Thursday, 17th September was our first autumnal venture to Lagunas de Petrola, Bonete and Coral Rubio. Primarily it was to see how much water was in the area and to see what birds had arrived. It clearly had a soaking and there was a lot of water. The waders and other water birds were not in great numbers ... yet. Bryan Thomas wanted to ensure that the Bargainbirdingclub members were going to see the best that was available.
We arrived soon after 8am with the temperature at 13 degrees Celsius and with a strongish wind. It may be shorts and T shirts on the Costas, but up there wear suitable clothing and shoes. Later in the day at about 2pm it was 23 degrees, still with a wind and an almost full sun with some clouds.
Prior to arriving at the wetlands we had seen a mixed flock of both House and Tree Sparrows. There were also a good number of Rock Sparrows too. Also Greenfinch, Goldfinchs and Linnets were seen. We checked the Starlings and we eventually could clearly see both the Spotless and European in various locations. In different places we saw three Rock Doves, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, numerous Crows and a Jackdaw.
At Petrola where there are extensive wet lands we found;
Black-necked Grebe
Black-tailed Godwits - 5
Black-winged Stilts in good numbers
Common Sandpipers - juveniles - ran around in front of us on the road
Flamingos - in good numbers with numerous adults and some juveniles
Green Sandpiper
Marsh Harriers - two flew around
Yellow Wagtail - just the one here.
Afterwards we investigated some of the 'caminos' and we saw our first Booted Eagle - White Morph - since the Spring, another Marsh Harrier - female, and a total of three Buzzards. Later we saw two separate Common Kestrels.
Crested Larks were around, but not in great numbers although Bryan had previously heard and seen a small flock of Calandras. We saw the occasional Barn Swallow, but no Swifts or Martins.
On our way to Coral Rubio wetlands we searched everywhere for what would be a target bird for many - Great Bustards. They proved to be very difficult until later.
In this area we saw:
Avocet
Black-winged Stilts
Black-necked Grebe
Coots
Dunlin - just the one
Flamingos
Green Sandpiper
Lapwings
Little-ringed Plovers
Mallard
Moorhen
Northern Shoveler
Pochard - Common and Red-crested
Ringed Plovers
Snipe
Yellow Wagtails 5 - presumably on passage.
We would suggest that the approach is made from Coral Rubio as the birds can be seen more easily from there; there is easy parking, there is a fence to screen visitors from the birds and because part of the causeway is under water.
Afterwards we carried on with out search for GB's and had the pleasure of watching right up close a Chiff - our first for moths. Then in the distance Bryan with his keen eyes found two Great Bustards. Okay, they were some distance away, but they are still there. We also scanned every field for Little Bustards, but without any luck. Just to add there were only a few butterflies around and we did have too close-ups of Marble Whites. Not too bad for a between season day with over 40 species.
Friday 18 September 2015
Friday 4 September 2015
INJURED EAGLE OWL
INJURED EAGLE OWL - BUHO REAL
This morning an Eagle Owl was found stuck in a wire fence on the fringes of Embalse de la Pedrera by a friend. He freed it, caged it and then took the bird to Pets World on the carreterra leading from San Miguel to Bigastro which is where we saw it. The bird did not appear to be an adult bird but it was in excellent plumage and generally in good health. Unfortunately it had broken it's right wing. At Pets World they were very helpful and considerate. Earlier we had phoned Guardia Civil, Seprona (669819779), but our Spanish was insufficient. Thankfully the staff in Pets World contacted Centro Recuperaccion Alicante who came and took care of the bird. The phone number for this is 965 152 104 and it would appear to be more local to us and possibly the location could be in Torrevieja. This is the third such bird that I have seen with the previous two being dead. The remains of one was by a metal fence and the other one had made contact with a pylon. They are a protected species, but not uncommon although not that easy to locate and see. Patience is certainly required. Their call is unmistakeable.
Thanks to Arthur for the photographs - to follow - and for the rescue.
This morning an Eagle Owl was found stuck in a wire fence on the fringes of Embalse de la Pedrera by a friend. He freed it, caged it and then took the bird to Pets World on the carreterra leading from San Miguel to Bigastro which is where we saw it. The bird did not appear to be an adult bird but it was in excellent plumage and generally in good health. Unfortunately it had broken it's right wing. At Pets World they were very helpful and considerate. Earlier we had phoned Guardia Civil, Seprona (669819779), but our Spanish was insufficient. Thankfully the staff in Pets World contacted Centro Recuperaccion Alicante who came and took care of the bird. The phone number for this is 965 152 104 and it would appear to be more local to us and possibly the location could be in Torrevieja. This is the third such bird that I have seen with the previous two being dead. The remains of one was by a metal fence and the other one had made contact with a pylon. They are a protected species, but not uncommon although not that easy to locate and see. Patience is certainly required. Their call is unmistakeable.
Thanks to Arthur for the photographs - to follow - and for the rescue.
Tuesday 25 August 2015
Blackadder could go forth again
BLACK ADDER IS ON THE CARDS - the line reads.
I would hate anyone to think that my pink halo is shining brightly as I have been reading a newspaper again. According to Graeme Virtue (who) in The Guardian today there is a cunning plan afoot to take the cowardly Edmund and his bum-chum Baldrick into a different time zone. Fascinating it could be as we could get out of that medieval rut (or perhaps, midden) and propel these two creatures back to Roman Times or bring them almost up to date into the flared trouser era of the sixties. Anyway, you can read the article with all its ideas.
It seems to be that another choice could be to take that Oxbridge lot of cabinet and (yes) shadow cabinet boys and girls and see what script they could come up. But who would be in charge? On the other hand you could leave it to the real working classes to come up with a mighty plot. I just hope that it happens.
I would hate anyone to think that my pink halo is shining brightly as I have been reading a newspaper again. According to Graeme Virtue (who) in The Guardian today there is a cunning plan afoot to take the cowardly Edmund and his bum-chum Baldrick into a different time zone. Fascinating it could be as we could get out of that medieval rut (or perhaps, midden) and propel these two creatures back to Roman Times or bring them almost up to date into the flared trouser era of the sixties. Anyway, you can read the article with all its ideas.
It seems to be that another choice could be to take that Oxbridge lot of cabinet and (yes) shadow cabinet boys and girls and see what script they could come up. But who would be in charge? On the other hand you could leave it to the real working classes to come up with a mighty plot. I just hope that it happens.
Saturday 22 August 2015
Gran Alacant to El Hondon
A TEN ROLLER BIRD AFFAIR.
Who dares to say that shouldn't go out birding in our hot summer days? If you take the gamble then you could have had two excellent days out this month. Last week Yecla and this Friday we stayed local and it became a full one. I met Bryan in Gran Alicant at 8am and we were birding within minutes when we stopped in the lay-by on N332 by the Salt Tower. The Flamingos were so close that no binoculars were needed and posed for Bryan and his camera.
In truth there was not too much else, but we had views of both Greenshank and Redshank with two Turnstones feeding on the rocks at the foot of the tower. One Slender-billed Gull swam by, Yellow Legged both adult and immature were around and two Night Herons flew from out of the reeds. A Yellow Wagtail showed briefly. We moved on.
We decided to give El Pinet a quick visit and on the roundabout, under the N332, Bryan found his bird of the day! A lonely juvenile Pratincole and like all good girls it posed for the camera.
We saw no adult birds and this one was one of only about three or four which were at El Pinet. Here we hoped to see more waders, but it is still too early for many. The usual Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers showed well. Terns were their usual busy selves with Little, Sandwich and Common all flying. We quickly moved on as our objective was to check on the water levels around the visitor at San Felipe Neri at El Hondon. We decided to take a more circuitous route through farm land.
We saw ten individual Rollers
with Common Kestrels perched on the wires, five Southern Grey Shrikes, two Woodchat Shrikes and a Spotted Flycatcher. We heard and saw two Iberian Green Woodpeckers and Hoopoes flew in front of us. Collared Doves perched alongside the Kestrels on the wires. Driving alongside a canal we flushed two Green Sandpipers. We carried on and on the Vistabella Road we found a field being flooded that contained young Pomegranate trees
Here there were in excess of 200 Jackdaws, numerous Cattle Egrets
and about 60 or more Glossy Ibis
with a few Wood Pigeons. Swallows flew low over the gushing water. Earlier we had seen Red-rumped, both Pallid and Common Swifts together with the odd House Martin. Squacco Herons called and flew, also Grey were feeding as well and we saw Little Egrets too
At Hondon we found that the water levels were very good and although there was not a Pratincol to be seen, but we did see one Little Stint, all three types of Plover, Purple Swamp-hens, one Common Sandpiper and it would appear the influx of waders has still to happen, but it is early yet. Also a Reed Warbler flew and that added to the list with a Zitting Cisticola seen earlier. A Sardinian Warbler flew in front of us. Bee-eaters were in evidence near the entrance.
On the small enclosed pond at the back of the visitor centre were both Common and Red-crested Pochards. The latter were both adult birds with seven youngsters. Two Red-knobbed Coots fed on the bank with the ubiquitous House Sparrows. Also there was one Teal like duck and a photograph may give us an identification.
We were fortunate to meet two birders from Norfolk who said that they had seen Bearded Tits near the hide in Vistabella Road. They had also seen a Weaver Bird, a Short-toed Eagle and possibly a Booted Eagle, but that was a distant sighting. We remained raptor less for the day. We returned to try and see any of their sightings, but were unsuccessful. Perhaps next time. However we were pleased to see a juvenile Whiskered Tern and hear it clamouring for food and being fed. The exchange was clearly seen with the food being dropped into the youngsters mouth without contact being made. On the water were Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes. We also added a Black-headed Gull to the list, but did not hear or see a Med. Gull. Butterflies were few, but we had close up views of Plain Tigers.
I don't always bother with numbers, but this one stands at 56 (excluding the four sightings of our Norfolk birders) different species and, of course, some are already on their way south only to be seen again next year. I think that shows we had a damn good day.
21st August
Who dares to say that shouldn't go out birding in our hot summer days? If you take the gamble then you could have had two excellent days out this month. Last week Yecla and this Friday we stayed local and it became a full one. I met Bryan in Gran Alicant at 8am and we were birding within minutes when we stopped in the lay-by on N332 by the Salt Tower. The Flamingos were so close that no binoculars were needed and posed for Bryan and his camera.
In truth there was not too much else, but we had views of both Greenshank and Redshank with two Turnstones feeding on the rocks at the foot of the tower. One Slender-billed Gull swam by, Yellow Legged both adult and immature were around and two Night Herons flew from out of the reeds. A Yellow Wagtail showed briefly. We moved on.
We decided to give El Pinet a quick visit and on the roundabout, under the N332, Bryan found his bird of the day! A lonely juvenile Pratincole and like all good girls it posed for the camera.
We saw no adult birds and this one was one of only about three or four which were at El Pinet. Here we hoped to see more waders, but it is still too early for many. The usual Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers showed well. Terns were their usual busy selves with Little, Sandwich and Common all flying. We quickly moved on as our objective was to check on the water levels around the visitor at San Felipe Neri at El Hondon. We decided to take a more circuitous route through farm land.
We saw ten individual Rollers
with Common Kestrels perched on the wires, five Southern Grey Shrikes, two Woodchat Shrikes and a Spotted Flycatcher. We heard and saw two Iberian Green Woodpeckers and Hoopoes flew in front of us. Collared Doves perched alongside the Kestrels on the wires. Driving alongside a canal we flushed two Green Sandpipers. We carried on and on the Vistabella Road we found a field being flooded that contained young Pomegranate trees
Here there were in excess of 200 Jackdaws, numerous Cattle Egrets
and about 60 or more Glossy Ibis
with a few Wood Pigeons. Swallows flew low over the gushing water. Earlier we had seen Red-rumped, both Pallid and Common Swifts together with the odd House Martin. Squacco Herons called and flew, also Grey were feeding as well and we saw Little Egrets too
At Hondon we found that the water levels were very good and although there was not a Pratincol to be seen, but we did see one Little Stint, all three types of Plover, Purple Swamp-hens, one Common Sandpiper and it would appear the influx of waders has still to happen, but it is early yet. Also a Reed Warbler flew and that added to the list with a Zitting Cisticola seen earlier. A Sardinian Warbler flew in front of us. Bee-eaters were in evidence near the entrance.
On the small enclosed pond at the back of the visitor centre were both Common and Red-crested Pochards. The latter were both adult birds with seven youngsters. Two Red-knobbed Coots fed on the bank with the ubiquitous House Sparrows. Also there was one Teal like duck and a photograph may give us an identification.
We were fortunate to meet two birders from Norfolk who said that they had seen Bearded Tits near the hide in Vistabella Road. They had also seen a Weaver Bird, a Short-toed Eagle and possibly a Booted Eagle, but that was a distant sighting. We remained raptor less for the day. We returned to try and see any of their sightings, but were unsuccessful. Perhaps next time. However we were pleased to see a juvenile Whiskered Tern and hear it clamouring for food and being fed. The exchange was clearly seen with the food being dropped into the youngsters mouth without contact being made. On the water were Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes. We also added a Black-headed Gull to the list, but did not hear or see a Med. Gull. Butterflies were few, but we had close up views of Plain Tigers.
I don't always bother with numbers, but this one stands at 56 (excluding the four sightings of our Norfolk birders) different species and, of course, some are already on their way south only to be seen again next year. I think that shows we had a damn good day.
21st August
Thursday 20 August 2015
Estepas de Yecla - Friday 14th August
This is one of my favourite places. We have never failed to see some good birds and this morning was no exception. Our last visit was in early July and we have visited each month from late April onwards with the intention to see how the seasons - both birds and vegetation - can change what we observe.
On Friday 14th August, we stopped at the entrance to Estepas de Yecla , with the temperature a cool 23 degrees in a refreshing wind. Immediately we heard a Pin-tailed Sandgrouse call and one flew over us. Further on we saw more Pin-tailed and later two Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew and we watched them feeding.
During the morning we noted Barn Swallows were flying low and all going in one direction. We also saw a few Red-rumped and high in the sky were about 50 Swifts passing through. They appeared to be mainly Pallid, but (we think) with some Common Swift amongst them. We definitely saw a Common Swift flying low close by.
We moved into a freshly cultivated area where there were large numbers of Short-toed Larks, a few Crested, but we only had one sighting of a Calendra.
We were always on the look out for raptors, but only saw one Buzzard. However the abundance of Lesser Kestrels more than made up for it. They were everywhere.
Our intention for this morning was to explore the area closer to Caudette. Within a few minutes we saw more Lesser Kestrels and then the find of the day. Bryan spotted a Greater Spotted Cuckoo on the ground behind a line of conifers. It was a terrific close up sighting, but it flew before he could get his photo. At the same location we found a perched Roller (probably a juvenile) and in a neighbouring tree another one. We didn't expect to see them here and they were our first for this area.
It is always good for Wheatears and again we found some Black-eared which were possibly both juvenile ones and others in moult.
Smaller birds included Goldfinch, Serin, Green Finch, Linnet and we did hear a Sardinian Warbler call. This is not a full list. I do love it up here and we are wondering what the cooler months, after some rain, will do for the bird populations and species.
I record a thank you to Bryan Thomas for his knowledge, a pair of sharp eyes and ears and jolly good company.
On Friday 14th August, we stopped at the entrance to Estepas de Yecla , with the temperature a cool 23 degrees in a refreshing wind. Immediately we heard a Pin-tailed Sandgrouse call and one flew over us. Further on we saw more Pin-tailed and later two Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew and we watched them feeding.
During the morning we noted Barn Swallows were flying low and all going in one direction. We also saw a few Red-rumped and high in the sky were about 50 Swifts passing through. They appeared to be mainly Pallid, but (we think) with some Common Swift amongst them. We definitely saw a Common Swift flying low close by.
We moved into a freshly cultivated area where there were large numbers of Short-toed Larks, a few Crested, but we only had one sighting of a Calendra.
We were always on the look out for raptors, but only saw one Buzzard. However the abundance of Lesser Kestrels more than made up for it. They were everywhere.
Our intention for this morning was to explore the area closer to Caudette. Within a few minutes we saw more Lesser Kestrels and then the find of the day. Bryan spotted a Greater Spotted Cuckoo on the ground behind a line of conifers. It was a terrific close up sighting, but it flew before he could get his photo. At the same location we found a perched Roller (probably a juvenile) and in a neighbouring tree another one. We didn't expect to see them here and they were our first for this area.
It is always good for Wheatears and again we found some Black-eared which were possibly both juvenile ones and others in moult.
Smaller birds included Goldfinch, Serin, Green Finch, Linnet and we did hear a Sardinian Warbler call. This is not a full list. I do love it up here and we are wondering what the cooler months, after some rain, will do for the bird populations and species.
I record a thank you to Bryan Thomas for his knowledge, a pair of sharp eyes and ears and jolly good company.
Tuesday 28 July 2015
Stephen King's Revival
I bought Revival, and Mr Mercedes, at the same time. They are not even remotely connected except for the writer, and whereas I tuned into the latter immediately the opposite was true of Revival. After thirty-seven pages I wonder where the hell this book was taking me. The 'gob-speak' between the Morton family members of which there are four children and two 'God-loving' parents is interesting, but what was this about? Okay it moves on, past religion, through adolescence, into music and whatever else. He uses music to help carry it along and that world is locked into some of the story. Dope is there on the sidelines seemingly skated over, but fills in part of this saga of life. It is just a segment that gets woven into the patchwork.
Two main characters carry it on, James Morton, and the Reverend Daniel C Jacobs. The former is the narrator and Jacobs is what some of it is about.
King writes in emotion. He plays the 'feelings game' very well. One minute you are in the story and then in the next minute or so you are wrapped up in your past. Memories float by and there are lumps in the throat. That's what good story tellers do, of course.
But what is it all about? I could say that it is about a 'crack-pot guy' who is on a mission whether it is to 'con' or 'cure' which does yield him untold wealth. For me it is some of both however unlikely the reality actually is. Of course it is all well told and well written, but I did not find it that enjoyable.
If you don't want to know any more of the story don't read the front fly sheet and get the surprises as they come. You may find it 'electrifying' and 'reviving', but.....
Two main characters carry it on, James Morton, and the Reverend Daniel C Jacobs. The former is the narrator and Jacobs is what some of it is about.
King writes in emotion. He plays the 'feelings game' very well. One minute you are in the story and then in the next minute or so you are wrapped up in your past. Memories float by and there are lumps in the throat. That's what good story tellers do, of course.
But what is it all about? I could say that it is about a 'crack-pot guy' who is on a mission whether it is to 'con' or 'cure' which does yield him untold wealth. For me it is some of both however unlikely the reality actually is. Of course it is all well told and well written, but I did not find it that enjoyable.
If you don't want to know any more of the story don't read the front fly sheet and get the surprises as they come. You may find it 'electrifying' and 'reviving', but.....
Sunday 19 July 2015
Anti-austerity Demonstration
ANTI-AUSTERITY DEMONSTRATION,
WHITEHALL, JUNE 20th
On the eve of the Solstice
they felt a need
to protect the Cenotaph,
to block images and memories
of 'The Glorious Dead'.
Those that gave us freedom
now have to hide behind cheap boards
while others scream, blow whistles,
waggle placards over heads,
blaming the blue Tory band.
Cosseted fresh faces, hair immaculate,
supported by Jimmy Choo,
designer jeans and consumer
rhetoric to forget the past,
and the idea of value.
Spend what can be borrowed.
To hell with restraint or constraint.
Consume. Consume. Presume
it will be alright in the end and
the deficit will simply disappear.
Oh no it won't! The political divide
pulls two ways. Red in opposition
to t'other way. It's the way it is
as people die in our darkening world
when the sun comes up at 4.52am
21st June, 2015 John Edwards (C)
NB. Written for the day and not for
later events. I saw the photo of the
marchers on the news and decided to
write this piece.
The only ISIL connection
is probably the term 'darkening world'.
Obviously since then we have had the
Tunisian killings on Friday 26th June.
WHITEHALL, JUNE 20th
On the eve of the Solstice
they felt a need
to protect the Cenotaph,
to block images and memories
of 'The Glorious Dead'.
Those that gave us freedom
now have to hide behind cheap boards
while others scream, blow whistles,
waggle placards over heads,
blaming the blue Tory band.
Cosseted fresh faces, hair immaculate,
supported by Jimmy Choo,
designer jeans and consumer
rhetoric to forget the past,
and the idea of value.
Spend what can be borrowed.
To hell with restraint or constraint.
Consume. Consume. Presume
it will be alright in the end and
the deficit will simply disappear.
Oh no it won't! The political divide
pulls two ways. Red in opposition
to t'other way. It's the way it is
as people die in our darkening world
when the sun comes up at 4.52am
21st June, 2015 John Edwards (C)
NB. Written for the day and not for
later events. I saw the photo of the
marchers on the news and decided to
write this piece.
The only ISIL connection
is probably the term 'darkening world'.
Obviously since then we have had the
Tunisian killings on Friday 26th June.
Saturday 18 July 2015
Party in the Paddock
THE NAME CHANGERS OF TARRINGTON
What will they do this Saturday, at 2?
Village Fetes are on the go, you know;
you knew where, by following the walkers,
the straggling talkers, and those Range Rovers.
Annually they occurred,
almost like summer rain they came.
Bring-and-buy stalls; hues in fruity jams,
jars of chutney, clear honey
with people I know standing guard
with demanding eyes, perhaps.
Confusingly, that old name transpired,
it had to go, re-brand that idea of a 'Fete'.
What sleight of hand has consigned it
to a past? Can you still look for a
'Red Phone Box' and find one?
Has Dr Who snaffled them all
and whipped them away in a sham
Police Box re-branded as a 'Tardis?'
I like the past, but like me, like it's
definition, it moves away inexorably.
Now, we have to call it 'Party in the Paddock'.
Green grass under slippy sandals, even flip-flops,
but bring the psychedelic wellies, and
Estate Agents umbrellas, just in case.
It's a fresh day. There's the freshness in
freshly mown grass - it's like an aphrodisiac.
They come in droves to this new event.
This re-branded-giving-event where the idea
is still the same.
'Git yer 'ands inta your pockets'; small change will
do as a starter and then the notes. Don't flinch,
it is only money.
Thinking of austerity will not help
the ailing in St. Michael's Hospice.
May the funds be enhanced.
I say well done.
John Edwards (C) 10th July, 2015
NB. TARRINGTON is a village in
Herefordshire and it is where I
was born and spent my first
seventeen years.
What will they do this Saturday, at 2?
Village Fetes are on the go, you know;
you knew where, by following the walkers,
the straggling talkers, and those Range Rovers.
Annually they occurred,
almost like summer rain they came.
Bring-and-buy stalls; hues in fruity jams,
jars of chutney, clear honey
with people I know standing guard
with demanding eyes, perhaps.
Confusingly, that old name transpired,
it had to go, re-brand that idea of a 'Fete'.
What sleight of hand has consigned it
to a past? Can you still look for a
'Red Phone Box' and find one?
Has Dr Who snaffled them all
and whipped them away in a sham
Police Box re-branded as a 'Tardis?'
I like the past, but like me, like it's
definition, it moves away inexorably.
Now, we have to call it 'Party in the Paddock'.
Green grass under slippy sandals, even flip-flops,
but bring the psychedelic wellies, and
Estate Agents umbrellas, just in case.
It's a fresh day. There's the freshness in
freshly mown grass - it's like an aphrodisiac.
They come in droves to this new event.
This re-branded-giving-event where the idea
is still the same.
'Git yer 'ands inta your pockets'; small change will
do as a starter and then the notes. Don't flinch,
it is only money.
Thinking of austerity will not help
the ailing in St. Michael's Hospice.
May the funds be enhanced.
I say well done.
John Edwards (C) 10th July, 2015
NB. TARRINGTON is a village in
Herefordshire and it is where I
was born and spent my first
seventeen years.
Hereford FC
RE-BORN AND STILL UNITED
It is so good when the unexpected happens. Sometimes a community, or even a part of one, comes together and the effect of it creates a wonderful feeling. This is so when there is a recovery of an institution that has been an important part of a city. If I had mentioned in my first line that I was referring to a football club then I would have lost some readers immediately, but please read on for this is about people focussing on what can be achieved after having recognized a loss.
This does show that communities can connect in times of trouble.
In December 2014 Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd was wound up in The Law Courts in far away London and that was that. They were not even able to complete their fixtures in the Premier Division of the Conference League
Since last week they are actively back in business.
They only had seven contracted players last week (now eleven) and with others are able to form a team. Somehow they found finance, 'tarted' up Edgar Street Athletic Ground because it had been neglected, made it safe and fit for purpose after securing a five year lease from Hereford City Council and now they are back. Officially 'United' are not in business and the new club have the title FC Hereford (Forever United) to take them forward into the fairly recently formed Midland League where those attending maybe no more than a hundred or so spectators. A country mile away from days of former glory and league status.
Now, this is where I start to feel very good for in their first pre-season friendly at Malvern Town over two thousand people went to support their team. There had never been a gate that large there before and 'United' had never had pre-season friendly with numbers of that magnitude. This was only last Tuesday and in the next few days they were able to acquire a safety certificate for the Hereford ground for almost five thousand spectators and that meant they could play their first home game last Saturday. They did not have a capacity gate, but we're only 708 short. They sold 2000 programmes at £2.50 and could have sold more. They must have extended the print run because there will be more on sale for the next home game. I want one.
In recent years their has been objections to the 'big money' clubs and their 'big money' owners. Such clubs, in some cases, have lost their local identity and that is where the real supporters take on the huge task and the risks of putting their club back into their community where it belongs. FC United of Manchester are one of those clubs and they, with 600 hundred traveling supporters, were in Hereford last Saturday. A club and 600 supporters with large hearts. Wonderful for myself as I was brought up on non-league football, the glory of the FA Cup and big dreams. Now more kids can dream on. The "Bulls are running again" with a head of a Hereford Bull as part of the clubs motif on all their shirts. Keep on Running!
It is so good when the unexpected happens. Sometimes a community, or even a part of one, comes together and the effect of it creates a wonderful feeling. This is so when there is a recovery of an institution that has been an important part of a city. If I had mentioned in my first line that I was referring to a football club then I would have lost some readers immediately, but please read on for this is about people focussing on what can be achieved after having recognized a loss.
This does show that communities can connect in times of trouble.
In December 2014 Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd was wound up in The Law Courts in far away London and that was that. They were not even able to complete their fixtures in the Premier Division of the Conference League
Since last week they are actively back in business.
They only had seven contracted players last week (now eleven) and with others are able to form a team. Somehow they found finance, 'tarted' up Edgar Street Athletic Ground because it had been neglected, made it safe and fit for purpose after securing a five year lease from Hereford City Council and now they are back. Officially 'United' are not in business and the new club have the title FC Hereford (Forever United) to take them forward into the fairly recently formed Midland League where those attending maybe no more than a hundred or so spectators. A country mile away from days of former glory and league status.
Now, this is where I start to feel very good for in their first pre-season friendly at Malvern Town over two thousand people went to support their team. There had never been a gate that large there before and 'United' had never had pre-season friendly with numbers of that magnitude. This was only last Tuesday and in the next few days they were able to acquire a safety certificate for the Hereford ground for almost five thousand spectators and that meant they could play their first home game last Saturday. They did not have a capacity gate, but we're only 708 short. They sold 2000 programmes at £2.50 and could have sold more. They must have extended the print run because there will be more on sale for the next home game. I want one.
In recent years their has been objections to the 'big money' clubs and their 'big money' owners. Such clubs, in some cases, have lost their local identity and that is where the real supporters take on the huge task and the risks of putting their club back into their community where it belongs. FC United of Manchester are one of those clubs and they, with 600 hundred traveling supporters, were in Hereford last Saturday. A club and 600 supporters with large hearts. Wonderful for myself as I was brought up on non-league football, the glory of the FA Cup and big dreams. Now more kids can dream on. The "Bulls are running again" with a head of a Hereford Bull as part of the clubs motif on all their shirts. Keep on Running!
Saturday 11 July 2015
Book Review of Mr Mercedes
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King.
Feeling the need for a change in style, for something different I browsed the book shelves and found in a prime position two books by Stephen King. I flipped through a few pages of Mr Mercedes, liked what I had quickly read and added it to the basket. Previously I had been unable to finish or never even started some of his work. This one I liked from the start. Brady Hartfield is our killing-man and Bill Hodges is our retired detective.
The fly sheet will tell you that Brady drives a Mercedes into a waiting line of the jobless and people die. The killer escapes, but he is no ordinary being. Later he taunts our 'Det-Ret' and the competition gets underway. King puts so much into the building of his characters and his plots are never simple. There are details to absorb and there is suspense in considering who is the next one for the morgue. Along the way he introduces some very unlikely characters who get caught up in the evil and aid the ex-cop to win - of course, but winning does have its own price! I like the way that he does 'flawed people'.
There is even more suspense introduced when Bill needs help from the inside. An ex-cop requiring official help, but not allowing all the truth to be revealed. It just adds to the story.
But what of the ending and how do our solvers-of-crime come out of it. Well, if you read this riveting novel you can come to your conclusions. Enjoy as I have done. Now for King's, 'Revival' apparently it is spectacularly dark and electrifying. It should be good then.
Feeling the need for a change in style, for something different I browsed the book shelves and found in a prime position two books by Stephen King. I flipped through a few pages of Mr Mercedes, liked what I had quickly read and added it to the basket. Previously I had been unable to finish or never even started some of his work. This one I liked from the start. Brady Hartfield is our killing-man and Bill Hodges is our retired detective.
The fly sheet will tell you that Brady drives a Mercedes into a waiting line of the jobless and people die. The killer escapes, but he is no ordinary being. Later he taunts our 'Det-Ret' and the competition gets underway. King puts so much into the building of his characters and his plots are never simple. There are details to absorb and there is suspense in considering who is the next one for the morgue. Along the way he introduces some very unlikely characters who get caught up in the evil and aid the ex-cop to win - of course, but winning does have its own price! I like the way that he does 'flawed people'.
There is even more suspense introduced when Bill needs help from the inside. An ex-cop requiring official help, but not allowing all the truth to be revealed. It just adds to the story.
But what of the ending and how do our solvers-of-crime come out of it. Well, if you read this riveting novel you can come to your conclusions. Enjoy as I have done. Now for King's, 'Revival' apparently it is spectacularly dark and electrifying. It should be good then.
Wednesday 8 July 2015
A BOOK LIST!
WHAT I LIKE TO READ
The on-going challenge of reading excellent writing, locating new authors, finding inspiration for my own scribblings and making new friends and meeting people is what drives my book list.
This time last year I was in Ledbury for their Poetry Festival and amongst those 10 days I unearthed a gem. I had signed up for an-all-night-poetry event at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, but in the evening there were two separate events with one entitled At Maldon. The story starts with an event in the year 991 when a rag-tag army of local Anglo-Saxons faced a marauding army of Vikings. J.O Morgan, the author, takes a piece of old writing where the beginning and ending had been 'mislaid' and adds his understanding to what could have been said. He made it so rhythmical, alliterative and sound so true as though he had been there all those years ago. And he recited it, all sixty pages! (ISBN 978-0-957-3266-5-1)
Following on from Ledbury was the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival and where you can indulge yourself in the world of crime books and rub shoulders with the writers and publishers. Here we encountered Mari Hannah and her four published books, The Murder Wall, Settled Blood, Deadly Deceit, and Monument to Murder. If you enjoy English crime stories then these are a 'must read' and to add to the list there is Killing for Keeps also.
I could include many other authors that I have met at Harrogate. Writers that I have bought their books, read, enjoyed and reviewed in my blog. (http://spanishjohnedwards-je.blogspot.com.) I had the pleasure of meeting J K Rowling and her crime stories written under the name of Robert Galbraith. Again stories set in England and to be enjoyed.
In January we were browsing in a book shop on Sanibel Island, Florida when I saw a book written by Jonathan Hayes. His first book, A Hard Death, involving cruelty, torture, sex of course, and plenty of deaths which was all set in the Everglades Natural Park. I think that it is an added extra to be able to have some personal knowledge or an idea, or at least, of the location or locations that are included in any story. For me, it seems to add to the enjoyment. I have reviewed all of the above books and they are all on my blog.
I also read more serious 'stuff' and this has included some of the stories in The Dubliners by James Joyce and I have dabbled in several others of similar ilk. Currently I am reading (slowly) The Rainbow by D H Lawrence and interspersed with small chunks of a factual account of the efforts of the Maquisands on the Vercors plateau (near Grenoble) attempting to resist the German occupiers from a book entitled The Cruel Victory by Paddy Ashdown.
History fascinates me and so with serious historical accounts I read a novel during the time of that reading. This was not the case with Hilary Mantel's two books Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies that demanded all of my attention, but worth it.
Recently I have read Mr Mercedes by Stephen King upon which I will write a review for my blog and I still have his later book The Revival to read next.
Having just returned from England The Sunday Times has given me some more to add to my list. There are diverse writings such as Medieval Graffiti by Dan Jones, Under Storms Wing which is about the love of Helen Thomas and her husband and prolific writer Edward Thomas, Closet Queens: Some 20th Century British Politicians by Michael Bloch and The Last English Poachers by Bob & Brian Tovey. It seems endless this list and if I add in my research on Herefordshire Gypsies then the list is bound to grow even more.
I also read wildlife magazines and those written on the environment and of course poems of friends and published authors.
John Edwards July 2015.
The on-going challenge of reading excellent writing, locating new authors, finding inspiration for my own scribblings and making new friends and meeting people is what drives my book list.
This time last year I was in Ledbury for their Poetry Festival and amongst those 10 days I unearthed a gem. I had signed up for an-all-night-poetry event at Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, but in the evening there were two separate events with one entitled At Maldon. The story starts with an event in the year 991 when a rag-tag army of local Anglo-Saxons faced a marauding army of Vikings. J.O Morgan, the author, takes a piece of old writing where the beginning and ending had been 'mislaid' and adds his understanding to what could have been said. He made it so rhythmical, alliterative and sound so true as though he had been there all those years ago. And he recited it, all sixty pages! (ISBN 978-0-957-3266-5-1)
Following on from Ledbury was the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival and where you can indulge yourself in the world of crime books and rub shoulders with the writers and publishers. Here we encountered Mari Hannah and her four published books, The Murder Wall, Settled Blood, Deadly Deceit, and Monument to Murder. If you enjoy English crime stories then these are a 'must read' and to add to the list there is Killing for Keeps also.
I could include many other authors that I have met at Harrogate. Writers that I have bought their books, read, enjoyed and reviewed in my blog. (http://spanishjohnedwards-je.blogspot.com.) I had the pleasure of meeting J K Rowling and her crime stories written under the name of Robert Galbraith. Again stories set in England and to be enjoyed.
In January we were browsing in a book shop on Sanibel Island, Florida when I saw a book written by Jonathan Hayes. His first book, A Hard Death, involving cruelty, torture, sex of course, and plenty of deaths which was all set in the Everglades Natural Park. I think that it is an added extra to be able to have some personal knowledge or an idea, or at least, of the location or locations that are included in any story. For me, it seems to add to the enjoyment. I have reviewed all of the above books and they are all on my blog.
I also read more serious 'stuff' and this has included some of the stories in The Dubliners by James Joyce and I have dabbled in several others of similar ilk. Currently I am reading (slowly) The Rainbow by D H Lawrence and interspersed with small chunks of a factual account of the efforts of the Maquisands on the Vercors plateau (near Grenoble) attempting to resist the German occupiers from a book entitled The Cruel Victory by Paddy Ashdown.
History fascinates me and so with serious historical accounts I read a novel during the time of that reading. This was not the case with Hilary Mantel's two books Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies that demanded all of my attention, but worth it.
Recently I have read Mr Mercedes by Stephen King upon which I will write a review for my blog and I still have his later book The Revival to read next.
Having just returned from England The Sunday Times has given me some more to add to my list. There are diverse writings such as Medieval Graffiti by Dan Jones, Under Storms Wing which is about the love of Helen Thomas and her husband and prolific writer Edward Thomas, Closet Queens: Some 20th Century British Politicians by Michael Bloch and The Last English Poachers by Bob & Brian Tovey. It seems endless this list and if I add in my research on Herefordshire Gypsies then the list is bound to grow even more.
I also read wildlife magazines and those written on the environment and of course poems of friends and published authors.
John Edwards July 2015.
Saturday 4 July 2015
Estepas de Yecla in July
Another early morning saw us heading north from Gran Alacant towards the Estepas de Yecla to again concentrate on this wonderful location. We did anticipate a hot day, but when we arrived at 8am it was only 21 degrees and with a fairly strong breeze. Swallows were flying low through the almond trees, but strangely with no Martins or Swifts to be seen.
We did not expect too much or anything unusual this being the hottest time of the year. However, as we have always seen something good what we did see was very good. We saw three Greater Spotted Cuckoos on the ground, presumably fledglings, being fed by a Magpie. Thus proving the fact of which nest the eggs had been laid. We were able to watch them for about ten minutes as they moved around, but at a distance.
Lesser Kestrels were flying around the farm buildings and over the fields. This drew our attention to other birds and when we focused on one we found, what we thought could have been Peregrine, but was undoubtedly a Hobby. It was never close enough to photograph and we had to make do with some good, but fairly distant sightings of it. This was my third sighting of this species this year and Bryan's first.
Two Golden Eagles had been seen by Bryan on a previous visit, but today we had to make do with a Buzzard.
I have previously mentioned that this is a very good area for Larks with Short-toed showing well together with Crested and some Thekla. We were pleased to see several flocks of Calendra which must have numbered over 200 in total.
Many of the fields of corn had now been cut although further in towards Caudette there were fields still waiting to be harvested. Other fields were being worked with machinery and as such there was a good variety of habitat. I won't list all the birds and again we heard Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and Crows, Jackdaws and Chough flew for us. To finish with, we had good views, of Tree Sparrows.
We intend to do this yet again and next time to enter this valley via Caudette and pay particular attention to that area first.
Another great day out with Bryan Thomas.
We did not expect too much or anything unusual this being the hottest time of the year. However, as we have always seen something good what we did see was very good. We saw three Greater Spotted Cuckoos on the ground, presumably fledglings, being fed by a Magpie. Thus proving the fact of which nest the eggs had been laid. We were able to watch them for about ten minutes as they moved around, but at a distance.
Lesser Kestrels were flying around the farm buildings and over the fields. This drew our attention to other birds and when we focused on one we found, what we thought could have been Peregrine, but was undoubtedly a Hobby. It was never close enough to photograph and we had to make do with some good, but fairly distant sightings of it. This was my third sighting of this species this year and Bryan's first.
Two Golden Eagles had been seen by Bryan on a previous visit, but today we had to make do with a Buzzard.
I have previously mentioned that this is a very good area for Larks with Short-toed showing well together with Crested and some Thekla. We were pleased to see several flocks of Calendra which must have numbered over 200 in total.
Many of the fields of corn had now been cut although further in towards Caudette there were fields still waiting to be harvested. Other fields were being worked with machinery and as such there was a good variety of habitat. I won't list all the birds and again we heard Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and Crows, Jackdaws and Chough flew for us. To finish with, we had good views, of Tree Sparrows.
We intend to do this yet again and next time to enter this valley via Caudette and pay particular attention to that area first.
Another great day out with Bryan Thomas.
Wednesday 1 July 2015
TORREVIEJA WRITERS CIRCLE
One more Wednesday morning at The Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmeras saw the writers of TORREVIEJA WRITERS GROUP members make their offerings on the theme of 'Fate'. Of the seventeen members only nine read on this, it seems, not so popular subject. I declined on the meagre grounds of 'I didn't want to write' on it. I felt that it was a subdued gathering and all being well the heat of this Spanish summer will not suppress inspiration and the need to write on future occasions.
It is important to put the morning into perspective and say that there is always some golden words to be found. We had time in the second half for 'a hot pen'. The intention is simply to put people 'on-the-spot' and bloody well write something because this is a writing group.
One or two of us agreed to put our words, with only a minimum of time and thought, as a story or poem on the given word of 'jewel' on the blog. I was amazed how some wrote so easily with rhyme, although not all.
Here is my effort - Barry Jewel
'It's an odd name to have. I remember him, not as clearly, as I would have liked. Yes, Barry Jewel at seventeen or eighteen so, with black wiry hair, a squarish face, large dark eyes that could have hinted at his character.
I can visualize him now, the memory is coming back. A being with not a nice face, in fact, ugly. He never made it. No one liked him and that is why he never did make it.
They said that he put his head on the line, perhaps, when the tracks began to tremble and sing.
The curve of the line and the Permanent Way workers hut his body from view.
The driver could do nothing to stop the waste of another young life.
A headstone records the bare details.'
It is important to put the morning into perspective and say that there is always some golden words to be found. We had time in the second half for 'a hot pen'. The intention is simply to put people 'on-the-spot' and bloody well write something because this is a writing group.
One or two of us agreed to put our words, with only a minimum of time and thought, as a story or poem on the given word of 'jewel' on the blog. I was amazed how some wrote so easily with rhyme, although not all.
Here is my effort - Barry Jewel
'It's an odd name to have. I remember him, not as clearly, as I would have liked. Yes, Barry Jewel at seventeen or eighteen so, with black wiry hair, a squarish face, large dark eyes that could have hinted at his character.
I can visualize him now, the memory is coming back. A being with not a nice face, in fact, ugly. He never made it. No one liked him and that is why he never did make it.
They said that he put his head on the line, perhaps, when the tracks began to tremble and sing.
The curve of the line and the Permanent Way workers hut his body from view.
The driver could do nothing to stop the waste of another young life.
A headstone records the bare details.'
Saturday 20 June 2015
Parque Natural - El Hondon
Parque Natural de Hondon. I know that summer is here, but I wanted to see what this important birding area has to offer throughout the year and so I spent another Saturday morning there. I have been paying attention to the Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Real) that arrived in April and nest here. I watched a female with food in her beak and continuously calling. Somewhere there must be fledglings about, but I did not see any and perhaps they were still in the nest. There was a lot of activity with adult birds frequenting a low point in the reeds. I heard at least two males singing.
It was quiet there, more so than usual, but that does not mean it is not worth going to. I find it is better to concentrate on certain species rather than go for quantity. Highlights were not many. Whiskered Terns (Fumarel Cariblanco) dived, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) hunted low over the water and a Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudon Real) was perched in the distance. On the far lagoon there were two families of Great Crested Grebes (Somormujjo Lavanco) each with three young. They are great to see especially when one is hitching a lift.
Apart from Harry Bailey I was almost on my own. We shared the spaces and watched the warblers. Afterwards a stop at La Mata yielded one flying male Montagu's Harrier (Aguilucho Cenizo) and then on to see the Azure-winged Magpies. Again we were in luck as there was a nest with a sitting bird. We had good, close up views and I left him with his camera to get a good shot.
Earlier a small warbler flew and dive around in the reeds and in a Eucalyptus. I am hoping that one of Harry's photos will help with identification. It was very pale underneath, brown and with a black feather on the edge of the wing.
Hopefully there will be photos to follow courtesy of Harry.
It was quiet there, more so than usual, but that does not mean it is not worth going to. I find it is better to concentrate on certain species rather than go for quantity. Highlights were not many. Whiskered Terns (Fumarel Cariblanco) dived, Bee-eaters (Abejaruca Común) hunted low over the water and a Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudon Real) was perched in the distance. On the far lagoon there were two families of Great Crested Grebes (Somormujjo Lavanco) each with three young. They are great to see especially when one is hitching a lift.
Apart from Harry Bailey I was almost on my own. We shared the spaces and watched the warblers. Afterwards a stop at La Mata yielded one flying male Montagu's Harrier (Aguilucho Cenizo) and then on to see the Azure-winged Magpies. Again we were in luck as there was a nest with a sitting bird. We had good, close up views and I left him with his camera to get a good shot.
Earlier a small warbler flew and dive around in the reeds and in a Eucalyptus. I am hoping that one of Harry's photos will help with identification. It was very pale underneath, brown and with a black feather on the edge of the wing.
Hopefully there will be photos to follow courtesy of Harry.
Friday 19 June 2015
Poetry Writers - Stanza Mar Menor
Stanza Mar Menor met up once again before the heat of summer gets too much and before David has disappeared again to Murmansk, Douglas back to Scotland and Margaret seeking a cooler place in Sheffield. I will be here until October.
Margaret challenged herself with a 'Love Poem' and we think that it is a 'Poem of Love'. The challenge was to create your own list of non-loving words and use them. The first stanza contained the disaster element with the opening lines The day began like a farce/a comedy of events and then picking out two lines in the second longer Stanza 'You cooled and soothed me/with your hands and voice.
Douglas with his mind firmly set in Scotland gave us one 'On the Eve of the Vote' which produced an amended longer version written two days after the Independence result was known. Amendments pending and so no comments. He followed this with 'SignifaTory' and maybe we will see some small changes. It is good to get political!
David asked us to comment upon his latest Tonka story which we did. This is a subject that has enthused him ever since his first visit to Russia. He now introduced 'Sex and Squabbles' based on his observations of House Sparrows and other birds he has seen around his house. Then 'Barents Beauty' relating his own observations of that part of Russia. Both so descriptive.
With Future Learn he is involving himself in lyrics and enjoying it. His knowledge of rhythm and metre will be honed even further.
We may be only a small group, but there is a mix of work being produced. I am involving myself in story writing which has been inspired by the themes of the Torrevieja Writers Circle. However, a poem is never that far away.
Our next gathering will be in late summer at the earliest although we will be in contact with new work through emails.
Margaret challenged herself with a 'Love Poem' and we think that it is a 'Poem of Love'. The challenge was to create your own list of non-loving words and use them. The first stanza contained the disaster element with the opening lines The day began like a farce/a comedy of events and then picking out two lines in the second longer Stanza 'You cooled and soothed me/with your hands and voice.
Douglas with his mind firmly set in Scotland gave us one 'On the Eve of the Vote' which produced an amended longer version written two days after the Independence result was known. Amendments pending and so no comments. He followed this with 'SignifaTory' and maybe we will see some small changes. It is good to get political!
David asked us to comment upon his latest Tonka story which we did. This is a subject that has enthused him ever since his first visit to Russia. He now introduced 'Sex and Squabbles' based on his observations of House Sparrows and other birds he has seen around his house. Then 'Barents Beauty' relating his own observations of that part of Russia. Both so descriptive.
With Future Learn he is involving himself in lyrics and enjoying it. His knowledge of rhythm and metre will be honed even further.
We may be only a small group, but there is a mix of work being produced. I am involving myself in story writing which has been inspired by the themes of the Torrevieja Writers Circle. However, a poem is never that far away.
Our next gathering will be in late summer at the earliest although we will be in contact with new work through emails.
Rufous Bush Robin
On a hot afternoon in June I managed another first for this year. It is not so much the right place, but to know the right people who can take you to where you should be able to see a Rufous Bush Robin (Alzacola). It obliged within a few minutes and I had three superb sightings probably of the same bird as it moved about. These were all within a few metres of where sat. Then we had to wait, but no time is ever wasted when you out listening and watching. Spotted Flycatchers (Papamoscas Gris) were very active flitting up and around their perches. One settled in a pine tree and through the binoculars I watched it for several minutes. There is nothing better than a full frontal view where the softness of the plumage could be appreciated in the dappled light. All the time Blackbirds (Mirlo Común) were calling. A few Long-tailed Tits (Mitos) fed in the trees and all the time European Turtles Doves were turrring. I was lucky as I was able to glimpse one and then another came into full view - albeit only briefly. How or why would any one want to shoot such beauties out of the sky? Serin (Verdecillo) were about as well and a Sardinian Warbler (Carruca Cabecinegra) called and then to our surprise two Iberian Green Woodpeckers (Pito Real) flew.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
I had previously seen some activity on the edge of the trees and as we approached two Rufous Bush Robins came into view with one starting to display. Then it perched in a Carib Tree. We could clearly see all the markings including the under tail 'chevrons'. It was kind to us and we had full and very close views for at least 10 minutes and the camera became very busy. Thank you Bryan Thomas.
When I arrived home the Pallid Swifts were screaming above the road. I love fantastic days like this.
Photo courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
I had previously seen some activity on the edge of the trees and as we approached two Rufous Bush Robins came into view with one starting to display. Then it perched in a Carib Tree. We could clearly see all the markings including the under tail 'chevrons'. It was kind to us and we had full and very close views for at least 10 minutes and the camera became very busy. Thank you Bryan Thomas.
When I arrived home the Pallid Swifts were screaming above the road. I love fantastic days like this.
Tuesday 9 June 2015
Stanza Mar Menor
Members of Stanza Mar Menor meet again now that we are together in Spain. We cannot think of a better way to share a few hours than doing what we do. There is much value in the time that we spend together which is to encourage, evaluate and to make suggestions. As a group it is self led and the work in the meetings just flows from one item to the next. It is so easy.
Douglas has his own way of obtaining ideas of what subject to write upon. His sonnets are of before, during and after, and now that he has recovered we get more words. This afternoon there was one more entitled 'Re-Awakened' with the last two lines detailing a deep thought: 'Here I am, so here am I once more/Once dying, now reborn, still to the fore'.
His second piece was with reference to the nursing care where he talks of 'The True Reality' of it and found many individuals that were not that caring. This prompted several lines of thought and one in particular was that experiences of this nature needs to be said. The question is where and how? It made me consider what we could do.
Moving on, he then has tackled the premature death of Charles Kennedy with the appropriate title of 'Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa', taken from the first line of a song. It was his tribute and begins with 'The Hielan' gentleman has left the room'. Incredibly appropriate and timely and isn't this is what writing should be about?
Margaret contributed 'Commuters' that dealt with the 'scrolling brigade' of the silent screen tapping silent ones. There is always more in her lines than one theme and the final stanza dealt with the non-commuters, the beggars and the homeless. Her 'Passing By' dealt with the serious matter of child abuse and with a line that made listeners 'sit up and take notice': 'he strokes her cheek with his knuckle'. This was inspired by a local book club book of the other month by Corban Addison, ' A Walk Across the Sun'.
David, who only two days ago returned from Murmansk with a 'truck load' of experiences, ideas and images in his mind had nothing for us to comment upon. Apart from carrying on with his children's stories, and maybe continuing them on into animation he says that he has seen so much of the natural world that wildlife is a subject that he intends to write upon.
Iarla and this scribe listened, observed and commented. Margaret Rowland had introduced her book 'Give Voice to Verse' (ISBN 9781511567763). Poetry that was inspired, in part, by 'open mics' and her desire to write poems that should be said out aloud. She has every reason to be very proud of this collection.
What next shall we do? Margaret is the third member of this group to publish after David Leslie Urion's 'In Praise of Rails' (ISBN 10 14959116510) and Douglas Wilson Hill's 'Streams of Conscience' (ISBN 9781499189254) and so we need to continue with our writing and to see what other projects we can complete.
The idea of gathering together in 'an open mic event' is to be considered and discussed further. After all poetry and prose has always been said out loud and is never just to be read in isolation.
Poetry, prose and lyric writers are people that we know. We could also add music to our event. This is for the cooler months.
Douglas with his poems and David with his short stories have been involved with 'Poetic Republic' where the results will be known shortly. This is something that we all know about and something to plan for.
It was wonderful for us to meet up and to share time together.
Douglas has his own way of obtaining ideas of what subject to write upon. His sonnets are of before, during and after, and now that he has recovered we get more words. This afternoon there was one more entitled 'Re-Awakened' with the last two lines detailing a deep thought: 'Here I am, so here am I once more/Once dying, now reborn, still to the fore'.
His second piece was with reference to the nursing care where he talks of 'The True Reality' of it and found many individuals that were not that caring. This prompted several lines of thought and one in particular was that experiences of this nature needs to be said. The question is where and how? It made me consider what we could do.
Moving on, he then has tackled the premature death of Charles Kennedy with the appropriate title of 'Bonnie Charlie's Noo Awa', taken from the first line of a song. It was his tribute and begins with 'The Hielan' gentleman has left the room'. Incredibly appropriate and timely and isn't this is what writing should be about?
Margaret contributed 'Commuters' that dealt with the 'scrolling brigade' of the silent screen tapping silent ones. There is always more in her lines than one theme and the final stanza dealt with the non-commuters, the beggars and the homeless. Her 'Passing By' dealt with the serious matter of child abuse and with a line that made listeners 'sit up and take notice': 'he strokes her cheek with his knuckle'. This was inspired by a local book club book of the other month by Corban Addison, ' A Walk Across the Sun'.
David, who only two days ago returned from Murmansk with a 'truck load' of experiences, ideas and images in his mind had nothing for us to comment upon. Apart from carrying on with his children's stories, and maybe continuing them on into animation he says that he has seen so much of the natural world that wildlife is a subject that he intends to write upon.
Iarla and this scribe listened, observed and commented. Margaret Rowland had introduced her book 'Give Voice to Verse' (ISBN 9781511567763). Poetry that was inspired, in part, by 'open mics' and her desire to write poems that should be said out aloud. She has every reason to be very proud of this collection.
What next shall we do? Margaret is the third member of this group to publish after David Leslie Urion's 'In Praise of Rails' (ISBN 10 14959116510) and Douglas Wilson Hill's 'Streams of Conscience' (ISBN 9781499189254) and so we need to continue with our writing and to see what other projects we can complete.
The idea of gathering together in 'an open mic event' is to be considered and discussed further. After all poetry and prose has always been said out loud and is never just to be read in isolation.
Poetry, prose and lyric writers are people that we know. We could also add music to our event. This is for the cooler months.
Douglas with his poems and David with his short stories have been involved with 'Poetic Republic' where the results will be known shortly. This is something that we all know about and something to plan for.
It was wonderful for us to meet up and to share time together.
Tuesday 19 May 2015
Mari Hannah's Killing for Keeps
Brutal, that is exactly how Mari Hannah's Killing for Keeps starts. There is no other way of describing it and for the squeamish it is much better in black and white than in colour. This is the fifth book detailing the successes of Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels and her team of investigators and I have enjoyed them all, but this one is the best for several reasons. It's different, and she has brought other facets in the story. She has built in the Scottish connection of gangsters and criminality and woven it in beautifully with the happenings in her force area of Northumberland. Not only that she has had to travel to the Costa Blanca to unravel some of what has happened. The attention to detail is amazing and that gives her plots a more realistic edge. I like the way she brings in moments from the past which have been mentioned in her previous books. All the while there is the personal elements that keep appearing not only within the team, but within her own personal, intimate life. Will she 'come out' or will she keep her sexuality to herself just to keep the promotion prospects on an upward spiral? For now it is on hold and eventually we will have to find out. Okay, what of the killings and the chase, but you will have to read to enjoy them. Wonderful characters play their part with lies, and gratuitous violence. There are stories within stories which do add to the overall effect. By far the best so far with some quite unexpected and sudden changes. You can read this as a one-off, but why not read them all?
Reviewed on Amazon with four stars.
Wednesday 13 May 2015
A 'FOUR GREATER SPOTTED CUCKOO' MORNING
The Estepas de Yecla lies between the two towns of Yecla on the western side and Caudette to the east. Politically this area straddles Albacete, Murcia and Valencia and is formed by a wide, flat valley that lies between two small mountain ranges. It is beautiful, especially in spring, when the red of the poppies tend to overpower the other strident colours of yellows and greens. Olives, Almonds and corn predominate, but towards Caudette vines are grown. Fortunately there are areas that are left uncultivated which in part could be the result of crop rotation or because the ground is too stoney. The vegetation is different with pines and shrubs very evident the nearer one is able to get to the rocky ridges.
We decided to visit Estepas de Yecla again after our last visit in April. The objective being to search other areas that we had not visited before to be a position to say whether they could be productive for birds. There is a farming area to the west of the steppes that certainly contained birds and we will need to check this area again before being to fully able to decide if it could be worthwhile.
We then took our usual route in, but paying much more attention to side roads not previously travelled. In essence any part of the central part of this valley contains birds of interest for us.
We had not before taken any roads that would lead us towards the ridge on our right. When we did so we found Linnet, Goldfinch, and we were pleased to hear a Sardinian Warbler calling. Then a male Subalpine perched and flew. By this time it was past midday and hot. We thought that this would be more productive early in a morning.
A point to remember is that the time of year is all important. We were there last on 28th April, and in that short period the vegetation had grown resulting in making it almost impossible to see ground feeding birds. We do intend to return. This could be after the corn has been cut, but more likely in September. Another factor to consider is the time of day. We arrived at 8am and left just before 2pm and the temperature went from cool to 35 degrees.
The birds that we did see are:
Bee-eaters. They are always good to see and hear. They are throughout this valley and have a nesting sight nearer Caudette.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Three flew and we later heard others calling.
Blackbirds, frequently calling.
Collared Doves
Choughs (red billed) two of them seen at the end of the ridge towards Caudette.
Corn Buntings seen and heard.
Greater Spotted Cuckoos. They were marvelous to see and hear. Their raucous chattering was very clear when four flew into the same tree as two weeks ago. Two pairs, we supposed, squabbling over territory.
Hoopoe.
Crows. One or two, but no more.
Larks: This is an excellent area for them. Crested were every where calling, perched and flying around. We had great views of Thekla and I noted how different their call is to the Crested ones. Also Calandra were there and flew exposing their white trailing edge on the wings.
However, the greatest show of the larks does belong to the Short-toed who did everything that we wanted them to do and perched for Bryan to takes photographs.
Lesser Kestrels. There were not as numerous as before, but were still evident around the farm buildings. Both Rock Doves and Starlings use this for nesting as well.
Little Owls. Two seen separately.
Magpies. Only occasionally seen.
Mistletoe Thrushes. In the early morning, over the farmland, they showed really well. Their darker markings being distinctive.
Pallid Swifts. Again in the early part of the day flying over cultivated land along with Swallows.
Rock Sparrows feeding on the ground.
Stone Curlew, but only one seen although this does appear to be a habitat for them.
Tree Sparrows, also House Sparrow. Two seen and heard at the same location as Bee-eaters and the two Choughs.
Wheatears. All three species obliged, but with only one Northern. We had some views of Black, but they were less easy to see than the Black-eared. They showed well and we watched a pair for several minutes.
Wood Pigeons.
Woodchat Shrike.
Finally, we talked about doing this area in reverse order so that we enter via A31 near Caudette (we have previously left A31 earlier and travelled through Yecla) and take the roads leading to higher ground and nearer the ridge before proceeding through the valley. This will give us cooler temperatures for this part and to try and understand more what this locale can give us.
Bryan is of the opinion that this could be a 'mega' site for the migration periods.
All photos courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
We decided to visit Estepas de Yecla again after our last visit in April. The objective being to search other areas that we had not visited before to be a position to say whether they could be productive for birds. There is a farming area to the west of the steppes that certainly contained birds and we will need to check this area again before being to fully able to decide if it could be worthwhile.
We then took our usual route in, but paying much more attention to side roads not previously travelled. In essence any part of the central part of this valley contains birds of interest for us.
We had not before taken any roads that would lead us towards the ridge on our right. When we did so we found Linnet, Goldfinch, and we were pleased to hear a Sardinian Warbler calling. Then a male Subalpine perched and flew. By this time it was past midday and hot. We thought that this would be more productive early in a morning.
A point to remember is that the time of year is all important. We were there last on 28th April, and in that short period the vegetation had grown resulting in making it almost impossible to see ground feeding birds. We do intend to return. This could be after the corn has been cut, but more likely in September. Another factor to consider is the time of day. We arrived at 8am and left just before 2pm and the temperature went from cool to 35 degrees.
The birds that we did see are:
Bee-eaters. They are always good to see and hear. They are throughout this valley and have a nesting sight nearer Caudette.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Three flew and we later heard others calling.
Blackbirds, frequently calling.
Collared Doves
Choughs (red billed) two of them seen at the end of the ridge towards Caudette.
Corn Buntings seen and heard.
Greater Spotted Cuckoos. They were marvelous to see and hear. Their raucous chattering was very clear when four flew into the same tree as two weeks ago. Two pairs, we supposed, squabbling over territory.
Hoopoe.
Crows. One or two, but no more.
Larks: This is an excellent area for them. Crested were every where calling, perched and flying around. We had great views of Thekla and I noted how different their call is to the Crested ones. Also Calandra were there and flew exposing their white trailing edge on the wings.
However, the greatest show of the larks does belong to the Short-toed who did everything that we wanted them to do and perched for Bryan to takes photographs.
Lesser Kestrels. There were not as numerous as before, but were still evident around the farm buildings. Both Rock Doves and Starlings use this for nesting as well.
Little Owls. Two seen separately.
Magpies. Only occasionally seen.
Mistletoe Thrushes. In the early morning, over the farmland, they showed really well. Their darker markings being distinctive.
Pallid Swifts. Again in the early part of the day flying over cultivated land along with Swallows.
Rock Sparrows feeding on the ground.
Stone Curlew, but only one seen although this does appear to be a habitat for them.
Tree Sparrows, also House Sparrow. Two seen and heard at the same location as Bee-eaters and the two Choughs.
Wheatears. All three species obliged, but with only one Northern. We had some views of Black, but they were less easy to see than the Black-eared. They showed well and we watched a pair for several minutes.
Wood Pigeons.
Woodchat Shrike.
Finally, we talked about doing this area in reverse order so that we enter via A31 near Caudette (we have previously left A31 earlier and travelled through Yecla) and take the roads leading to higher ground and nearer the ridge before proceeding through the valley. This will give us cooler temperatures for this part and to try and understand more what this locale can give us.
Bryan is of the opinion that this could be a 'mega' site for the migration periods.
All photos courtesy of Bryan Thomas.
Saturday 9 May 2015
Saturday 9th May - El Hondon
Another visit to EL Hondon through the North Gate. There was a blue sky with only a very light breeze and surprisingly very few Mosquitos. As I drove down Great Reed Warblers were calling clearly. I knew that the small hide would already be occupied and so I spent some time on the boardwalk situated just before the hide. I had good views over the near edge of the lagoon. There was nothing exceptional, but I had clear views of Glossy Ibis and a Fantailed Warbler/Zitting Cisticola (Buitron) perched nearby. Cuckoos (Cuco Común) were calling and I had several sightings of them in flight.
I moved on and eventually spent some time in the larger hide at the far end of vehicular access. There was very little on the water except Pochard (Porrón Europea) and one White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca). I had terrific views of a Purple Heron (Garza Imperiel) and a male Little Bittern (Evetorillo Común) flew showing off the bronze and black plumage. In fact this species were active for most of the morning. The same can be said of Squacco Herons (Garcilla Cangrejera) and one flew in, stayed close enough to allow me to see the plumage easily including the blue around the base of the beak. Simply beautiful. From the hide I had good views of calling Great Reed Warblers (Carricero Tordal). There was also Reed Warblers (Carricero Común) calling and a Nightingale (Ruiseñor Común) singing but not viewed. Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Real) seemed less active, but nevertheless they were heard. I will pay them some more attention next week.
Disappointingly I did not see Montague's Harriers (Aguilucho Cenizo) this morning even though they are at La Mata.
I noticed that the water level had dropped and I also understand that the new lagoons around the Visitor Centre had lost much of their water. That is a pity.
I moved on and eventually spent some time in the larger hide at the far end of vehicular access. There was very little on the water except Pochard (Porrón Europea) and one White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca). I had terrific views of a Purple Heron (Garza Imperiel) and a male Little Bittern (Evetorillo Común) flew showing off the bronze and black plumage. In fact this species were active for most of the morning. The same can be said of Squacco Herons (Garcilla Cangrejera) and one flew in, stayed close enough to allow me to see the plumage easily including the blue around the base of the beak. Simply beautiful. From the hide I had good views of calling Great Reed Warblers (Carricero Tordal). There was also Reed Warblers (Carricero Común) calling and a Nightingale (Ruiseñor Común) singing but not viewed. Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Real) seemed less active, but nevertheless they were heard. I will pay them some more attention next week.
Disappointingly I did not see Montague's Harriers (Aguilucho Cenizo) this morning even though they are at La Mata.
I noticed that the water level had dropped and I also understand that the new lagoons around the Visitor Centre had lost much of their water. That is a pity.
Thursday 7 May 2015
Before the General Election
A PARTY POLITICAL SHAM
They are the appointed.
Studio calm, hair dressed,
powdered dusted faces look
the camera in the eye
and prepares to lie.
From Andrew Marr
to Andrew Neil
on Sunday mornings,
on week-days, shows
politics is the lying game.
There appears to be no shame
in avoiding the question.
You can see Mr Neil
go red in the face
as one more politician
opts for their own rhetoric,
let toes wiggle behind
the party line. They stick
to the words that fill
the air spaces.
"Absolutely,"
"Let me be clear"
means 'absolutely' nothing
to me and yet
the honorable members
deems not to answer
any question. 'Yes' or 'No'
has to be avoided.
Prevaricate they do.
It's the name of
their misleading game
of party political shame.
I
They are the appointed.
Studio calm, hair dressed,
powdered dusted faces look
the camera in the eye
and prepares to lie.
From Andrew Marr
to Andrew Neil
on Sunday mornings,
on week-days, shows
politics is the lying game.
There appears to be no shame
in avoiding the question.
You can see Mr Neil
go red in the face
as one more politician
opts for their own rhetoric,
let toes wiggle behind
the party line. They stick
to the words that fill
the air spaces.
"Absolutely,"
"Let me be clear"
means 'absolutely' nothing
to me and yet
the honorable members
deems not to answer
any question. 'Yes' or 'No'
has to be avoided.
Prevaricate they do.
It's the name of
their misleading game
of party political shame.
I
Saturday 2 May 2015
El Hondon Natural Park
On Saturday 2nd May we visited El Hondon via the north gate. Dennis already had 127 bird species on his list for this week. We knew that it would be difficult to add many more, but we did. At the end of his last birding day here in Spain his all time 'lifer' list has been increased by 18 and his Spanish list has been enhanced by 30. His total since Monday morning is now 130. That is an achievement and it is also one for me as I was with for almost all of them. Grateful thanks must go to Bryan Thomas birder, photographer and great companion for all his expertise. Above all we had fun.
It was a beautiful blue sky morning with very little activity from the Mosquitos and much more activity from the birds. We had close up views of Fantailed Warbler, Reed Warbler with Great Reed Warblers calling from it seems everywhere. Moustached Warblers did show, but they were as flighty as usual. Dennis remarked that could hear a Baillion's Crake in a location where I had been told they had been seen. Something to look for next time. There were many of the water birds on show, but nothing more than I would have expected. Whiskered Terns were terrific to watch with no sign, that I could see, of a Black Tern. Again we had good close views of the Common Cuckoo when two flew up, perched and flew away. Only a few days ago there were two Greater Spotted Cuckoos on the wire by the north gate.
Dennis located a male and a female Whinchat and we had good views of them - my first sighting of this species for some time.
On the way home we again went via La Mata and this time we saw two female and three male Montague's flying over the reeds at the same time with another female flying a short distance away. A good total, I think.
My first snake of the summer was lying on the track as we started to leave. It was black, relatively thin and about two feet long. I stopped in time, but it slithered away before the photographer could get his shot in - what a shame!
I had looked forward to this week and it has excelled. I have been in some very good company as both Dennis and Bryan have significant knowledge of birds and their identification skills aided me greatly. Their sharp eyes and attention produced good results. I am very grateful to have spent the time with them and seen so many species. In a week my personal list has grown by two, with me seeing a Temminck's Stint and two Wood Larks. In our hire vehicle we travelled just over 1000 kilometres, but upon examining what we saw it was very worthwhile.
It was a beautiful blue sky morning with very little activity from the Mosquitos and much more activity from the birds. We had close up views of Fantailed Warbler, Reed Warbler with Great Reed Warblers calling from it seems everywhere. Moustached Warblers did show, but they were as flighty as usual. Dennis remarked that could hear a Baillion's Crake in a location where I had been told they had been seen. Something to look for next time. There were many of the water birds on show, but nothing more than I would have expected. Whiskered Terns were terrific to watch with no sign, that I could see, of a Black Tern. Again we had good close views of the Common Cuckoo when two flew up, perched and flew away. Only a few days ago there were two Greater Spotted Cuckoos on the wire by the north gate.
Dennis located a male and a female Whinchat and we had good views of them - my first sighting of this species for some time.
On the way home we again went via La Mata and this time we saw two female and three male Montague's flying over the reeds at the same time with another female flying a short distance away. A good total, I think.
My first snake of the summer was lying on the track as we started to leave. It was black, relatively thin and about two feet long. I stopped in time, but it slithered away before the photographer could get his shot in - what a shame!
I had looked forward to this week and it has excelled. I have been in some very good company as both Dennis and Bryan have significant knowledge of birds and their identification skills aided me greatly. Their sharp eyes and attention produced good results. I am very grateful to have spent the time with them and seen so many species. In a week my personal list has grown by two, with me seeing a Temminck's Stint and two Wood Larks. In our hire vehicle we travelled just over 1000 kilometres, but upon examining what we saw it was very worthwhile.
Friday 1 May 2015
Monument to Murder by Mari Hannah
This one starts with the discovery of bones revealed by a collapse of the sand. Mari Hannah's 'Monument to Murder' is another mystery for DCI Kate Daniels to unravel. This fourth book again brings Kate into a contest with the damaged individuals that have been conjured up in Mari Hannah's mind. As in the previous books there is the ongoing and under lying tensions within the murder room. The characters either bounce off one another or combine to form a team that knows how to get a result. They are not all perfect of course.
As in her other stories we see that there is a gulf of expertise between her staff and that of the lowly uniform 'plods' that sometime seem to be there just to be there to stand at a murder scene in atrocious weather or simply there to receive a rebuke. Is it fair to be spoken to like that? However some readers may enjoy that aspect of the story. There is one instance, beautifully written, where it is deserved, but really only one.
There are several threads to this one with some of the story set inside a prison. We get the details of what does go on and again she has characters, both inmates and staff, that lodge in our minds.
Violence seems to be an everyday occurrence.
The setting is wonderful as a body is found buried among the dunes below Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. Seemingly a magical setting and in full view of Holy Island. Is there any significance that can be attached to that?
The story is woven around the discovery of a life that ended years before to lay undetected for a decade. It is a fast moving plots that alternates between the outside world and that of inside a prison. There is more than one crime occurring in the course of this story.
Kate adds to her personal feelings of a past lesbian love and one that has still, or maybe not, to be allowed to happen or will the power that her job demands deny the love that she craves for. A great story and so well written. I enjoyed all of it and the best one so far. I still have one more to read and establish what Kate can achieve both in her private life and in her professional one. Can it get any better for her and the reader?
As in her other stories we see that there is a gulf of expertise between her staff and that of the lowly uniform 'plods' that sometime seem to be there just to be there to stand at a murder scene in atrocious weather or simply there to receive a rebuke. Is it fair to be spoken to like that? However some readers may enjoy that aspect of the story. There is one instance, beautifully written, where it is deserved, but really only one.
There are several threads to this one with some of the story set inside a prison. We get the details of what does go on and again she has characters, both inmates and staff, that lodge in our minds.
Violence seems to be an everyday occurrence.
The setting is wonderful as a body is found buried among the dunes below Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland. Seemingly a magical setting and in full view of Holy Island. Is there any significance that can be attached to that?
The story is woven around the discovery of a life that ended years before to lay undetected for a decade. It is a fast moving plots that alternates between the outside world and that of inside a prison. There is more than one crime occurring in the course of this story.
Kate adds to her personal feelings of a past lesbian love and one that has still, or maybe not, to be allowed to happen or will the power that her job demands deny the love that she craves for. A great story and so well written. I enjoyed all of it and the best one so far. I still have one more to read and establish what Kate can achieve both in her private life and in her professional one. Can it get any better for her and the reader?
Thursday 30 April 2015
Griffin Vulture Project - Proyecto de Canyet - Alcoy, Spain
On Thursday 30th April we travelled to Alcoy with the primary objective of visiting the Proyecto de Canyet situated in an old quarry called Cliffs of Cinta de Alcoy to see the Griffin Vultures there.
After passing through Alcoy and passing through some beautiful green rural areas we stopped at the last junction before reaching the vultures. We could clearly hear a Golden Oriel calling and then we saw a male fly along a line of trees.
On reaching the parking area there was a male Crossbill singing from a wire. As we entered the track leading up to the site we saw a brilliantly coloured male Dartford Warbler with a female flying close by. Further up we stopped to see a Wood Lark in a tree and then we saw a male and female in front of us on the track. These were a first for me. A little further there were Short-toed Treecreepers. Once at the vulture site they were easily to be seen and photographed. Also two Ravens flew around. From the road we could see Jays flying and a Rock Bunting was seen.
There was a lot of activity with both movement and song in this woodland and all I have recorded here are birds that were first sightings for this week.
We then travelled to Font Roja in an attempt to add to Dennis's list. Both Blue Tits and Robins soon obliged. We were then fortunate to watch a pair of Firecrests. Unfortunately raptors were not seen, but they had to be somewhere.
This location is high on a mountain and it does take some time to go there along a windy road, some 8 kilometers long. We went there for the specific purpose of adding more birds to the list. The views are excellent and it is always possible that a raptor could fly over head. There is a restaurant and a school there and consequently it can be noisy, but the birds do not seem to mind although it will add difficulty to hearing the calls of the birds. If you have plenty of time there is space to sit, watch and wait and even eat your banquettes. You can even crumble some bread or cake to see what birds can take advantage of your treats.
Later we saw (just one) Azure-winged Magpie fly into a tree and away again. This one bird being another first for Dennis. His count for these past four days now stands at a very good total of well in excess of 120 which we will increase at Hondon on Saturday morning.
After passing through Alcoy and passing through some beautiful green rural areas we stopped at the last junction before reaching the vultures. We could clearly hear a Golden Oriel calling and then we saw a male fly along a line of trees.
On reaching the parking area there was a male Crossbill singing from a wire. As we entered the track leading up to the site we saw a brilliantly coloured male Dartford Warbler with a female flying close by. Further up we stopped to see a Wood Lark in a tree and then we saw a male and female in front of us on the track. These were a first for me. A little further there were Short-toed Treecreepers. Once at the vulture site they were easily to be seen and photographed. Also two Ravens flew around. From the road we could see Jays flying and a Rock Bunting was seen.
There was a lot of activity with both movement and song in this woodland and all I have recorded here are birds that were first sightings for this week.
We then travelled to Font Roja in an attempt to add to Dennis's list. Both Blue Tits and Robins soon obliged. We were then fortunate to watch a pair of Firecrests. Unfortunately raptors were not seen, but they had to be somewhere.
This location is high on a mountain and it does take some time to go there along a windy road, some 8 kilometers long. We went there for the specific purpose of adding more birds to the list. The views are excellent and it is always possible that a raptor could fly over head. There is a restaurant and a school there and consequently it can be noisy, but the birds do not seem to mind although it will add difficulty to hearing the calls of the birds. If you have plenty of time there is space to sit, watch and wait and even eat your banquettes. You can even crumble some bread or cake to see what birds can take advantage of your treats.
Later we saw (just one) Azure-winged Magpie fly into a tree and away again. This one bird being another first for Dennis. His count for these past four days now stands at a very good total of well in excess of 120 which we will increase at Hondon on Saturday morning.
San Felipe Neri and El Hondon Parque Natural
On Wednesday 29th April we visited San Felipe Neri to add to Dennis's list. Here we found that the water level was lower and more wet mud was exposed. We wondered what was the cause of this drop in the level.
New birds for the day were:
Booted Eagle - white morph
Collared Pratincole
European Roller
Fantailed Warbler
Jackdaw
Little Bittern
Marbled Duck
Moustached Warbler
Nightingale
Purple Gallinule
Shovelers
Stonechat
After leaving we went via La Mata (Natural Park) and over the reed beds we saw two male and one female Montague's Harriers. A terrific way to end a days birding.
New birds for the day were:
Booted Eagle - white morph
Collared Pratincole
European Roller
Fantailed Warbler
Jackdaw
Little Bittern
Marbled Duck
Moustached Warbler
Nightingale
Purple Gallinule
Shovelers
Stonechat
After leaving we went via La Mata (Natural Park) and over the reed beds we saw two male and one female Montague's Harriers. A terrific way to end a days birding.
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Steppes of Yecla and onto Petrola
On Tuesday 28th we undertook our first full day out with a journey to the Steppes of Yecla. This is most beautiful location and it yielded some wonderful birds. Upon reflection we decided that we could spend more time there and not to go on to another location. However we did and carried on to Petrola. The main reason for this was to ensure that Dennis was able to see the Great Bustards - which we did along with many others. We had a terrific guide, Bryan Thomas, with us who had frequented both areas before and he certainly knew his way around. We did many miles and it was a long day, but all worthwhile.
The following is a list of birds that we saw at both locations that we had not seen the previous day.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (ID later by photo by Bryan)
Black-necked Grebe
Buzzard
Chaffinch
Chough - red billed
Crow
Great Bustards (15)
Great Tit
Great Reed Warbler
Greater Spotted Cuckoo
Greater Spotted Woodpecker ( a first for Bryan!)
Green Woodpecker
Gull-billed Terns
Grey Heron
LARKS
Calandra
Short-toed
Thekla
Lapwings
Lesser Kestrels
Little owls
Marsh Harriers
Mistle Thrush
Red-legged Partridge
Rock Doves
Rock Sparrow
Stone Curlew
Tree Sparrow
WADERS
Greenshank
Wood Sandpipers
Redshank
Glossy Ibis
Ringed Plover
WHEATEARS
Black
Black-eared
Northern
White Wagtail
The following is a list of birds that we saw at both locations that we had not seen the previous day.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (ID later by photo by Bryan)
Black-necked Grebe
Buzzard
Chaffinch
Chough - red billed
Crow
Great Bustards (15)
Great Tit
Great Reed Warbler
Greater Spotted Cuckoo
Greater Spotted Woodpecker ( a first for Bryan!)
Green Woodpecker
Gull-billed Terns
Grey Heron
LARKS
Calandra
Short-toed
Thekla
Lapwings
Lesser Kestrels
Little owls
Marsh Harriers
Mistle Thrush
Red-legged Partridge
Rock Doves
Rock Sparrow
Stone Curlew
Tree Sparrow
WADERS
Greenshank
Wood Sandpipers
Redshank
Glossy Ibis
Ringed Plover
WHEATEARS
Black
Black-eared
Northern
White Wagtail
Monday 27 April 2015
San Pedro to San Miguel
On Monday 27th April, after collecting an hire car, we went first of all to the salinas at San Pedro de la Pinatar. Dennis Morrison had arrived the previous evening from Edinburgh and so we wanted to make a good start to his week here in Spain. It is so envigorating to find people with a shared interest and before long we were talking to members of an Irish birding group and a Dutch national just to add a more international flavour to the day - never mind the birds who don't give a hoot about international boundaries. Anyway, here is the list for today. There is nothing spectacular included in it, but they were all very beautiful to see. However it would have made the day better if we could have located the Wilson's Phalarope that has been confirmed to be there.
Audouin´s Gull
Yellow-legged Gulls
Black-headed Gulls
Slender-billed Gulls
Sandwich Terns 10
Common Sandpiper
Little Terns
Sardinian Warblers - both male and female.
Barn Swallows
Red-rumpled Swallows
Sand Martin
House Martin
Pallid Swifts
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Linnet
Serin
Woodchat Shrike
Yellow Wagtail
White Wagtail
Blackbird
Kentish Plover
Little-ringed Plover
Female Ruff (reeve)
Avocet
Black-winged Stilts
Flamingo
Little Stints
Shelduck
Mallard
Sanderling
Turnstone
Little Egret
Cattle Egret
Crested Lark
Corn Bunting
Kestrel
House Sparrow
Spotless Starlings
Eurasian Starling
Wood pigeons
Collared Doves
Bee-eaters
Coot
Moorhen
Little Grebe
Squacco Heron
Hoopoe and Monk Parakeets.
Audouin´s Gull
Yellow-legged Gulls
Black-headed Gulls
Slender-billed Gulls
Sandwich Terns 10
Common Sandpiper
Little Terns
Sardinian Warblers - both male and female.
Barn Swallows
Red-rumpled Swallows
Sand Martin
House Martin
Pallid Swifts
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Linnet
Serin
Woodchat Shrike
Yellow Wagtail
White Wagtail
Blackbird
Kentish Plover
Little-ringed Plover
Female Ruff (reeve)
Avocet
Black-winged Stilts
Flamingo
Little Stints
Shelduck
Mallard
Sanderling
Turnstone
Little Egret
Cattle Egret
Crested Lark
Corn Bunting
Kestrel
House Sparrow
Spotless Starlings
Eurasian Starling
Wood pigeons
Collared Doves
Bee-eaters
Coot
Moorhen
Little Grebe
Squacco Heron
Hoopoe and Monk Parakeets.
Sunday 26 April 2015
San Felipe Neri - El Hondon
What a magnificent morning birding at this wetland site. Having travelled from the direction of Santa Pola we were on the lookout to get a good start on this grey morning, but we saw very little until we were in the car park by the information centre at El Hondon. Here there have been new lagoons created and now the birds there. The good news is that they are close by and easily viewed.
Without getting out of the car we could see the ubiquitous Black-winged Stilts who seem to have made this wetland their own. We saw Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers, but the more eye catching waders were Curlew Sandpipers in their colourful plumage. A Wood Sandpiper fed at the waters edge. Little Stints were there to be easily seen with a Temminck's among them. It was a first for me. Flying overhead noisily were many Whiskered Terns that were a joy to watch. We also saw Common Terns too. A gorgeous bird of the day was a Squacco Heron that stayed close by for a good length of time and allowed itself to be photographed.
Photograph by Bryan Thomas
Among the waders there was Ruff and a good number of Collared Pratincoles of which some were nesting while a Common Cuckoo called. On the water there were the usual Pochard, Red-crested Pochards, Shell Duck, and Marbled Ducks and Great-crested Grebe.
We scanned the gulls and found both Black-headed and Mediterranean on a sand bank. One flew overhead 'meowing' as it went.
Warblers were not that plentiful, but there were many Great-Reed Warblers singing and perching in clear view. We also heard several Nightingales in full voice.
We did not see one raptor as it is now the time for them to be inland although the Montague's should have been evident, but they were not.
On the way home we saw a perched Roller in a palm tree on the side of the road. My first for this year.
A few hours spent in good knowledgeable company with some photographs to prove what we had seen. Thank you Bryan Thomas for all your input.
Saturday 4 April 2015
The Election is on its Way
THIRTY FIVE DAYS TO GO
They stood at their stations
those prospective incumbents;
interspersed with hopefuls,
the maybe balance makers.
Trial by TV, watched by the
party faithful, hoping for an 'edge'
or a slight upswing in the polls to
raise expectations beyond reality.
Is this charade going to make
any difference, except that we
could remember their faces?
Even the one who is not
contesting a Westminster seat
was there traveling to a country
she wants to sever from her own.
"Not in my generation" it was said
and now 'they' want to be in the
'English of Parliaments' to let
Black Rod witness the falling of the
Claymore on the mother of them all.
What can we believe? To cut, cut or
spend, spend more? It has a cost and
and so has debt. Maybe buy only a half
when a full pint is beyond small change.
They stood at their stations
those prospective incumbents;
interspersed with hopefuls,
the maybe balance makers.
Trial by TV, watched by the
party faithful, hoping for an 'edge'
or a slight upswing in the polls to
raise expectations beyond reality.
Is this charade going to make
any difference, except that we
could remember their faces?
Even the one who is not
contesting a Westminster seat
was there traveling to a country
she wants to sever from her own.
"Not in my generation" it was said
and now 'they' want to be in the
'English of Parliaments' to let
Black Rod witness the falling of the
Claymore on the mother of them all.
What can we believe? To cut, cut or
spend, spend more? It has a cost and
and so has debt. Maybe buy only a half
when a full pint is beyond small change.
Friday 3 April 2015
AN UPDATE FOR EL HONDON
A few weeks ago I visited El Hondon again, but in the areas that surround the visitor centre. There had been extensive work carried out with new lagoons excavated which are now flooded. The centre is now almost surrounded on three sides by water and the boardwalk has water all around it. It looks good and my impression is that it will be excellent once the vegetation recovers and provides shelter for the wildlife. Apart from two Little Ringed Plovers and possible a Kentish there was hardly any birdlife around on the bare earth.
However the skies made up for it with Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, Pallid Swifts together with Alpine. The latter were not that numerous, but were easily seen as they were flying low. A white morph Booted Eagle flew with one or two Marsh Harriers. Bluethroat, Southern Grey Shrike and also a Subalpine Warbler was seen as well. Apparently a Wryneck has been here all winter and has been seen regularly in the car park. A Merlin was seen earlier.
On the water I watched and had close up views of nine Marbled Ducks and I am told that there are a total of sixteen of them. It was so good to see those white 'marbles' clearly. A Purple Gallinule preened as the ducks swam by. On an island in the other lagoon Black-headed Gulls were resting with Mediterranean ones. I was able to compare the two species. The migration was well under way and another birder said that they had witnessed a flock of Blackcap arriving that were too numerous to count! It was well worth the visit.
Two weeks ago I made my usual Saturday morning visit via the north gate to El Hondon. There was space in the small hide which allowed good views looking over the water towards the reception centre at St. Philipe Neri. Our big eagle was in his usual tree and eventually flew away. I assumed that he was on his way north.
The Pintail showed again together with Garganey and Gadwall. Two Squacco Herons flew in and showed well. Penduline Tits, Reed Buntings, Blackcaps, the ubiquitous Chiffs, but not many other warblers were there to be seen. An amazing number of Great White Egrets were there with Glossy Ibis and others. Many of the usual were on the water and we will see many more now that the migration carries on.
Last Saturday the Spotted Eagle was no longer there and we were correct to assume he had flown away. The Mosquitos were there and they will have reinforcements before too long. Even though the migration is well under way there is still more to come. A Short-toed Eagle was seen again, but the Montague's have still to arrive. We have had very good weather for over a week and that will aid the incoming birds. Just after the wind had abated a seemingly tired male Hobby was in San Miguel and one was flying over the marsh, but not confirmed by others.
On Thursday I again visited the public side of the marsh where the new scrapes are showing green shoots above the water line. There are many birds here now including Collared Pratincole and about thirty Little Stint were flying around with four Wood Sandpipers. It is all looking good for the forthcoming days.
However the skies made up for it with Barn and Red-rumped Swallows, Pallid Swifts together with Alpine. The latter were not that numerous, but were easily seen as they were flying low. A white morph Booted Eagle flew with one or two Marsh Harriers. Bluethroat, Southern Grey Shrike and also a Subalpine Warbler was seen as well. Apparently a Wryneck has been here all winter and has been seen regularly in the car park. A Merlin was seen earlier.
On the water I watched and had close up views of nine Marbled Ducks and I am told that there are a total of sixteen of them. It was so good to see those white 'marbles' clearly. A Purple Gallinule preened as the ducks swam by. On an island in the other lagoon Black-headed Gulls were resting with Mediterranean ones. I was able to compare the two species. The migration was well under way and another birder said that they had witnessed a flock of Blackcap arriving that were too numerous to count! It was well worth the visit.
Two weeks ago I made my usual Saturday morning visit via the north gate to El Hondon. There was space in the small hide which allowed good views looking over the water towards the reception centre at St. Philipe Neri. Our big eagle was in his usual tree and eventually flew away. I assumed that he was on his way north.
The Pintail showed again together with Garganey and Gadwall. Two Squacco Herons flew in and showed well. Penduline Tits, Reed Buntings, Blackcaps, the ubiquitous Chiffs, but not many other warblers were there to be seen. An amazing number of Great White Egrets were there with Glossy Ibis and others. Many of the usual were on the water and we will see many more now that the migration carries on.
Last Saturday the Spotted Eagle was no longer there and we were correct to assume he had flown away. The Mosquitos were there and they will have reinforcements before too long. Even though the migration is well under way there is still more to come. A Short-toed Eagle was seen again, but the Montague's have still to arrive. We have had very good weather for over a week and that will aid the incoming birds. Just after the wind had abated a seemingly tired male Hobby was in San Miguel and one was flying over the marsh, but not confirmed by others.
On Thursday I again visited the public side of the marsh where the new scrapes are showing green shoots above the water line. There are many birds here now including Collared Pratincole and about thirty Little Stint were flying around with four Wood Sandpipers. It is all looking good for the forthcoming days.
Sunday 15 March 2015
Mari Hannah with 'Deadly Deceit'
Mari Hannah and 'Deadly Deceit' where on the cover it is said that 'pure evil wears many disguises', and as it unfolds you will know that it does.
This is the third book that I have read following on from the 'Murder Wall' and 'Settled Blood' where her top detectives DCI Kate Daniels and her solid as a rock DS Hank Gormley battle not only with themselves, but the murdering kind as well.
She paints her characters with a vividness that steps off the page into our imagination. I like the way she writes about individual frailties that become exposed within the murder room and in the real world of the street. No one is perfect.
Her books voice our concerns about what we know is out here. The prejudices and discriminations
that hinder the freedom of choice. Kate battles with 'coming out' or staying stum so as not to hinder her possible promotion. I enjoyed the revelations about her sex/love life and the need to remain focused on her work that just gets in the way of emotional satisfaction.
Kate is a super-woman who has the apparent energy of a battalion of lesser people. Here I ask why do writers have to give their heroes more than they should?
I will not say a thing about the plots as you can read the back cover if you care to. Incidents are pulled together and the participants write their own story. There is one occasion where Kate is leaning against the wall at the nick and within a few lines she is opening a back door in a house. What occurred there? There is one other section that also requires a leap of the imagination.
If you want a hero, particularly a female one, then you have one here and there are others that can entice. You will know that it is much less of a perfect world that you may have thought before reading this fast moving novel.
This is the third book that I have read following on from the 'Murder Wall' and 'Settled Blood' where her top detectives DCI Kate Daniels and her solid as a rock DS Hank Gormley battle not only with themselves, but the murdering kind as well.
She paints her characters with a vividness that steps off the page into our imagination. I like the way she writes about individual frailties that become exposed within the murder room and in the real world of the street. No one is perfect.
Her books voice our concerns about what we know is out here. The prejudices and discriminations
that hinder the freedom of choice. Kate battles with 'coming out' or staying stum so as not to hinder her possible promotion. I enjoyed the revelations about her sex/love life and the need to remain focused on her work that just gets in the way of emotional satisfaction.
Kate is a super-woman who has the apparent energy of a battalion of lesser people. Here I ask why do writers have to give their heroes more than they should?
I will not say a thing about the plots as you can read the back cover if you care to. Incidents are pulled together and the participants write their own story. There is one occasion where Kate is leaning against the wall at the nick and within a few lines she is opening a back door in a house. What occurred there? There is one other section that also requires a leap of the imagination.
If you want a hero, particularly a female one, then you have one here and there are others that can entice. You will know that it is much less of a perfect world that you may have thought before reading this fast moving novel.
El Hondo
Saturday 14th March.
Lots of cloud cover this morning with a small threat of rain. A cold wind and the lack of sun made it colder especially after the midweek temperatures of the high twenties. The incoming Swallows could have wondered if the journey north had been a good choice!
As always with wildlife they write the script and so it was when the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteada) was perched as we drove down to the hides. It flew perched again and then it flew further away. It is a marvelous sight when it flies and it was close enough not to need binoculars.
The small tower hide easily contained the four of us and for the first time in weeks I was able to watch the lagoon and there was a lot of birds to be able to focus on. This eagle was seen perched, but in the distance for most of the morning. We were fortunate to have a very sharp eyed and knowledgeable birder with us that not only told us what he saw and heard but also imparted his knowledge. Among all the ducks, grebes and gulls a Lesser Black Backed was located, a male Pintail too, Black-necked Grebe in breeding plumage and finally towards the end of our stay three Baltic Gulls and what could have been a female Smew -what was that doing there?
In respect of the Baltic Gulls they have been seen here before, but they were a new species to me. I had to look them up when I got home and every time that I see a Lesser Black Backed I will look more intently.
Overhead Barn Swallows, Red-rumped too with one or two House Martins flew around. There were some Crag Martins with them and it cannot be to long before they head inland with the Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagles for the breeding season.
I seldom completed a species count and this morning it was forty seven. It is so good to have a site like this within 20 minutes of home. A great morning with some great company.
Lots of cloud cover this morning with a small threat of rain. A cold wind and the lack of sun made it colder especially after the midweek temperatures of the high twenties. The incoming Swallows could have wondered if the journey north had been a good choice!
As always with wildlife they write the script and so it was when the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteada) was perched as we drove down to the hides. It flew perched again and then it flew further away. It is a marvelous sight when it flies and it was close enough not to need binoculars.
The small tower hide easily contained the four of us and for the first time in weeks I was able to watch the lagoon and there was a lot of birds to be able to focus on. This eagle was seen perched, but in the distance for most of the morning. We were fortunate to have a very sharp eyed and knowledgeable birder with us that not only told us what he saw and heard but also imparted his knowledge. Among all the ducks, grebes and gulls a Lesser Black Backed was located, a male Pintail too, Black-necked Grebe in breeding plumage and finally towards the end of our stay three Baltic Gulls and what could have been a female Smew -what was that doing there?
In respect of the Baltic Gulls they have been seen here before, but they were a new species to me. I had to look them up when I got home and every time that I see a Lesser Black Backed I will look more intently.
Overhead Barn Swallows, Red-rumped too with one or two House Martins flew around. There were some Crag Martins with them and it cannot be to long before they head inland with the Marsh Harriers and Booted Eagles for the breeding season.
I seldom completed a species count and this morning it was forty seven. It is so good to have a site like this within 20 minutes of home. A great morning with some great company.
Saturday 7 March 2015
El Hondo
El Hondo Saturday 7th March.
Fairly low early morning temperatures with a light chilly breeze and temperatures climbing up to around 20C under a blue sky.
People wise it was busy, but with some of the birds on the water ways it was less so. The large area of water had numerous gulls, grebe, coots and ducks, with an Osprey Águila Pescadora) perched. I am told that the Spotted Eagle (Moteada) was seen perched and flying. It will not be too long before this big eagle flies north.
My purpose for this morning was to concentrate again on the Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Común) with many viewings both in the reeds and in flight. They are quick, but when they are seen through a scope it is a fabulous sight. They were full of song as well with more than one singing.
One birder thought that he could have seen an Aquatic Warbler (Carricerin Cejudo) which has a centre stripe on the crown unlike the Moustached (Carricerin Común) The Aquatics have been netted and rung here in the past but none of the acknowledged birders have not seen one here. Interesting and something to look out for.
Thanks to a local Spanish birder we had terrific views of four Penduline Tits (Pájaron Moscón) both males and females in the reeds very nearby. A most enjoyable morning with pleasant company and with sightings of Blackcap (Carruca Capirotada), Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común) and Cetti's (Ruseñor Bastardo) among the usual birds.
Fairly low early morning temperatures with a light chilly breeze and temperatures climbing up to around 20C under a blue sky.
People wise it was busy, but with some of the birds on the water ways it was less so. The large area of water had numerous gulls, grebe, coots and ducks, with an Osprey Águila Pescadora) perched. I am told that the Spotted Eagle (Moteada) was seen perched and flying. It will not be too long before this big eagle flies north.
My purpose for this morning was to concentrate again on the Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Común) with many viewings both in the reeds and in flight. They are quick, but when they are seen through a scope it is a fabulous sight. They were full of song as well with more than one singing.
One birder thought that he could have seen an Aquatic Warbler (Carricerin Cejudo) which has a centre stripe on the crown unlike the Moustached (Carricerin Común) The Aquatics have been netted and rung here in the past but none of the acknowledged birders have not seen one here. Interesting and something to look out for.
Thanks to a local Spanish birder we had terrific views of four Penduline Tits (Pájaron Moscón) both males and females in the reeds very nearby. A most enjoyable morning with pleasant company and with sightings of Blackcap (Carruca Capirotada), Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común) and Cetti's (Ruseñor Bastardo) among the usual birds.
Monday 16 February 2015
El Hondo in February
El Hondo, Saturday 14th February, 2015.
My first visit this year with the main intention of seeing the Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada) before they go north. Sometimes the views here are in the distance and this morning it was the case. One had perched low in the red beds, but one bird was in a distant Palm tree and allowing a full view of it.
In the larger hide we could see in the distance two birds flying sometimes together, acrobatically so, and then flying apart before rejoining. Undoubtedly they were the eagles that I had come to see, but without any of them flying over our heads.
Nearby Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Real) were calling from reeds and eventually we did have very good views. I will look for these birds next time I visit. All the time I was watching these warblers Crag Martins (Avion Roquero) were flying within feet of us. Also seen was a Swallow (Golondrina Común) and some House Martins (Avión Común).
Earlier a female Merlin (Esmerejón) flew and a Peregrine ( Halcón Peregrino) was seen.
There is always something good to see here and I could have listed more, but in many ways it was a relatively quiet morning.
My first visit this year with the main intention of seeing the Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada) before they go north. Sometimes the views here are in the distance and this morning it was the case. One had perched low in the red beds, but one bird was in a distant Palm tree and allowing a full view of it.
In the larger hide we could see in the distance two birds flying sometimes together, acrobatically so, and then flying apart before rejoining. Undoubtedly they were the eagles that I had come to see, but without any of them flying over our heads.
Nearby Moustached Warblers (Carricerin Real) were calling from reeds and eventually we did have very good views. I will look for these birds next time I visit. All the time I was watching these warblers Crag Martins (Avion Roquero) were flying within feet of us. Also seen was a Swallow (Golondrina Común) and some House Martins (Avión Común).
Earlier a female Merlin (Esmerejón) flew and a Peregrine ( Halcón Peregrino) was seen.
There is always something good to see here and I could have listed more, but in many ways it was a relatively quiet morning.
Friday 13 February 2015
A HARD DEATH, a novel, by JONATHAN HAYES
A HARD DEATH, a novel, by JONATHAN HAYES (including Gene's Books)
It is exceptional to be allowed to pass by a bookshop without having to drive into the parking lot, park up and enter. We were driving along Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island on the western edge of Florida State when 'Gene's Books' appeared on the starboard side.
Inside it was a beautiful sight. Shiney 'proper' wooden bookcases laden with enticing covers. I browsed. I paused at a corner and there piled up were several copies of Jonathan Hayes' book seducing me with its reddish cover advertising death. At $3.98 plus tax I had to pick one up and scan a page or two. I was persuaded. The marked down price making my decision so easy and I am glad that I did. I had discovered a new author (to me, at least) and a tale of enforced fear, torture and gratuitous violence.
He had introduced Dr Edward Jenner in his first book Precious Blood and both he and Jenner have the same background. Jenner is the protagonist he has chosen to fight for justice after being forced out of New York City. That's a story in itself.
A Hard Death is a story of Florida, with some chapters set in or close to the swamp where many things can be found. There is one paragraph that made me wriggle in my chair and to get over it I had to carry on reading.
This is a 'page-turner'. The plots and the actions flow from page to page with a velocity that kept me reading on and on. There are twists and turns aplenty.
Social issues are included, there is some sex, the dialogues are explicit and since this is a crime novel there is a lot about both criminals and victims. This writer is a veteran forensic pathologist and he includes ample detail. Jenner is the protagonist that he has chosen to combat the bad boys and I think that I like him.
In over 400 pages I found only one piece that stretched my idea of reality close to implausibility. I recommend this book and I will seek out his first one, Precious Blood, and try and discover what makes these investigators of cadavers so willing to write about their work!
It is exceptional to be allowed to pass by a bookshop without having to drive into the parking lot, park up and enter. We were driving along Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island on the western edge of Florida State when 'Gene's Books' appeared on the starboard side.
Inside it was a beautiful sight. Shiney 'proper' wooden bookcases laden with enticing covers. I browsed. I paused at a corner and there piled up were several copies of Jonathan Hayes' book seducing me with its reddish cover advertising death. At $3.98 plus tax I had to pick one up and scan a page or two. I was persuaded. The marked down price making my decision so easy and I am glad that I did. I had discovered a new author (to me, at least) and a tale of enforced fear, torture and gratuitous violence.
He had introduced Dr Edward Jenner in his first book Precious Blood and both he and Jenner have the same background. Jenner is the protagonist he has chosen to fight for justice after being forced out of New York City. That's a story in itself.
A Hard Death is a story of Florida, with some chapters set in or close to the swamp where many things can be found. There is one paragraph that made me wriggle in my chair and to get over it I had to carry on reading.
This is a 'page-turner'. The plots and the actions flow from page to page with a velocity that kept me reading on and on. There are twists and turns aplenty.
Social issues are included, there is some sex, the dialogues are explicit and since this is a crime novel there is a lot about both criminals and victims. This writer is a veteran forensic pathologist and he includes ample detail. Jenner is the protagonist that he has chosen to combat the bad boys and I think that I like him.
In over 400 pages I found only one piece that stretched my idea of reality close to implausibility. I recommend this book and I will seek out his first one, Precious Blood, and try and discover what makes these investigators of cadavers so willing to write about their work!
Monday 2 February 2015
Finally a Crested Caracara
Friday 30th. This was our last full day and the last chance to try and see something rare and possibly a species that was endangered.
We looked at the possibilities of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve that was within a 23 minute drive, but eventually decided to go a little further and see if we could find the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
The area that we chose was the Fred Babcock-Cecil Webb State Management Area and it was easy to find as Tucker's Grade was clearly signed from Interstate 4. As we drove to this 'managed wilderness area' we searched the verges for road-kill hoping to see the rare Crested Caracara, without success. It is a very large area with some good roads and an entrance fee of $6 per car. A guide or volunteer would have been very good to see as we felt afterwards that local knowledge would have been beneficial.
We persevered driving slowly down the roads some of which were metaled, some were graded and some were only dirt, but all were passable. This is the dry season and caution would be needed during the summer months.
Our first find of the day was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We had to be patient with this one as he kept disappearing around the back of a pine tree. When scoped we could see his red head and chin which identified him as male.
Then, for me, the most interesting birds of the trip. We saw a male Northern Harrier flying around us and within minutes there was a female flying too. We had great views for several minutes and these two birds made the effort worthwhile.
We called it a day and then headed for Naples and The Cheesecake Factory. We knew that Penny had been sacked but I found Sheldon Cooper tidying up the rest rooms. He is very good at that.
The following day we headed north for Orlando International and our home bound flights. We looked out for road-kill and on State Road 31(this bisects Babcock) there was a group of black birds on the road. They were Vultures and Crows and a Crested Caracara. It flew up, went into a tree and then within minutes it flew away. Cameras and binoculars which were all packed were not needed as we had clear and close views of this endangered species.
We have great memories and on the last three consecutive days we had a 'first'. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail logo bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Tarpon Bay followed by the two Northern Harriers and then on route to the airport the endangered Crested Caracara. The most successful few minutes was at Bunche Beach with the 'pipers' and Black Skimmers.
We were in London on Sunday and to carry on with our birding theme we visited the Natural History Museum in Kensington. It is always worth a visit, but our intent was to see the Wildlife Photographers Exhibition. The images of the various species of Birds of Paradise was worth the effort. These photographs taken by Tim Laman, the Portfolio Winner will live in my memory.
We looked at the possibilities of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve that was within a 23 minute drive, but eventually decided to go a little further and see if we could find the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
The area that we chose was the Fred Babcock-Cecil Webb State Management Area and it was easy to find as Tucker's Grade was clearly signed from Interstate 4. As we drove to this 'managed wilderness area' we searched the verges for road-kill hoping to see the rare Crested Caracara, without success. It is a very large area with some good roads and an entrance fee of $6 per car. A guide or volunteer would have been very good to see as we felt afterwards that local knowledge would have been beneficial.
We persevered driving slowly down the roads some of which were metaled, some were graded and some were only dirt, but all were passable. This is the dry season and caution would be needed during the summer months.
Our first find of the day was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. We had to be patient with this one as he kept disappearing around the back of a pine tree. When scoped we could see his red head and chin which identified him as male.
Then, for me, the most interesting birds of the trip. We saw a male Northern Harrier flying around us and within minutes there was a female flying too. We had great views for several minutes and these two birds made the effort worthwhile.
We called it a day and then headed for Naples and The Cheesecake Factory. We knew that Penny had been sacked but I found Sheldon Cooper tidying up the rest rooms. He is very good at that.
The following day we headed north for Orlando International and our home bound flights. We looked out for road-kill and on State Road 31(this bisects Babcock) there was a group of black birds on the road. They were Vultures and Crows and a Crested Caracara. It flew up, went into a tree and then within minutes it flew away. Cameras and binoculars which were all packed were not needed as we had clear and close views of this endangered species.
We have great memories and on the last three consecutive days we had a 'first'. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail logo bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Tarpon Bay followed by the two Northern Harriers and then on route to the airport the endangered Crested Caracara. The most successful few minutes was at Bunche Beach with the 'pipers' and Black Skimmers.
We were in London on Sunday and to carry on with our birding theme we visited the Natural History Museum in Kensington. It is always worth a visit, but our intent was to see the Wildlife Photographers Exhibition. The images of the various species of Birds of Paradise was worth the effort. These photographs taken by Tim Laman, the Portfolio Winner will live in my memory.
Friday 30 January 2015
San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach and Ding Darling
Thursday 29th.
Local information is essential when knowing where and when to find the birds. I have previously mentioned the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and the details posted by the Calhoosa Bird Club have been very useful and accurate. This morning we took them at their word and went to San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve to look for waders and seabirds. It is opposite Bowditch Point and with the tide low there were numerous birds around. In the space of only a few yards we had three firsts for our all time list. Marbled Godwits were easily seen and numbered about a dozen. Then with the help of two Canadian Birders we saw and identified Wilson's Plover and Piping Plover. Some of them were so close we did not need even binoculars with the Piping Plovers being only feet away. This was birding at its best. As we were walking back at least two hundred Black Skimmers flew in giving us a good show as they flew around, landed and took off again. Also there was a good number of Royal Terns. Due to the weather being ten degrees colder than the average this week and winds causing the water to be very choppy our chances of viewing sea birds was not good.
We were delighted with these sightings, but we were again on our way to Ding Darling and Sanibel. The wildlife drive was our intention and the focus would be to locate and photograph the Short-billed Dowitchers. They were easy to see and after a good examination of about twelve of them we knew we had added another one to our list. Here we also saw Least Sandpipers and some Semi-palmated Plovers.
A quick shopping trip to Tarpon Bay gave us another surprise. As we were about to leave I heard a bird call and in the top of the Mangroves were two Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. They flew away quickly but one returned for us to check the identification. There was no doubt what we had seen as there is no other birds like them. Michelle was able to take a record shot.
On this trip we purchased The Sibley Guide To Birds - Second Edition. It has been written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. There is no doubt that he is an authority on birds and he has been acclaimed by birding societies. It has to be the most informative and detailed bird book that we have bought.
.
Local information is essential when knowing where and when to find the birds. I have previously mentioned the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and the details posted by the Calhoosa Bird Club have been very useful and accurate. This morning we took them at their word and went to San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve to look for waders and seabirds. It is opposite Bowditch Point and with the tide low there were numerous birds around. In the space of only a few yards we had three firsts for our all time list. Marbled Godwits were easily seen and numbered about a dozen. Then with the help of two Canadian Birders we saw and identified Wilson's Plover and Piping Plover. Some of them were so close we did not need even binoculars with the Piping Plovers being only feet away. This was birding at its best. As we were walking back at least two hundred Black Skimmers flew in giving us a good show as they flew around, landed and took off again. Also there was a good number of Royal Terns. Due to the weather being ten degrees colder than the average this week and winds causing the water to be very choppy our chances of viewing sea birds was not good.
We were delighted with these sightings, but we were again on our way to Ding Darling and Sanibel. The wildlife drive was our intention and the focus would be to locate and photograph the Short-billed Dowitchers. They were easy to see and after a good examination of about twelve of them we knew we had added another one to our list. Here we also saw Least Sandpipers and some Semi-palmated Plovers.
A quick shopping trip to Tarpon Bay gave us another surprise. As we were about to leave I heard a bird call and in the top of the Mangroves were two Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. They flew away quickly but one returned for us to check the identification. There was no doubt what we had seen as there is no other birds like them. Michelle was able to take a record shot.
On this trip we purchased The Sibley Guide To Birds - Second Edition. It has been written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. There is no doubt that he is an authority on birds and he has been acclaimed by birding societies. It has to be the most informative and detailed bird book that we have bought.
.
Thursday 29 January 2015
Fort Myers Beach
Wednesday 28th
After four days of having to drive we decided to pay attention to The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, but remain local to where we are staying on Estero Boulevard at Fort Myers Beach. A short distance away is the Little Estero Critical Endangered Area that lies between the apartment blocks and the ocean. It has sheltered lagoons, but only one of any size and on this water we saw a female Red-breasted Merganser. It was a first for this trip. There was nothing unusual here except that we saw four Sanderling fly.
Beach access is only possible in some places and the easiest is through the Wyndham Hotel where parking is a mere $5 all of which is refundable is you spend over $25 dollars in the bar on the beach.
In the afternoon we visited Bowditch Point at the northern end of the island. On the edge of the surf Sanderling were feeding within feet of ours. There was a solitary Willet, a Black-bellied Plover and one Dunlin. Pelicans, Laughing Gulls and Ring-billed were around as usual. It is a joy to be so close to the birds that you don't even need binoculars.
I think both these locations must be exceptional places during the spring and fall. If you intend coming to Florida it is advisable to study the web site of GFBWT
After four days of having to drive we decided to pay attention to The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, but remain local to where we are staying on Estero Boulevard at Fort Myers Beach. A short distance away is the Little Estero Critical Endangered Area that lies between the apartment blocks and the ocean. It has sheltered lagoons, but only one of any size and on this water we saw a female Red-breasted Merganser. It was a first for this trip. There was nothing unusual here except that we saw four Sanderling fly.
Beach access is only possible in some places and the easiest is through the Wyndham Hotel where parking is a mere $5 all of which is refundable is you spend over $25 dollars in the bar on the beach.
In the afternoon we visited Bowditch Point at the northern end of the island. On the edge of the surf Sanderling were feeding within feet of ours. There was a solitary Willet, a Black-bellied Plover and one Dunlin. Pelicans, Laughing Gulls and Ring-billed were around as usual. It is a joy to be so close to the birds that you don't even need binoculars.
I think both these locations must be exceptional places during the spring and fall. If you intend coming to Florida it is advisable to study the web site of GFBWT
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Tuesday 27th - Corkscrew Swamp Again
Today we returned to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for the birds and to spend more time with the warblers and other small birds. There is so much to see here as study of the trees and plant life would be an education all on its own. The Bald Cypress are magnificent to look at and admire. There are specimen trees here and the biggest ones have been shown all due respect by Audobon by giving them names after famous people who have given so many things to our world. Some of these trees are over 500 years old and one of them is 98 feet tall. A true survivor of many hurricanes. It was a privilege to be able to walk by them.
We had very good views of Yellow-rumped and Black and White Warblers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers and Great Crested Flycatchers. Once again Carolina Wrens were noisy and we had two good views of them. Our last major spot of the day was an Eastern Phoebe and before that a Blue-headed Vireo.
This morning we did not have the help of resident advice, but I think that we did very well without them. As we walked Red-shouldered Hawks were continually calling and we saw a pair mating. Our guide, yesterday, Murray told us that the Red Shouldered Hawk makes up for about 90% of the Hawks seen at the preserve and told us that a Coopers Hawk is seen occasionally.
Near the end we witnessed an Anhinga with a Cat Fish. It bashed it, and kept on bashing it before juggling with it until it struggled less and the head was in the correct place. It was a tussle with at least one correction in the positioning of it. Then, it swallowed it very quickly and you could see the bulge as it slid down the bird's long neck. Nearby, beached and in the sun was a big alligator which must have been at least 13 feet in length. A magnificent specimen that sits on top of the food chain. In adjacent waters we saw two large turtles sunning themselves and we also located a water moccasin in the sunny spot as yesterday.
This morning on the way into the sanctuary we saw about 15 White-tailed Deer and with one Grey Squirrel and that was all the mammals that we saw.
We had very good views of Yellow-rumped and Black and White Warblers, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers and Great Crested Flycatchers. Once again Carolina Wrens were noisy and we had two good views of them. Our last major spot of the day was an Eastern Phoebe and before that a Blue-headed Vireo.
This morning we did not have the help of resident advice, but I think that we did very well without them. As we walked Red-shouldered Hawks were continually calling and we saw a pair mating. Our guide, yesterday, Murray told us that the Red Shouldered Hawk makes up for about 90% of the Hawks seen at the preserve and told us that a Coopers Hawk is seen occasionally.
Near the end we witnessed an Anhinga with a Cat Fish. It bashed it, and kept on bashing it before juggling with it until it struggled less and the head was in the correct place. It was a tussle with at least one correction in the positioning of it. Then, it swallowed it very quickly and you could see the bulge as it slid down the bird's long neck. Nearby, beached and in the sun was a big alligator which must have been at least 13 feet in length. A magnificent specimen that sits on top of the food chain. In adjacent waters we saw two large turtles sunning themselves and we also located a water moccasin in the sunny spot as yesterday.
This morning on the way into the sanctuary we saw about 15 White-tailed Deer and with one Grey Squirrel and that was all the mammals that we saw.
Tuesday 27 January 2015
Corkscrew Swamp & Blair Audobon Centre
Monday 26th
It was chilly yesterday, it was raining this morning but we have had a terrific day in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. I have been very impressed with all the wildlife sites that we have been to, but this one has to rank with the best. It has a boardwalk of 2.25 miles which takes you through a mixture of habitants including trees that are called Bald Cypress. They are several hundred years old and were saved by Audobon from the loggers.The volunteers are very helpful and before we were half round we found two of them walking with an intern from The Big Cypress who had majored in Biology and with a specific interest in snakes. We learnt a lot from all three that added to the enjoyment of our day.
Before we even got into the car a flock of American Crows flew overhead being vociferous as they did so.
It rained heavily on the way, but I still checked the roadside for my first sighting of a Crested Cara Cara. I am still searching.
Our list for today is as follows:-
American Kestrels
Anhinga both male and female
Black-crowned Night Heron
Black and white Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Carolina Wren - stupendous after hearing so many times its very loud call
Cattle Egret
Common Yellow-throat
Eastern Pheobe
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Great-crested Flycatcher
Great White Egret
Large Blue Heron
Little Blue Heron
Loggerhead Shrike
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinals both female and male.
Northern Mockingbird
Painted Buntings - two females and two males
Pileated Woodpecker - female
Red winged Blackbirds
Red-bellied Woodpecker - both sexes
Red -shouldered Hawks - both sexes seen mating.
Tricoloured Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
White Ibis
Wild Turkeys
Woodstorks both juvenile and adult.
Upon examination of the photos we possibly have added one more to our all time list. We may have seen a female Indigo Bunting and we will endeavor to clarify this ID tomorrow morning.
All this identification would not have been possible without some of these species being located and identified by the volunteers. This also includes a Red-bellied Turtle and a Cotton Mouth/Water Moccasin warming itself up on a log. We were told that this was a regular spot for it. It was our first live snake on trip. Also the biggest Alligator so far - it was very broad and it was huge. Thought to be the second biggest one on the reserve.
There is so much to see here not just the wildlife, but also all the flora and fauna. The people here had set a scope on a Ghost Orchid in flower. This was the fifth time this winter it has flowered which is surprising as it normally flowers during the summer months.There are many species to see and study. Butterflies were scarce with only a Zebra Longwing to show.
In addition to the Painted Buntings there are also Indigo Buntings - which we hope to see on site as well as nesting Barred Owls.
Our all American bird list has now increased by a total of seven (possibly eight) new ones. A excellent day and we are going again tomorrow.
It was chilly yesterday, it was raining this morning but we have had a terrific day in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. I have been very impressed with all the wildlife sites that we have been to, but this one has to rank with the best. It has a boardwalk of 2.25 miles which takes you through a mixture of habitants including trees that are called Bald Cypress. They are several hundred years old and were saved by Audobon from the loggers.The volunteers are very helpful and before we were half round we found two of them walking with an intern from The Big Cypress who had majored in Biology and with a specific interest in snakes. We learnt a lot from all three that added to the enjoyment of our day.
Before we even got into the car a flock of American Crows flew overhead being vociferous as they did so.
It rained heavily on the way, but I still checked the roadside for my first sighting of a Crested Cara Cara. I am still searching.
Our list for today is as follows:-
American Kestrels
Anhinga both male and female
Black-crowned Night Heron
Black and white Warbler
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Carolina Wren - stupendous after hearing so many times its very loud call
Cattle Egret
Common Yellow-throat
Eastern Pheobe
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Great-crested Flycatcher
Great White Egret
Large Blue Heron
Little Blue Heron
Loggerhead Shrike
Mourning Dove
Northern Cardinals both female and male.
Northern Mockingbird
Painted Buntings - two females and two males
Pileated Woodpecker - female
Red winged Blackbirds
Red-bellied Woodpecker - both sexes
Red -shouldered Hawks - both sexes seen mating.
Tricoloured Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
White Ibis
Wild Turkeys
Woodstorks both juvenile and adult.
Upon examination of the photos we possibly have added one more to our all time list. We may have seen a female Indigo Bunting and we will endeavor to clarify this ID tomorrow morning.
All this identification would not have been possible without some of these species being located and identified by the volunteers. This also includes a Red-bellied Turtle and a Cotton Mouth/Water Moccasin warming itself up on a log. We were told that this was a regular spot for it. It was our first live snake on trip. Also the biggest Alligator so far - it was very broad and it was huge. Thought to be the second biggest one on the reserve.
There is so much to see here not just the wildlife, but also all the flora and fauna. The people here had set a scope on a Ghost Orchid in flower. This was the fifth time this winter it has flowered which is surprising as it normally flowers during the summer months.There are many species to see and study. Butterflies were scarce with only a Zebra Longwing to show.
In addition to the Painted Buntings there are also Indigo Buntings - which we hope to see on site as well as nesting Barred Owls.
Our all American bird list has now increased by a total of seven (possibly eight) new ones. A excellent day and we are going again tomorrow.
Monday 26 January 2015
Sanibel Wildlife Drive
Sunday 25th
A chilly Sunday morning beach walk took me past a European Starling, two Collared Doves, Boat-tailed Grackles and a pair of House Sparrows. On the beach a flock of Laughing Gulls with a few Ring-billed Gulls among them. The Willet were still there and the Brown Pelicans are always a joy to watch.
We then did the Wildlife Drive at Ding Darling on Sanibel. The weather was clear, full sun and in the high sixties. The breeze was either very light or non-existent.
We saw a lot of birds with some that we had not seen before on this trip.
American Crow - flew over,called which is the only way of telling it from a Fish Crow
American White Pelicans
Anninga
Black-bellied Plover
Black Vultures
Brown Pelican
Cattle Egret
Dunlin
Eastern Screech Owl (as before in the same tree)
Gray Catbird
Great Blue Heron
Great White Egret
Hooded Merganser
Little Blue Heron
Osprey
Pied-billed Grebe
Reddish Egret
Roseate Spoonbill
Ruddy Turnstone
Semipalmated Plover
Snowy Egret
Spotted Sandpiper
Tree Swallows
Tri-coloured Heron
Turkey Vultures
Willet
Yellow Crowned Night Heron
We searched for a Short-billed Dowitchers but without success.
We saw no mammals, but there were small black Tree Frogs.
The forecast for tomorrow is cloudy with some rain, but nevertheless we are going to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for the day.
A chilly Sunday morning beach walk took me past a European Starling, two Collared Doves, Boat-tailed Grackles and a pair of House Sparrows. On the beach a flock of Laughing Gulls with a few Ring-billed Gulls among them. The Willet were still there and the Brown Pelicans are always a joy to watch.
We then did the Wildlife Drive at Ding Darling on Sanibel. The weather was clear, full sun and in the high sixties. The breeze was either very light or non-existent.
We saw a lot of birds with some that we had not seen before on this trip.
American Crow - flew over,called which is the only way of telling it from a Fish Crow
American White Pelicans
Anninga
Black-bellied Plover
Black Vultures
Brown Pelican
Cattle Egret
Dunlin
Eastern Screech Owl (as before in the same tree)
Gray Catbird
Great Blue Heron
Great White Egret
Hooded Merganser
Little Blue Heron
Osprey
Pied-billed Grebe
Reddish Egret
Roseate Spoonbill
Ruddy Turnstone
Semipalmated Plover
Snowy Egret
Spotted Sandpiper
Tree Swallows
Tri-coloured Heron
Turkey Vultures
Willet
Yellow Crowned Night Heron
We searched for a Short-billed Dowitchers but without success.
We saw no mammals, but there were small black Tree Frogs.
The forecast for tomorrow is cloudy with some rain, but nevertheless we are going to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for the day.
Sunday 25 January 2015
Lovers Key and Fort Myers Beach
We travelled on a wet and windy morning from Fort Myers to Fort Myers Beach, a mere 15 miles. We drove the length of the Island and at Lovers Key we found a bird scratching around under the Mangroves, a lone Common Ground Dove, not that common as it was the only one around. Apart from the usual circling Vultures, calling Ospreys and Brown Pelicans we had a poor morning for birds.
Once we had unpacked at our new home we walked along the shoreline and as the sun started to go down we saw a resting Mourning Dove and more than thirty Willet untroubled by people.
Once we had unpacked at our new home we walked along the shoreline and as the sun started to go down we saw a resting Mourning Dove and more than thirty Willet untroubled by people.
Saturday 24 January 2015
Sanibel, Florida
Thursday 22nd
This morning as we prepared to leave a Yellow-rumped Warbler in winter plumage played around in the car park. We had a tedious journey to Fort Myers but on the way Michelle spotted a Crested Cara Cara on the grass at the side of the road. A first for her and hopefully we will see one again.
Today, Friday, we did the tourist bit with two friends on Sanibel at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We have been here before and it wasn't long before we added another new one to our list. A Eastern Screech Owl was in a hole in a hollow tree just feet away from the boardwalk. He looked great with wonderful face markings.
A Royal Tern flew past.
On the refuge and for another day for us we are told that a White-crowned Pigeon has been here for weeks. It is an uncommon one to see in Ding Darling.
In the afternoon we went to Tarpon Bay where we watched Brown Pelicans both adult and sub-adult fish and rest and be harassed by Ospreys. We will be there again tomorrow for a sunset boat trip. More of the same I hope.
This morning as we prepared to leave a Yellow-rumped Warbler in winter plumage played around in the car park. We had a tedious journey to Fort Myers but on the way Michelle spotted a Crested Cara Cara on the grass at the side of the road. A first for her and hopefully we will see one again.
Today, Friday, we did the tourist bit with two friends on Sanibel at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We have been here before and it wasn't long before we added another new one to our list. A Eastern Screech Owl was in a hole in a hollow tree just feet away from the boardwalk. He looked great with wonderful face markings.
A Royal Tern flew past.
On the refuge and for another day for us we are told that a White-crowned Pigeon has been here for weeks. It is an uncommon one to see in Ding Darling.
In the afternoon we went to Tarpon Bay where we watched Brown Pelicans both adult and sub-adult fish and rest and be harassed by Ospreys. We will be there again tomorrow for a sunset boat trip. More of the same I hope.
Wednesday 21 January 2015
Wednesday 21st January
This morning was an unusually late start for us as we needed time to 'draw breath' as they say.
This was important as in the previous evening we went to Universal for 'some shopping' and another visit to Margaritaville for another 'cheeseburger in paradise'. It wasn't the best choice, but hey ho, it had to be done.
It is a time for some reflection and to pass some information to those who may be able to do what we have done. December and January are the months to visit. Although the weather cannot be guaranteed, as we found out, generally speaking it is dry and the temperatures reasonable if not hot. The other advantages are that the Mosquitos (only 82 species of them) seem to be absent. We were told that in the previous two years they had had very little rain and because of this the salinity had risen too high for many varieties of birds. However last October they had two days of heavy rain with over 10 inches in a day. Consequently the levels were high which was good. If you are planning a trip all this needs checking out. A good point is that we there is fresh water area there as well as brackish water ones.
Kissimmee is very good for accommodation and attractions but it is 57 miles to Merritt Island and my recommendation would be to book accommodation in the Titusville, Viera and Melbourne areas.
Consideration must be given to the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival which is on from 21st - 26th January this year.
You can check this out on www.SpaceCoastBirdingAndWildlifeFestival.org
The importance of this there is a lot of people in the area both for hotels and vehicles out on the refuge roads. It would be preferable to be there in a less busy period.
VieraWetlandsBirding.com is a useful site for Ritch Grissom which is also on GrissomWetlands.org.
At this location they say you could find the Crested Cara Cara and the Bittern - next time maybe?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is easy to find and provides excellent information.
This area was only going to be a barrier area for the launch site at Cape Canaveral. NASA were persuaded to let it become a refuge. It is run by volunteers and they are good. I could stay there for days!
We saw four species of butterflies, which Michelle recorded on camera and we will look at these and other photos when we get home.
Tomorrow we go south via Myakka to stay at Fort Myers Beach where we will be visiting Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Ding Darling on Sanibel Island. We will have good views of the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers Beach and hopefully some good sightings of seabirds, shorebirds and waders.
This was important as in the previous evening we went to Universal for 'some shopping' and another visit to Margaritaville for another 'cheeseburger in paradise'. It wasn't the best choice, but hey ho, it had to be done.
It is a time for some reflection and to pass some information to those who may be able to do what we have done. December and January are the months to visit. Although the weather cannot be guaranteed, as we found out, generally speaking it is dry and the temperatures reasonable if not hot. The other advantages are that the Mosquitos (only 82 species of them) seem to be absent. We were told that in the previous two years they had had very little rain and because of this the salinity had risen too high for many varieties of birds. However last October they had two days of heavy rain with over 10 inches in a day. Consequently the levels were high which was good. If you are planning a trip all this needs checking out. A good point is that we there is fresh water area there as well as brackish water ones.
Kissimmee is very good for accommodation and attractions but it is 57 miles to Merritt Island and my recommendation would be to book accommodation in the Titusville, Viera and Melbourne areas.
Consideration must be given to the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival which is on from 21st - 26th January this year.
You can check this out on www.SpaceCoastBirdingAndWildlifeFestival.org
The importance of this there is a lot of people in the area both for hotels and vehicles out on the refuge roads. It would be preferable to be there in a less busy period.
VieraWetlandsBirding.com is a useful site for Ritch Grissom which is also on GrissomWetlands.org.
At this location they say you could find the Crested Cara Cara and the Bittern - next time maybe?
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is easy to find and provides excellent information.
This area was only going to be a barrier area for the launch site at Cape Canaveral. NASA were persuaded to let it become a refuge. It is run by volunteers and they are good. I could stay there for days!
We saw four species of butterflies, which Michelle recorded on camera and we will look at these and other photos when we get home.
Tomorrow we go south via Myakka to stay at Fort Myers Beach where we will be visiting Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve and Ding Darling on Sanibel Island. We will have good views of the Gulf of Mexico at Fort Myers Beach and hopefully some good sightings of seabirds, shorebirds and waders.
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