in winter or during a migration for there is so much to see and do in País Vasco/Euskadi.
A hotel brochure lists The Mendijur Ornothologica Park as well as coastal sites. From now on we will be looking for seabirds and once on the ferry on Tuesday morning we will look for any marine life. Let’s hope the weather is good.

TUDELA AND THE EBRO

Our destination is Tudela in the valley of The Ebro in Navarra. Research, with the help, ‘Where to Watch Birds’ in Northern & Eastern Spain by Michael and Earnest Garcia means that where to look is made easy.

On route there is Red Kite and in early evening there was Red Kite with Marsh Harrier also flying. It is 39C and the strong wind is blowing like a hot fan oven. Not ideal but there are plenty of song birds around but not easy to see. A cultivated field allows good view of a lone White Stork which poses for a photo. There are many pylons around and some provide a nesting site for them. The book suggests that they are town dwellers but looking at the debris near a pylon with nest makes it seem that the other town dwellers may prefer the storks in a rural setting.

On day two there are fields of them searching for food to feed nest bound chicks. There is plenty of small bird activity with a family of long-tailed tits passing through together with an abundance of Goldfinch and Blackcap singing. I just wish that I was better at recognising ‘bird-song’.

Later we entered, Las Bardenas Reales, which is a strange area and I would urge plenty of research before going there. ( www.gurelur.org ). However there is a good view of a first/second year Golden Eagle and an excellent close view of a Short-toed Eagle. Larks were plentiful and there were two good views of male Black-eared Wheatears. Not much to show for a morning out in terms of volume but we are now in high summer. You can also check on the information centres and there are several lagunas with observation points that deserve a look.

The evening provided excellent views of two hunting Marsh Harriers but the strong wind did not allow for much else.

SOMEWHERE IN IRELAND.

SOMEWHERE IN IRELAND.
A Journey of Discovery by Linda Whittenberg
with artwork by Lillie Morris.

I was fortunate to receive this book courtesy of our mail systems from our friends in Ireland. After unwrapping it, the artwork entitled ‘Thinking of Ireland’ on its cover grabbed my attention. The wonderfully eye catching work of Lillie Morris runs throughout the book and is such a joy to see.

Linda has visited Ireland previously and has been a visitor to Listowell’s Writer Week. This year she brought this book with her. She has every right to claim her ancestry in the west of Ireland but to do that she visited places that gave her the inspiration to write some truly great lines. The poems and narratives take you with her on her journey. Her sense of belonging and her connection with her ancestors is incredibly strong. We all need to know our roots, after all.

This is a wonderful piece of writing that touches on ‘The Irish Diaspora’, the Irish in America and a woman seeking some of her past.

I can dip in and be reflective on particular lines because it says so- but I will leave that for you to do.
I think that it would be wrong of me to pick any particular piece out as I found that each had its own merits. It’s a book that I can return to time and time again, dip into it and to enjoy it even more.

I enjoyed every page of it.

You can view her website on www.lindawhittenberg.com where you can order this book.

POETRY IN SESTUDE FORM

I thought that it was time that I would mention ‘Poetry’. The Stanza Mar Menor Poetry Group ( a stanza of the Poetry Society based in London) have written in a form called ‘Sestude’. If twenty six different poets – one for each letter of the alphabet- can write about items contained in The Victoria and Albert Museum then so can other ordinary mortals. This style has 62 words of which 26 words are ‘reflective’ in nature.
Most of us have some history around us of a personal nature. There is one item which has formed the subject matter of the first one has been with me all my life. The other subject matter is, I believe, evident.

Here are my own sestudes.


TOASTING FORK
Often you poked my fingers into the fire,
you held me so tight, your knuckles bearing
the heat stoically.

All this for a thick piece of The Baker’s split tin
white loaf - just right to be crisped over flaming logs

Beef dripping warming on the hearth,
pausing for hot toast

ready for the knife to come

to slice your memories
into bite-size chunks


THREE COLLARS
Three collars hang from the post
at the end of the white balustrade
protecting the top of the steps leading
to freedom.

They are empty now -- released
by their owners – no longer required

Never more than a symbol of possession,
a place for a disc, a telephone number - if needed

Now they hang with our memories
of lives we loved and protected.

STANZA MAR MENOR POETRY MEETING OF FRIDAY 22ND JUNE 2012

We met as usual in San Javier and the five of us, Kathy, Margaret, David, Douglas and John
read various poems that had been written in the recent weeks.

Sestudes-either in their restrictive form or with a more liberal interpretation- were read by the majority. Of course, comments were made and advice given. That is the strength of this group and I think that this shows in much of the work being written.

Haiku were also the order of the day with many being presented.

Douglas capped our morning with a poem that he had written a few decades ago and which he thought would be suitable for our next ‘open mic’. (ON MONDAY 25TH JUNE AT 7.30PM) This one is called ‘And No Birds Sing’ and to hear it you will have to come along next Monday evening when he will read it.

We will now have a summer break and the next stanza meeting has been set for Friday 28th September and the autumn ‘open mic’ evening will be held in October. We will finalise the date on Monday evening next. I will write this up so that everyone will know what has gone on.

Have a productive and enjoyable summer. Keep well and have fun.

PRELUDE TO OUR TRAVELS

Welcome to our blog for our travels northwards via Tudela to Bilbao. Our route takes us along some of the course of the mighty Rio Ebro where we will see what is flying. One of the towns has nesting storks and that will be worth seeing. Once in Bilbao there will be a visit to The Guggenheim where there is an exhibition of David Hockney’s. This area is new to us and in two days it will not be possible to do it justice.

We only have four days in Spain before we embark for Portsmouth on 3rd July, arriving on the following morning.

This year has just ramped away and now it is only six days before we leave home. Most of the packing has been done and the excitement is mounting in anticipation of eleven weeks of travel, visiting locations and people. Follow us as we write up our journey on our joint blog http://travelsa-d.blogspot.com

RIOPAR, RIO MUNDO AND PLAYING WITH WOLVES

This is a great place to visit. I am sure that we will go again as we have more than one good reason to return there.

The old village of Riopar sits on a rocky outcrop with some outstanding views. It is almost totally holiday accommodation now but it does have a bar. The new town of Riopar- more accurately titled San Juan- lies on a flatter terrain but encircled with mountains with the highest one being a little over 1700 metres. Spain’s economic plight has left its mark here but there is still some bustle and it is an interesting place to visit.

This was a photographic trip and the cameras were busy on all three days. As far as I was concerned it was to see everything but with a special interest on anything flying. Friday was a cool one with only a few butterflies showing. Amongst the trees and vegetation there was birdsong with Blackcap singing beautifully but required patience to even see one.

Saturday saw us enter the gorge where the river exits from a high limestone cliff. We will be going back simply because after rain, when the atmospheric pressure helps to drive the water out′ it comes out of the rock face horizontally. It is some sight to see, I have been told.


On this second day the sun was hot and this brought out dozens of beautiful butterflies. Over the three days we saw over ten different species which included the Scarce Swallowtail. Bird wise I was disappointed as we only saw a few Griffin Vultures and nothing else. The others wanted to see their first eagle and I was on constant look-out but there really was hardly anything flying to see.




Sunday morning was the best part. We were taken to a private animal sanctuary by Juan Zamora who was born here and has an active interest in wildlife and photography. We saw Eagle Owls and birds of prey that had been rescued after being shot by the hunters. There were deer, mufflon and boar in enclosures and such is the care being taken, their environment allows them to breed successfully. We saw two adult wolves and two of their off-spring. They were nine months old, one being a male and the other one a bitch which were kept in a separate area. She came to the wire and nuzzled my fingers through the wire fence. The best bit was to come. I went in the enclosure with Michelle and Marian. The dog was apprehensive and kept himself slightly away but you could see that he did want some contact. It was obvious that they both knew Juan for both came to him. The female soon made contact and played with all three of us. She delighted in putting her mouth around a forearm and showed her gleaming white teeth. There was not a mark on anyone. What a wonderful experience this was.



The photograph above is one of the parents of the female wolf we played with.

I would not normally be in favour of humans coming in contact with wild animals in such a way but these were born in captivity and were already used to the human animal. Without breeding programmes the small wild populations cannot be supplemented. There are wild wolf populations in Spain but unfortunately not large ones. I know of two vulture release programmes and I also know that the Lynx population is being supported by captive breeding. If only the hunters would shoot less, then there would be sustainable populations of several species.

The last reason for a return visit is to undertake a two day photographic course with Juan. This is scheduled for October and then we can see this area in its autumn colour. Sounds like a good idea to me.

CLOT DE GALVANY

After a very tedious morning we came back from Alicante via Clot de Galvany where our afternoon just got better. There was no water at all in the shallow ‘pools’ but the main pool still had a quantity in it but the area next to the hide seems to be drying out fast. Our highlights were a lone Turtle Dove (Tortola Europea) that flew in for a drink but we had an excellent view and then two Yellow Wagtails ( Lavandera Boyera) skittered about on the mud. There were an amazing number of White Wagtails as welI. In the background were Moorhens (Gallinula Comun) with a Purple Swamp-hen (Calamon Comun) staying for a while. There were two Black-winged Stilts (Ciguennuela Comun) in the foreground with Spotless Starlings (EstorninoNegro) and House Sparrows (Gorrion Comun) splashing around. All the while the air was filled with Goldfinches chatting. We heard one warbler calling (but not identified) and this was surprising as the reeds would provide a good habitat for them. Walking back past the other side of the water, there was a female Mallard, two Little Grebes and then another wonderful surprise a male White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca). All great stuff. On the way out we saw Little Owl, Serin, Sardinian Warbler, Southern Grey Shrike, Green Finch and I heard a Robin singing. There were the ubiquitous Wood Pigeons (Paloma Torcaz) and Collared Doves (Tortola Turca) flying in and around. We were almost back to the car when we saw my favourite birds of summer perched on the fence only a few feet away-two Spotted Flycatchers doing what they do best. The photos below were taken by Michelle Edwards.

ANOTHER ‘OPEN MIC’ NIGHT FOR LANGUAGE LOVERS

ANOTHER ‘OPEN MIC’ NIGHT FOR LANGUAGE LOVERS Our last evening, held on 21st May, was another success with incredible performances and readings and this is something that we intend to repeat time and time again. We will have a summer break but will resume in late September. We always welcome fellow writers from wherever you come from and with whatever skill or style that you bring. It’s a relaxed event for everyone whether you are a seasoned performer or otherwise. New comers need have no fear as the audiences have always been so supportive. The rules are simple. You can read your own poem of no more than 40 lines or a short story of around 600 words or a favourite piece of your choice. You can even bring a lyric or two. It is all up to you for without support we cannot continue to flourish. Be prepared to bring more than one so that the action can continue. Come and appreciate the skills on display even if your forte is purely to listen to others. We are holding our ninth ‘Open Mic’ on Monday 25th June at Chadwick’s opposite The Plaza in Villamartin.

FRIENDS FROM SUMMERS PAST

Recently we’ve strayed away from our nearby patches of bamboo and visited the low ground below the dam at Embalse de la Pedrera . Here, there were Melodious Warblers flitting around and the harsh sound of Reed Warblers. They were so terrifically annoying because they just did not show. Maybe, next time. The following day we visited La Mata where we had been told that Curlew Sandpipers could be seen at the water’s edge but too far away for a decent camera shot. However, under the Eucalyptus trees in the picnic area, we found my favourite summer bird. Ever since my childhood I have been able to recognize instantly Spotted Flycatchers. The movement caught my eye and then I saw my first one and in the same tree a Woodchat Shrike. I carried on looking up and then a possee of Long-tailed Tits hurried through. I don’t know whether they had been bathing or they had travelled some distance to be there for they did look a bit ‘tatty’ but always great to see. Up with them was the striking yellow and black of a Great Tit. All good birding. Michelle managed to get two good shots and these so small birds are just wonderful to see.

Spotted Flycatchers and Long-Tailed Tits

BIRDS IN FRAME

I am now doing what I said that I would do. That is to concentrate on an area and see what’s there. It has dense pockets of bamboo which are close to the irrigation canal on the outskirts of San Miguel de Salinas. The habitat around it is very mixed with some cultivated ground, the odd almond tree, exposed rock and scrub. It has two distinct advantages in that there is water and plenty of cover. I spent several days being patient and this was rewarded with hearing the constant sound of Nightingales singing but with only the occasional sighting. Then there were the first glimpses of darting warblers. Reed warblers occasionally perched on a waving frond but long enough to get a scope on it. Melodious Warblers (Zarcero Comun) flew down to feed in the bushes not far away from my feet. It does pay to stand still and watch. A male Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra) perched within ten feet of me with Serin (Verdecillo) almost perching to order and Goldfinches (Jilguero) flying and singing. The surrounding habitats do favour both Stone Curlew (Alcaravan Comun) and Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). One evening a Gull-billed Tern (Pagaza Piconegra) flew along the adjacent canal and then flew back again which gave the best view I have had. However, the stars of this locale are the Red-rumped Swallows (Golondrina Daurica) who fly just over head and perch within feet of me without any fear. They are so beautiful and at this range you can see their striking reds and finely decorated plumage- they are simply great. Having located where the birds can be seen and photographed we are concentrating on just that but also hope to see other species as well. You can see how good those swallows look at Michelle’s photo. It is superb.

Red-rumped Swallow

AN OLD WALK –REVISITED

I used to walk our dogs just outside the town amongst a varied habitat where I could see wildlife. Recently I have walked that way again but more slowly this time to pay attention to everything that is around me. Summer is most certainly here and with it all the activity associated with warmer weather. There is birdsong, the hirundinidae (swallows etc.) are giving their aerobatical displays and perching male birds are showing off with their song and strikingly coloured plumage. Butterflies give extra colour but they are not alone for there is a lot more flying than those. On the ground I watched lines of ants carrying gathered seeds from a White Rockrose into their nests. It’s activity everywhere I look. I walked on slowly, listening, looking and watching towards the irrigation canal where there is dense stand of bamboo nearby. As I approached it I could see three Red-rumped Swallows flying around and tweeting. They were so low that there was no need for binoculars and then they perched for me to get a better good look. A Green Woodpecker flew and then I spotted a male one taking a drink before, it too, flew off. While all of this was occurring there was Serin, Goldfinch and the wonderful sound of Nightingale-possibly two- singing from somewhere within the bamboo stand. I intend to go here again with chair and scope to see what else is there. Patience, I know, will pay me back and maybe get a glimpse of these songsters.