The Writers met this Friday morning and our next meeting is on Friday 26th January 2018, and staying with the usual last Friday of the month
John Mac brought two poems. The first entitled, Cheers, of four verses in length, pay tribute to ‘the Blanca Expats’ ‘who sing/the ballads of too long ago’. The fourth stanza ends with these two lines ‘they’re having the time of their lives/and living their time once again’.
The second one started off with the title of False Memories’ and was changed, with discussion, to Reflection. John presented this one with central alignment and it worked very well with the varying line length. There was a distinct rhyming scheme that he does not normally use. The second verse ‘mirrored’ the first. The lines went ‘fickle hearted memory/you stole my dream away’ was the final two lines of the first verse and ‘fickle hearted memory/delivers one more sting’ in the second and final verse. Both poems need to be read in full to do John’s writing justice.
For several of us, John’s lines, ‘touched a chord’ in our memories and we easily could relate to his words.
In a later conversation Margaret said that as she written a number of ‘love poems’ and intends to publish a pamphlet. John Mac said that he would look out for his poems on that same theme. This we can discuss next time.
Margaret produced two pages from an intended novel and asked for us to comment. It could have been an opening chapter and whatever it was intended to do to a reader - we were asked. It grabbed out attention, and contained enough information for us to want to know more. We all liked it.
Darlene had previously sent us Chapter Nine of Amanda and we scrutinized this line by line. We discussed, suggested and ideas were absorbed, but as we all know the author has the final say.
This was another enjoyable exercise for us. We will be reading more.
John E had circulated two pages of his memoir and this was scrutinized in the same way as previously referred to for Darlene’s chapter on Amanda. It is only recently that anyone else had seen any of his memoir, but, as always, another persons eyes proved to be valuable and constructive.
His next pages will include an insertion of two poems that will sit very well with his travels after leaving London.
He also updated the group on his poetry collection. He has written some Haiku to introduce each section, but this is definitely work-in-progress. For each of his poems to be included he has written ‘an index’ that contained relevance to the source of each individual poem. There was a forceful discussion on the merits of including this in an index or whether suitable lines could be included on the same page as the poem. He has written a total of four pages and these will be examined in the next meeting. No doubt the value any of this will be discussed.
He also mentioned the theme of LONELY. This is a topic in the news, not just because of the time of year, but because of the murder of Jo Cox and her ‘Commission for Loneliness’ and discussions that she was involved with about the problem of loneliness which is now involving Rachel Reeve. It is suggested that there should not only be a commission on loneliness, but also that a government minister should be appointed.
There are many lyrics out there that mention this word. It is all there to be researched and written. We will see what he can produce. One that easily springs to mind is Rick Parfitt’s new album to be released on January 7th.
It is all there for the imagination to take it on. We had a terrific meeting and everyone helps to do what I want and like to do. That is to write.
JE 15.12 2017
Friday 15 December 2017
Tuesday 28 November 2017
Kevin Birmingham on James Joyce and Ulysses
KEVIN BIRMINGHAM: THE MOST DANGEROUS BOOK;THE BATTLE FOR JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES
Books are easy to pick up and to put down. Some of them can be forgotten even if it is read to a conclusion. Others are very forgettable especially after a random page is read only. Fortunately there are some that linger in our thoughts and others that leave a significant impression.
The Sunday Times Literary Non-Fiction Of The Year for 2014 is entitled ‘The Most Dangerous Book’; The Battle For James Joyce’s Ulysses is one such book; for it travels into the importance of the meaning of freedom. That freedom, that allows un-inhibited thought into the society where it can be articulated. I learnt so much from this book; about Joyce, his behavior and how he lived or more accurately survived. But if this book is about him, it is about so much more. It is about censorship, restriction and the abuse of power negating choice. It says ‘To fight for the freedom of books was to fight for the principle of self-governance that had inspired the American Revolution.’
I have read about ‘The Hicklin Rule’ and about Comstock. Who? Well if you are intrigued then read it for yourselves and the book will also take you through the front door of Shakespeare and Company and even into some of Sylvia Beach’s world. I loved it.
It is also a journey through the mysteries of moralizing. Double standards and the absurdity of not being able to mention ‘condom’, but a man could walk into a brothel. I like that. But what did women do - crawl! Of course, in those days, homosexuals were more discreet!
The author, Kevin Birmingham, is a literary historian living in Cambridge, Massachusetts and his study of Joyce and Ulysses is an in depth one. Birmingham credits it ‘For Dad, who taught me about free expression’. I think that sums it up.
It’s a serious book that the media of the current time should note when freedom is restricted by their invasive journalism and their selection of newsworthy stories. I hate ‘door-stepping’. I consider it a crime - so there.
Books are easy to pick up and to put down. Some of them can be forgotten even if it is read to a conclusion. Others are very forgettable especially after a random page is read only. Fortunately there are some that linger in our thoughts and others that leave a significant impression.
The Sunday Times Literary Non-Fiction Of The Year for 2014 is entitled ‘The Most Dangerous Book’; The Battle For James Joyce’s Ulysses is one such book; for it travels into the importance of the meaning of freedom. That freedom, that allows un-inhibited thought into the society where it can be articulated. I learnt so much from this book; about Joyce, his behavior and how he lived or more accurately survived. But if this book is about him, it is about so much more. It is about censorship, restriction and the abuse of power negating choice. It says ‘To fight for the freedom of books was to fight for the principle of self-governance that had inspired the American Revolution.’
I have read about ‘The Hicklin Rule’ and about Comstock. Who? Well if you are intrigued then read it for yourselves and the book will also take you through the front door of Shakespeare and Company and even into some of Sylvia Beach’s world. I loved it.
It is also a journey through the mysteries of moralizing. Double standards and the absurdity of not being able to mention ‘condom’, but a man could walk into a brothel. I like that. But what did women do - crawl! Of course, in those days, homosexuals were more discreet!
The author, Kevin Birmingham, is a literary historian living in Cambridge, Massachusetts and his study of Joyce and Ulysses is an in depth one. Birmingham credits it ‘For Dad, who taught me about free expression’. I think that sums it up.
It’s a serious book that the media of the current time should note when freedom is restricted by their invasive journalism and their selection of newsworthy stories. I hate ‘door-stepping’. I consider it a crime - so there.
Saturday 18 November 2017
Ban Driven Grouse Shooting
Dear John edwards,
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting”.
Government responded:
Defra is working with key interested parties to ensure the sustainable management of the uplands, balancing environmental and economic benefits, which includes the role of sustainable grouse shooting.
The government appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of driven grouse shooting. The government considers that shooting activities bring many benefits to the rural economy and can in many cases be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We recognise that it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected and the law is respected. We will continue work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation. We do have concerns that in some limited instances management practices have unwanted consequences for the wider environment.
Persecution of British raptors and other wildlife
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We have identified raptor persecution as a wildlife crime priority. Each wildlife crime priority has a delivery group to consider what action should be taken, and develop a plan to prevent crime, gather intelligence on offences and enforce against it. The Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) focuses on the golden eagle, goshawk, hen harrier, peregrine, red kite and white-tailed eagle. The group is working on developing tools to help tackle raptor persecution crimes.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is part-funded by Defra, monitors and gathers intelligence on illegal activities affecting raptors and assists police forces when required. Despite instances of poisoning and killing of birds of prey, populations of many species, such as the peregrine falcon, red kite and buzzard have increased. We are concerned that with respect to eliminating illegal bird of prey persecution, there are still individuals who continue to commit these crimes. We will work with all stakeholders to try to eradicate these crimes.
In particular the government takes the decline in the hen harrier population in England very seriously and is committed to securing its future. In January 2016 the hen harrier sub-group of the Defra led Upland Stakeholder Forum published the Hen Harrier Action Plan to increase the English hen harrier population. It contains six actions which individually can bring benefits for hen harriers, but when combined, underpin each other and have the potential to deliver positive outcomes.
The Action Plan was developed with senior representatives from organisations including Natural England, the Moorland Association, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, National Parks England and formerly the RSPB. These organisations, led by Natural England, will monitor activities and report annually on progress to the Defra Uplands Stakeholder Forum and the UK Tasking and Co-ordinating group for Wildlife Crime.
Targeted control of problem species is only one part of a complex mix of factors that can influence populations. Maintaining the balance between biodiversity and the numbers of each species is important. Defra monitors populations of a number of rare or vulnerable species where human intervention is thought to be a contributing factor in their decline, and ensures appropriate action is taken to keep their populations out of danger.
Subsidies to grouse moorland estates
Neither subsidies nor agri-environment payments are paid to farmers to support shooting activities. Agri-environment schemes provide funding to support environmentally beneficial land management, including the management of habitats and work to improve water quality, facilitate carbon capture and protect our historic landscapes. Uplands, including grouse moors, have complex land ownership and tenure arrangements with many areas being designated common land with multiple beneficiaries. Hence, many of the agreements under our schemes result in funding going to grazing tenancies that are critical to the beneficial management of these areas.
Flood risk, water pollution & environmental damage
The government is aware that the UK uplands have 75% of the world’s remaining heather moorland and about 13% of the world’s blanket bog. 70% of the UK’s drinking water is provided from upland catchments, and tourism brings in an estimated £1.78 billion to England’s upland national parks.
The government recognises that healthy, active peat provides good habitat for grouse as well as numerous environmental benefits and ecosystem services. Natural England is working with landowners of grouse moors within Special Areas of Conservation to develop voluntary agreements, which include vegetation management principles for the various habitats on grouse moors. The government encourages land managers to work closely with Natural England to put voluntary agreements in place for all the benefits they bring to moor owners and to the environment.
The government is also working with moor owners and stakeholders to further improve management practices and peat condition, such as through the Blanket Bog Restoration Strategy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201443?reveal_response=yes
The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee
Thanks,
The Petitions team
UK Government and Parliament
The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Ban Driven Grouse Shooting”.
Government responded:
Defra is working with key interested parties to ensure the sustainable management of the uplands, balancing environmental and economic benefits, which includes the role of sustainable grouse shooting.
The government appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of driven grouse shooting. The government considers that shooting activities bring many benefits to the rural economy and can in many cases be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We recognise that it is vital that wildlife and habitats are respected and protected and the law is respected. We will continue work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation. We do have concerns that in some limited instances management practices have unwanted consequences for the wider environment.
Persecution of British raptors and other wildlife
All wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. We have identified raptor persecution as a wildlife crime priority. Each wildlife crime priority has a delivery group to consider what action should be taken, and develop a plan to prevent crime, gather intelligence on offences and enforce against it. The Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG) focuses on the golden eagle, goshawk, hen harrier, peregrine, red kite and white-tailed eagle. The group is working on developing tools to help tackle raptor persecution crimes.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which is part-funded by Defra, monitors and gathers intelligence on illegal activities affecting raptors and assists police forces when required. Despite instances of poisoning and killing of birds of prey, populations of many species, such as the peregrine falcon, red kite and buzzard have increased. We are concerned that with respect to eliminating illegal bird of prey persecution, there are still individuals who continue to commit these crimes. We will work with all stakeholders to try to eradicate these crimes.
In particular the government takes the decline in the hen harrier population in England very seriously and is committed to securing its future. In January 2016 the hen harrier sub-group of the Defra led Upland Stakeholder Forum published the Hen Harrier Action Plan to increase the English hen harrier population. It contains six actions which individually can bring benefits for hen harriers, but when combined, underpin each other and have the potential to deliver positive outcomes.
The Action Plan was developed with senior representatives from organisations including Natural England, the Moorland Association, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, National Parks England and formerly the RSPB. These organisations, led by Natural England, will monitor activities and report annually on progress to the Defra Uplands Stakeholder Forum and the UK Tasking and Co-ordinating group for Wildlife Crime.
Targeted control of problem species is only one part of a complex mix of factors that can influence populations. Maintaining the balance between biodiversity and the numbers of each species is important. Defra monitors populations of a number of rare or vulnerable species where human intervention is thought to be a contributing factor in their decline, and ensures appropriate action is taken to keep their populations out of danger.
Subsidies to grouse moorland estates
Neither subsidies nor agri-environment payments are paid to farmers to support shooting activities. Agri-environment schemes provide funding to support environmentally beneficial land management, including the management of habitats and work to improve water quality, facilitate carbon capture and protect our historic landscapes. Uplands, including grouse moors, have complex land ownership and tenure arrangements with many areas being designated common land with multiple beneficiaries. Hence, many of the agreements under our schemes result in funding going to grazing tenancies that are critical to the beneficial management of these areas.
Flood risk, water pollution & environmental damage
The government is aware that the UK uplands have 75% of the world’s remaining heather moorland and about 13% of the world’s blanket bog. 70% of the UK’s drinking water is provided from upland catchments, and tourism brings in an estimated £1.78 billion to England’s upland national parks.
The government recognises that healthy, active peat provides good habitat for grouse as well as numerous environmental benefits and ecosystem services. Natural England is working with landowners of grouse moors within Special Areas of Conservation to develop voluntary agreements, which include vegetation management principles for the various habitats on grouse moors. The government encourages land managers to work closely with Natural England to put voluntary agreements in place for all the benefits they bring to moor owners and to the environment.
The government is also working with moor owners and stakeholders to further improve management practices and peat condition, such as through the Blanket Bog Restoration Strategy.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Click this link to view the response online:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201443?reveal_response=yes
The Petitions Committee will take a look at this petition and its response. They can press the government for action and gather evidence. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the Committee will consider it for a debate.
The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee
Thanks,
The Petitions team
UK Government and Parliament
Friday 10 November 2017
Writers of San Miguel de Salinas and Stanza Mar Menor
This is what we do'when we meet and you can join us.
On Friday 10th November the Writers of San Miguel met for another analytical two hours or so. There were five of us around the table that did give a good range of perspectives.
John Mac. read ‘Tough Love’, a poem inspired in part by the itinerant flower sellers that take their goods through bars and restaurants here in the costas. Emotive and not one word wasted with combinations such as ‘as if the petals/can deflect the blow/from a bunched fist.’ This was followed by ‘Elemental Truths’ that includes ‘Words, sprinkled like diamond dust’ and with lines that contain other elements such as carbon and palladium to name just two.
Nikki brought copies of and read Chapter Two of her book. We went through it line by line with contributions and suggestions coming from around the table. It is so easy to be focused on the story and so easy to miss obvious words, punctuation and to miss exactly what is being said. Again it was only minor tweaking here and there, that was needed. Nikki cannot be with us next time, but in the meantime we can carry on going through on-going chapters. It is good for us too.
John E read two football related poems. One that did not work and one that could be okay. He will give ‘Euphoria’ some more attention, give it a resounding tweak or two and maybe send it in to Hereford FC to which the poem relates. The other one is binned! He had also twenty six verses that are very raw W.I.P and although that is in a sort of poetic form it may become prose. It is something that he is giving serious thought to. Particular remarks were made about his punctuation or more to the point the lack of it. He finds that interesting and will continue with it and read the work of others who lack any punctuation. He has in mind to read more of e e cummings, John Clare and a writer who has just formed a new Stanza in Brecon. His name is Gareth Writer Davies. Don't laugh too much, but David was not impressed.
Now and with everything that has flashed out from our TV screens David has been working on, would you believe Diversity, Allegations and Robots and with a haiku. Here we have Robot Revolution One and Two followed by ‘The predators of power have gone to far!’ and with two haikus. They are more to the point! He and I have been discussing these all week and so his two poems morphed into three and were the better for it. They have been emailed to Margaret who is still ensconced in Sheffield but they were preceded by ‘ a health warning’ as sexism, feminism and abuse of power can invoke strong words. We await her replies! He does not consider that he will send them anywhere, but for him they are more considered (I could say) and less likely to be trashed by a ‘feminist’. I think that he still got away very lightly. He has passed his health tests and will be heading to Murmansk next Friday. We wish him well and I will send him our meetings via email. Likewise we can email him our own work and he will send us his writings and keep us up to date with his publications. Good luck for all of that.
Amy who has been very busy with her own work and course added another perspective and opinion. The more minds the better to examine our writings.
Our next meeting is twenty forth of this month for ten to ten thirty am. That is two weeks today and hopefully Margaret will be back in Spain. However Nikki will not be with us.
Great stuff and more of the same next time when Darlene intends to be with us.
JE
Sent from my iPad
On Friday 10th November the Writers of San Miguel met for another analytical two hours or so. There were five of us around the table that did give a good range of perspectives.
John Mac. read ‘Tough Love’, a poem inspired in part by the itinerant flower sellers that take their goods through bars and restaurants here in the costas. Emotive and not one word wasted with combinations such as ‘as if the petals/can deflect the blow/from a bunched fist.’ This was followed by ‘Elemental Truths’ that includes ‘Words, sprinkled like diamond dust’ and with lines that contain other elements such as carbon and palladium to name just two.
Nikki brought copies of and read Chapter Two of her book. We went through it line by line with contributions and suggestions coming from around the table. It is so easy to be focused on the story and so easy to miss obvious words, punctuation and to miss exactly what is being said. Again it was only minor tweaking here and there, that was needed. Nikki cannot be with us next time, but in the meantime we can carry on going through on-going chapters. It is good for us too.
John E read two football related poems. One that did not work and one that could be okay. He will give ‘Euphoria’ some more attention, give it a resounding tweak or two and maybe send it in to Hereford FC to which the poem relates. The other one is binned! He had also twenty six verses that are very raw W.I.P and although that is in a sort of poetic form it may become prose. It is something that he is giving serious thought to. Particular remarks were made about his punctuation or more to the point the lack of it. He finds that interesting and will continue with it and read the work of others who lack any punctuation. He has in mind to read more of e e cummings, John Clare and a writer who has just formed a new Stanza in Brecon. His name is Gareth Writer Davies. Don't laugh too much, but David was not impressed.
Now and with everything that has flashed out from our TV screens David has been working on, would you believe Diversity, Allegations and Robots and with a haiku. Here we have Robot Revolution One and Two followed by ‘The predators of power have gone to far!’ and with two haikus. They are more to the point! He and I have been discussing these all week and so his two poems morphed into three and were the better for it. They have been emailed to Margaret who is still ensconced in Sheffield but they were preceded by ‘ a health warning’ as sexism, feminism and abuse of power can invoke strong words. We await her replies! He does not consider that he will send them anywhere, but for him they are more considered (I could say) and less likely to be trashed by a ‘feminist’. I think that he still got away very lightly. He has passed his health tests and will be heading to Murmansk next Friday. We wish him well and I will send him our meetings via email. Likewise we can email him our own work and he will send us his writings and keep us up to date with his publications. Good luck for all of that.
Amy who has been very busy with her own work and course added another perspective and opinion. The more minds the better to examine our writings.
Our next meeting is twenty forth of this month for ten to ten thirty am. That is two weeks today and hopefully Margaret will be back in Spain. However Nikki will not be with us.
Great stuff and more of the same next time when Darlene intends to be with us.
JE
Sent from my iPad
Friday 3 November 2017
Photos from Tuesday 31st October
Azure Winged Magpie, record shot for identification.
Blue Rock Thrush
Blue Throat
Booted Eagle
Grey Plover
Purple Swamp Hen
Redshank
Zitting Cisticola
Snipe with out of focus Cetti´s Warbler in the background.
All photos Copyright Bryan Thomas 2017
Thursday 2 November 2017
Another birding day in Provincia de Alicante
Tuesday 31st October was my first available day to get out and about to see birds in Spain for several weeks. I was in Gran Alicant at ‘sun-up’ to meet Bryan and for this morning we reversed our usual route and headed across country towards El Hondo and San Felipe Neri. It proved to be a very good idea. Before we had left the urbanization Black Redstarts (Colirrojo Tizón) were around and in the past few days both Black Wheatears (Collalbra Negra) and Blue Rock Thrushs (Roquero Silitario) had been seen.
Heading towards San Felipe Common Kestrels (Cernicalo Vulgar) perched and flew. We passed a ruined building and on a top corner perched ‘statuesque like’ was a Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). We stopped in the entrance to the North Gate and in the Eucalyptus there were both Blackcaps (Curruca Capirotada) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común). In the car park for the Information Centre we had views of Meadow Pipit (Busbita Común) several Linnets (Pardillo Común) and a Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón) perched full on for us and photographed. We then turned our attention to the lagoons with those next to us showing a lot of mud and chopped down vegetation. Purple Swamphens/Gallinules (Calamón Común) were close by and they must have numbered almost ten. Feeding here were more Meadow Pipits, at least one Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino) and Bluethroats (Pechiazul) clear views, but not one wader in sight. Two Crested Larks (Cogujada Comùn) called and flew.
One hundred and fifty Glossy Ibis (Morito Común) over.
On the enclosed pond there were both male and female Red Crested Pochards (Pato Colorado) and even though we did hear a Red Knobbed Coot (Focha Moruna) we did not see one. A Little Bittern (Avetorillo Comùn) called too.
On the boardwalk we could see dead fish floating on the surface and whether this was due to a combination of hot weather, lower water levels or pollution we did not know. Maybe the latter could account for a waderless lagoon. The one bright moment was a solitary Snipe (Agachadiza Común) The next water, after the boardwalk, yielded an abundance of both Moorhen (Gallineta Común)and Coot (Focha Común). In the distance was a raft of Little Grebe (Zampullin Común) and also Marbled Duck/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and Shovelers (Cuchara Común). There was nothing else of any note.
The next lagoon was reduced to puddles and was almost birdless except on the far left there were a dozen Lapwing (Avefria Europea)), some Shelduck (Rarro Blanca) and a Grey Heron (Garza Real). I like it much better with water and birds. If only I could control the water levels!
We moved on and at Santa Águeda one Azure Winged Magpie (Urraca de Robo Largo) flew into a tree, perched and flew on. It was our first one at this location and there are photos to prove it! We will bear this one sighting in mind for later in the winter. Here we saw our third Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental) of the morning.
This location too, was dry. It could be very good with rain. Kestrels were seen here too, but the only other raptor was a Marsh Harrier.
Heading towards La Marina we saw Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) more Marsh Harriers and four pale morph Booted Eagles (Aguililla Calzada). The Black Shouldered Kite remained elusive. In the fields of Lucerne grass there were more White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca), Meadow Pipits and several Skylarks (Alondra Común) calling and feeding. Then and in the distance nearer to the mountains we saw ten Common Cranes (Grulla Común) wheeling around.
Now it was time to visit El Pinet and there we saw the following birds.
Grey Plover - Chorlito Gris
Greenshank - Archibebe Claro
Redshank X 2 - Archibebe Comün
Ringed Plover - Chorlitejo Grande
Little Stint X 4 - Correlimos Menudo
Kentish Plover - Chorlitejo
We had clear views of all of them and the Grey Plover was a good one to see.
Over a cup of coffee we saw a Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patunegro) fly over, but as yet no sea birds.
The small birds which also included Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional), Stonechats (Tarabilla Común), Robins (Petirrojo) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común) made up for the lack of waders until we reached El Pinet.
I don’t believe in doing a list and some of the common birds I seldom mention, but what birds I have said that we have seen - were certainly seen and some even photographed. For the first time in several years I have included the Spanish names which I should know anyway.
Heading towards San Felipe Common Kestrels (Cernicalo Vulgar) perched and flew. We passed a ruined building and on a top corner perched ‘statuesque like’ was a Green Woodpecker (Pito Real). We stopped in the entrance to the North Gate and in the Eucalyptus there were both Blackcaps (Curruca Capirotada) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común). In the car park for the Information Centre we had views of Meadow Pipit (Busbita Común) several Linnets (Pardillo Común) and a Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón) perched full on for us and photographed. We then turned our attention to the lagoons with those next to us showing a lot of mud and chopped down vegetation. Purple Swamphens/Gallinules (Calamón Común) were close by and they must have numbered almost ten. Feeding here were more Meadow Pipits, at least one Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino) and Bluethroats (Pechiazul) clear views, but not one wader in sight. Two Crested Larks (Cogujada Comùn) called and flew.
One hundred and fifty Glossy Ibis (Morito Común) over.
On the enclosed pond there were both male and female Red Crested Pochards (Pato Colorado) and even though we did hear a Red Knobbed Coot (Focha Moruna) we did not see one. A Little Bittern (Avetorillo Comùn) called too.
On the boardwalk we could see dead fish floating on the surface and whether this was due to a combination of hot weather, lower water levels or pollution we did not know. Maybe the latter could account for a waderless lagoon. The one bright moment was a solitary Snipe (Agachadiza Común) The next water, after the boardwalk, yielded an abundance of both Moorhen (Gallineta Común)and Coot (Focha Común). In the distance was a raft of Little Grebe (Zampullin Común) and also Marbled Duck/Teal (Cerceta Pardilla) and Shovelers (Cuchara Común). There was nothing else of any note.
The next lagoon was reduced to puddles and was almost birdless except on the far left there were a dozen Lapwing (Avefria Europea)), some Shelduck (Rarro Blanca) and a Grey Heron (Garza Real). I like it much better with water and birds. If only I could control the water levels!
We moved on and at Santa Águeda one Azure Winged Magpie (Urraca de Robo Largo) flew into a tree, perched and flew on. It was our first one at this location and there are photos to prove it! We will bear this one sighting in mind for later in the winter. Here we saw our third Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental) of the morning.
This location too, was dry. It could be very good with rain. Kestrels were seen here too, but the only other raptor was a Marsh Harrier.
Heading towards La Marina we saw Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) more Marsh Harriers and four pale morph Booted Eagles (Aguililla Calzada). The Black Shouldered Kite remained elusive. In the fields of Lucerne grass there were more White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca), Meadow Pipits and several Skylarks (Alondra Común) calling and feeding. Then and in the distance nearer to the mountains we saw ten Common Cranes (Grulla Común) wheeling around.
Now it was time to visit El Pinet and there we saw the following birds.
Grey Plover - Chorlito Gris
Greenshank - Archibebe Claro
Redshank X 2 - Archibebe Comün
Ringed Plover - Chorlitejo Grande
Little Stint X 4 - Correlimos Menudo
Kentish Plover - Chorlitejo
We had clear views of all of them and the Grey Plover was a good one to see.
Over a cup of coffee we saw a Sandwich Tern (Charrán Patunegro) fly over, but as yet no sea birds.
The small birds which also included Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional), Stonechats (Tarabilla Común), Robins (Petirrojo) and Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común) made up for the lack of waders until we reached El Pinet.
I don’t believe in doing a list and some of the common birds I seldom mention, but what birds I have said that we have seen - were certainly seen and some even photographed. For the first time in several years I have included the Spanish names which I should know anyway.
Friday 20 October 2017
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Thursday and today, Friday 20th, were two clear days where I could visit the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. Yesterday saw heavy rain, but I did see some of the usual geese and ducks and through the rain I saw two Peregrines argue over a post. This is a regular feature as seen from the Holden Tower. It was not a good day for birding and the weather for today was very good.
The Holden Tower gave me close views of Cranes and by the end of the day the total for these birds was seventeen. The Geese grazed close by with Canada, Greylag, Barnacle and Pink Footed easily seen. The Red-breasted Goose had been seen again grazing with the Barnacles, but it was not in view until later. Late in the afternoon from the Zeiss Hide it was spotted and it was not easy to see. However I had good views of it even though it seemed to be closer to the ground than other Geese. It is an attractive bird and a first for me. At the same time Cranes were still in view and a Yellow Legged Gull was seen although there was a discussion as to whether this was a hybrid or not. Anyway another English first for me. Also from this hide a Cetti’s Warbler called frequently and a Water Rail squealed twice.
This is an amazing place to visit and although some birds are distant there are many that can be viewed much closer.
I did not see many small birds, but there is much movement as different species have been seen passing through. There was a flock of Linnets flying in the edge of the estuary. The species list is posted on their website.
From discussion it was said that ‘farmland birds’ numbers are poor and some of this decline can be attributed to pheasant rearing for the shooting industry. This provides a heavy concentration of one species in an area to the detriment of other wildlife including snakes, slow worms and lizards.
However it is places like the wetland centres and wildlife trusts that provide good news through their endeavors.
The Holden Tower gave me close views of Cranes and by the end of the day the total for these birds was seventeen. The Geese grazed close by with Canada, Greylag, Barnacle and Pink Footed easily seen. The Red-breasted Goose had been seen again grazing with the Barnacles, but it was not in view until later. Late in the afternoon from the Zeiss Hide it was spotted and it was not easy to see. However I had good views of it even though it seemed to be closer to the ground than other Geese. It is an attractive bird and a first for me. At the same time Cranes were still in view and a Yellow Legged Gull was seen although there was a discussion as to whether this was a hybrid or not. Anyway another English first for me. Also from this hide a Cetti’s Warbler called frequently and a Water Rail squealed twice.
This is an amazing place to visit and although some birds are distant there are many that can be viewed much closer.
I did not see many small birds, but there is much movement as different species have been seen passing through. There was a flock of Linnets flying in the edge of the estuary. The species list is posted on their website.
From discussion it was said that ‘farmland birds’ numbers are poor and some of this decline can be attributed to pheasant rearing for the shooting industry. This provides a heavy concentration of one species in an area to the detriment of other wildlife including snakes, slow worms and lizards.
However it is places like the wetland centres and wildlife trusts that provide good news through their endeavors.
Wednesday 4 October 2017
Catalan Suppression
I felt that I had to write this. I live in Spain and I am aware of some of its history and the fact that in British terms it is a relatively new democracy as is common with other mainland European countries. Also the Iberian Peninsular covers a large area, that has five languages - not counting Portuguese - and with autonomous (partly self) governing regions. The old divisions of Kingdoms, Republic and Franco’s rule still linger and this can be very evident in the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This week's booing of Gerard Pique, a Catalan, when he represented Spain in an international game is a clear example of this.
Now, that is some of the background to what I really want to say. All of us have witnessed violence on our streets and England is one example. The behavior of the Spanish military police force when dealing with people expressing a wish to vote for what they consider is their right was met with un-necessary and excessive violence. It was ordered by the central government in Madrid where their need to unity was imposed over freedom. It matters not one jot whether Cataluña will be better off as a totally self governing region or not. What matters is that opinions and rights are respected.
I was appalled at the politicians responses. The Spanish Government and EU politicians and bureaucrats must surely know that suppression will lead to long running disputes. The rise of nationalism can be dangerous. I did not welcome the rise in popularity of Le Pen or AdF in Germany, but democratically they are part of the system.
I was appalled by the EU response to the violence on the streets of Barcelona when ‘police’ were preventing people from voting with violence. What harm could be done if voting took place in this ‘illegal’ referendum and the Spanish Government ignored the outcome. There would have been no disorder. Now we have more people on the streets with numbers enhanced by those who are protesting, not necessarily about the referendum, but about excessive violence. I do understand, however, that mainland Europe’s way of dealing with disorder is far more excessive than in Britain and this may account for the European leaders attitude. On the other hand it probably is because they are ‘shit scared’ of the breakup of the European Union.
If PM Cameron had come back with something that clearly the EU ministers would not give then Britain would not have needed to hold a referendum. Holding it was madness, as well as, the vote for us to exit Europe. That seems as even more madness. It is clear to me that we are dealing with an intransigent Europe and in the long term we could say ‘we told you so’. Suppression in the 1900’s created a divided continent and so let us hope, forlornly or otherwise, that the situation in Cataluña is managed.
Now, that is some of the background to what I really want to say. All of us have witnessed violence on our streets and England is one example. The behavior of the Spanish military police force when dealing with people expressing a wish to vote for what they consider is their right was met with un-necessary and excessive violence. It was ordered by the central government in Madrid where their need to unity was imposed over freedom. It matters not one jot whether Cataluña will be better off as a totally self governing region or not. What matters is that opinions and rights are respected.
I was appalled at the politicians responses. The Spanish Government and EU politicians and bureaucrats must surely know that suppression will lead to long running disputes. The rise of nationalism can be dangerous. I did not welcome the rise in popularity of Le Pen or AdF in Germany, but democratically they are part of the system.
I was appalled by the EU response to the violence on the streets of Barcelona when ‘police’ were preventing people from voting with violence. What harm could be done if voting took place in this ‘illegal’ referendum and the Spanish Government ignored the outcome. There would have been no disorder. Now we have more people on the streets with numbers enhanced by those who are protesting, not necessarily about the referendum, but about excessive violence. I do understand, however, that mainland Europe’s way of dealing with disorder is far more excessive than in Britain and this may account for the European leaders attitude. On the other hand it probably is because they are ‘shit scared’ of the breakup of the European Union.
If PM Cameron had come back with something that clearly the EU ministers would not give then Britain would not have needed to hold a referendum. Holding it was madness, as well as, the vote for us to exit Europe. That seems as even more madness. It is clear to me that we are dealing with an intransigent Europe and in the long term we could say ‘we told you so’. Suppression in the 1900’s created a divided continent and so let us hope, forlornly or otherwise, that the situation in Cataluña is managed.
Saturday 23 September 2017
Photographs From Our Recent Trips
On 10th September at San Felipe Neri we searched for and found a Temminick´s Stint. Sadly it was not there when we returned the following Thursday.
This Kingfisher was photographed at El Pinet where it was perched for a considerable time. Brian would have like a shot of the bird in flight but it stayed where it was.
On 16th September we visited San Pedro Del Pinatar we had good views of both Curlew Sandpiper and Sanderling.
We travelled south and at the Salinas, near La Manga we saw two Caspian Terns. A first for me and Bryan´s second in Spain.
All photographs Copyright Bryan Thomas 2017
This Kingfisher was photographed at El Pinet where it was perched for a considerable time. Brian would have like a shot of the bird in flight but it stayed where it was.
On 16th September we visited San Pedro Del Pinatar we had good views of both Curlew Sandpiper and Sanderling.
We travelled south and at the Salinas, near La Manga we saw two Caspian Terns. A first for me and Bryan´s second in Spain.
All photographs Copyright Bryan Thomas 2017
Stop Corporate Grouse Shooting Days
Stop Corporate Grouse Shooting Days
In light of the government's rejection of an e-petition last October calling for the banning of grouse shooting which was signed by 123,077 people, we have been prompted to adopt a new approach.
We are now calling upon UK companies to treat grouse shooting as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issue. We know that grouse shooting estates offer tailor made ‘corporate days’ for businesses to shoot grouse on the UK’s moorlands, and given the environmental and animal welfare implications of this pursuit we want businesses to make a stand against it.
As part of this research we are circulating a small – five question – questionnaire to 189 UK companies. So far we've had positive responses.
Turn your back on Grouse is part of the campaign to safe the Hen Harrier. The Raptor Persecution Site provides regular details of
Stone of the persecutin that is taking place. The management of the moors and the evidence of the slaughter that takes place not not only there, but the seemingly random shooting of wildlife seems to be a regular activity for some. However there are people in the world who do care.
In light of the government's rejection of an e-petition last October calling for the banning of grouse shooting which was signed by 123,077 people, we have been prompted to adopt a new approach.
We are now calling upon UK companies to treat grouse shooting as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issue. We know that grouse shooting estates offer tailor made ‘corporate days’ for businesses to shoot grouse on the UK’s moorlands, and given the environmental and animal welfare implications of this pursuit we want businesses to make a stand against it.
As part of this research we are circulating a small – five question – questionnaire to 189 UK companies. So far we've had positive responses.
Turn your back on Grouse is part of the campaign to safe the Hen Harrier. The Raptor Persecution Site provides regular details of
Stone of the persecutin that is taking place. The management of the moors and the evidence of the slaughter that takes place not not only there, but the seemingly random shooting of wildlife seems to be a regular activity for some. However there are people in the world who do care.
Saturday 16 September 2017
San Pedro and Salinas La Manga
Following on from yesterday’s hours of birding we looked for information of recent sightings and decided that we would stay on or near the coast.
We arrived at the Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar at 8.30 ready to check out everything that we could find. On the beach there were two small groups of Sanderlings and there was a good number of Turnstones on the line of seaweed. Small birds were scarce with only three Crested Larks, a Serin, and one Southern Grey Shrike on show. A Northern Wheatear also flew. Yellow Legged Gulls were numerous with only one Audouin’s and a small number of Slender Bills. There was not one Tern to be seen.
We paid attention to all waders hoping to see a Dowitcher and the Broad Billed Sandpiper that have been reported. We spoke with a Spanish birder who had been on site on Monday and he had no sightings either.
The following we did see:
Sanderling
Little Stint
Little Ringed Plovers
Redshank
Curlew Sandpipers
Dunlin
Ruff
There were some noticeable absentees, but a Peregrine Falcon (believed female) flew over from the direction of the hotel toward Lo Pagan. (Collins Bird Guide notes the difference of Iberian birds to U.K. ones). I don’t list the usual, always seen species.
We moved further south (via the motorway) to the La Manga Salinas and leaving MU 312 at junction 13 where we were very lucky for amongst about 150 Y.L. Gulls Bryan spotted two Caspian Terns. They were distant, but we obtained good views through the scope and with a closer look through the camera lens. They are large and beautiful Terns and a first sighting for me and only a second Spanish sighting for Bryan. The heat haze and distance enabled us to have a good record shot of the sightings. Not a ‘pin-sharp’ photo though to satisfy the operator! In the same location were ten Stone Curlews. In an adjacent lagoon we were able to see through the camera lens a group of 10 Kentish Plovers.
This area is not in use, but seems to contain a notable collection of species and is worth further attention. That is more likely to be the case after rain.
As we parked near the end dry lagoon a Common Kestrel flew and a female Common Redstart was seen.
After that we had a very quick look at Caiblanque Regional Park and we decided with the heat of the day and the number of tourists there it was best left for another time.
There is considerable mileage involved in taking this trip and it could be worth while visiting Cabo de Palos as well.
I always try and give locations to where we have seen the species we have viewed. I think it is of no use to anyone to just provide a list and I do realize that some knowledge is required to travel to the sites that we have visited. I will also confirm that what we say we have seen, we have actually seen and some have been viewed through a camera lens. I also put the blog entry on as soon as possible so that individuals can take immediate note of the contents.
We arrived at the Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar at 8.30 ready to check out everything that we could find. On the beach there were two small groups of Sanderlings and there was a good number of Turnstones on the line of seaweed. Small birds were scarce with only three Crested Larks, a Serin, and one Southern Grey Shrike on show. A Northern Wheatear also flew. Yellow Legged Gulls were numerous with only one Audouin’s and a small number of Slender Bills. There was not one Tern to be seen.
We paid attention to all waders hoping to see a Dowitcher and the Broad Billed Sandpiper that have been reported. We spoke with a Spanish birder who had been on site on Monday and he had no sightings either.
The following we did see:
Sanderling
Little Stint
Little Ringed Plovers
Redshank
Curlew Sandpipers
Dunlin
Ruff
There were some noticeable absentees, but a Peregrine Falcon (believed female) flew over from the direction of the hotel toward Lo Pagan. (Collins Bird Guide notes the difference of Iberian birds to U.K. ones). I don’t list the usual, always seen species.
We moved further south (via the motorway) to the La Manga Salinas and leaving MU 312 at junction 13 where we were very lucky for amongst about 150 Y.L. Gulls Bryan spotted two Caspian Terns. They were distant, but we obtained good views through the scope and with a closer look through the camera lens. They are large and beautiful Terns and a first sighting for me and only a second Spanish sighting for Bryan. The heat haze and distance enabled us to have a good record shot of the sightings. Not a ‘pin-sharp’ photo though to satisfy the operator! In the same location were ten Stone Curlews. In an adjacent lagoon we were able to see through the camera lens a group of 10 Kentish Plovers.
This area is not in use, but seems to contain a notable collection of species and is worth further attention. That is more likely to be the case after rain.
As we parked near the end dry lagoon a Common Kestrel flew and a female Common Redstart was seen.
After that we had a very quick look at Caiblanque Regional Park and we decided with the heat of the day and the number of tourists there it was best left for another time.
There is considerable mileage involved in taking this trip and it could be worth while visiting Cabo de Palos as well.
I always try and give locations to where we have seen the species we have viewed. I think it is of no use to anyone to just provide a list and I do realize that some knowledge is required to travel to the sites that we have visited. I will also confirm that what we say we have seen, we have actually seen and some have been viewed through a camera lens. I also put the blog entry on as soon as possible so that individuals can take immediate note of the contents.
Thursday 14 September 2017
Quieter Skies
Starting from Gran Alicant again we stopped off at our usual places. We watched Whiskered Terns at the lagoon opposite Las Brisas. At the pulling off spot past the Salt Tower we viewed forty Spoonbill and about thirty Great Crested Grebes. Flamingos were scattered across the water and one Marsh Harrier landed on an island and then flew north.
El Pinet gave us excellent views of a perched male Kingfisher that was photographed by Bryan.
In the water and close by was a Greenshank and one Redshank. There was no sighting of Pratincoles or Curlew Sandpipers and it was quieter than last Saturday. The skies were almost empty with only a few Barn Swallows flying by, two Red Rumped Swallows were also seen and a solitary Swift was seen.
We moved on to San Felipe Neri with the intention of checking out the waders there.
Ringed Plovers
Little Ringed Plover.
Kentish Plover
Common, Green and Wood Sandpipers
Black Tailed Godwits
Little Stint - no sighting of Temminck’s Stint this time
Dunlin
Glossy Ibis - about the same number as last time.
Marbled Ducks - ten
Red Knobbed Coots - un-tagged and swimming free.
Grey Heron
Cattle Egrets in good numbers.
Bee-eaters are still here, but not in previous numbers.
Raptors were very disappointing with one Marsh Harrier and two Common Kestrels seen all morning.
El Pinet gave us excellent views of a perched male Kingfisher that was photographed by Bryan.
In the water and close by was a Greenshank and one Redshank. There was no sighting of Pratincoles or Curlew Sandpipers and it was quieter than last Saturday. The skies were almost empty with only a few Barn Swallows flying by, two Red Rumped Swallows were also seen and a solitary Swift was seen.
We moved on to San Felipe Neri with the intention of checking out the waders there.
Ringed Plovers
Little Ringed Plover.
Kentish Plover
Common, Green and Wood Sandpipers
Black Tailed Godwits
Little Stint - no sighting of Temminck’s Stint this time
Dunlin
Glossy Ibis - about the same number as last time.
Marbled Ducks - ten
Red Knobbed Coots - un-tagged and swimming free.
Grey Heron
Cattle Egrets in good numbers.
Bee-eaters are still here, but not in previous numbers.
Raptors were very disappointing with one Marsh Harrier and two Common Kestrels seen all morning.
Sunday 10 September 2017
More on the Migration
Having read some of the birding reports I knew that the migration had gathered impetus. So we met again at Gran Alicant, but this time the two became four with Tony from Leigh and Jeanette from North Holland. Clot de Galvany was our first stop and here two White Headed Ducks sat in the middle of the water. Two Common Sandpipers were active and we heard Little Bittern calling, then one showed on the edge of reeds and eventually we saw two fly. A Reed Warbler was in the reeds next to the hide.
We moved on to our usual stops along the N 332 and apart from the usual we were rewarded with a clear view of a juvenile Purple Heron flying over. There was a mass of Gulls on the Salinas and a good number Great Crested Grebes.
At El Pinet there was much more to see. Little Terns were active and a Sandwich Tern flew in the distance. A young Collared Pratincole was on an island. A Kentish and several Little Ringed Plovers were feeding with Dunlin, Little Stints, Black Tailed Godwits, Redshank, two Curlew Sandpipers and the occasional Avocet and Flamingo.
Heading towards San Felipe Neri we were on the look out for Rollers and Bee-eaters. We managed one lone Roller, probably a juvenile, that was perched in a tree. The Bee-eaters put on an exceptional display for us. On the electric cables they were perched in their hundreds. They flew and hawked all around. Some came over the top of us and perched alongside. They are beautiful birds and now they are on their way south. We heard them again at San Felipe and that could be the last that we see or hear of them until early summer.
Apart for an occasional Marsh Harrier any raptors were not easy to find. We had perched Common Kestrels and only one Common Buzzard. However at the far right lagoon at Hondo and as we were watching the waders, a Short-toed Eagle splashed down, stood in the shallow water, and then flew directly over us as we watched from the hide. That was close and all the underside plumage was seen.
Time was now limited and so we made a quick appraisal of the waders. Temmink’s Stint was observed along with a Wood Sandpiper. Dunlin and Little Ringed Plovers were also there. We will return and with adequate time we will see what we can locate. In a group there were seventy Glossy Ibis with twenty to thirty more elsewhere in the water. Our two visitors were keen to see both Marbled Ducks and Red-knobbed Coots. These we found and with no collars on the latter.
The scrapes around the visitor center are overgrown and there are no margins for the waders. That was disappointing and although we took the boardwalk both ways we saw nothing of note except for another juvenile Purple Heron in flight and one flying Squacco Heron and both rounded the day off nicely,
Small birds were in short supply, but Zitting Cisticolas showed frequently.
However the skies were busy with Barn Swallows (mainly), Red-rumps as well and with some House Martins and Common and Pallid Swifts. They were all heading south of course. We also especially wanted to see an Alpine Swift, but maybe next time.
We moved on to our usual stops along the N 332 and apart from the usual we were rewarded with a clear view of a juvenile Purple Heron flying over. There was a mass of Gulls on the Salinas and a good number Great Crested Grebes.
At El Pinet there was much more to see. Little Terns were active and a Sandwich Tern flew in the distance. A young Collared Pratincole was on an island. A Kentish and several Little Ringed Plovers were feeding with Dunlin, Little Stints, Black Tailed Godwits, Redshank, two Curlew Sandpipers and the occasional Avocet and Flamingo.
Heading towards San Felipe Neri we were on the look out for Rollers and Bee-eaters. We managed one lone Roller, probably a juvenile, that was perched in a tree. The Bee-eaters put on an exceptional display for us. On the electric cables they were perched in their hundreds. They flew and hawked all around. Some came over the top of us and perched alongside. They are beautiful birds and now they are on their way south. We heard them again at San Felipe and that could be the last that we see or hear of them until early summer.
Apart for an occasional Marsh Harrier any raptors were not easy to find. We had perched Common Kestrels and only one Common Buzzard. However at the far right lagoon at Hondo and as we were watching the waders, a Short-toed Eagle splashed down, stood in the shallow water, and then flew directly over us as we watched from the hide. That was close and all the underside plumage was seen.
Time was now limited and so we made a quick appraisal of the waders. Temmink’s Stint was observed along with a Wood Sandpiper. Dunlin and Little Ringed Plovers were also there. We will return and with adequate time we will see what we can locate. In a group there were seventy Glossy Ibis with twenty to thirty more elsewhere in the water. Our two visitors were keen to see both Marbled Ducks and Red-knobbed Coots. These we found and with no collars on the latter.
The scrapes around the visitor center are overgrown and there are no margins for the waders. That was disappointing and although we took the boardwalk both ways we saw nothing of note except for another juvenile Purple Heron in flight and one flying Squacco Heron and both rounded the day off nicely,
Small birds were in short supply, but Zitting Cisticolas showed frequently.
However the skies were busy with Barn Swallows (mainly), Red-rumps as well and with some House Martins and Common and Pallid Swifts. They were all heading south of course. We also especially wanted to see an Alpine Swift, but maybe next time.
Saturday 9 September 2017
Migration Birding
Summer is still with us on the Costas, but it is cooling down a bit. So it was another early start to ensure we made the most of the morning and before the temperatures rose too much.
We had discussed where to go and what would produce the most. The area around Higüera got the nod as a very small area has provided us with some good sightings and it was the same again.
Here we saw fifteen different species and included in this were three Crossbills calling and feeding in the top of the trees. Only brief sightings as they soon disappeared, but a new species for us here. Golden Orioles were noisy and we saw both perched and flying birds, but never close enough for the camera. In a corn field we saw a flock of around 20 Rock Sparrows and to add to our viewing we had a brief glimpse of a Bonelli's and a Willow Warbler in the same tree.
Before that, by the railway line, and in the same location as last time we had views of Stone Curlews and ten Great Bustards. That set us up for the day. We took our time in around Higüera and we were rewarded with more great species. Taking the camino we headed away from the village to where we knew there was an area of water adjacent to the mainline to Madrid. On way a flock of twenty or so Short Toes Larks flew in front of us.
Butterflies are always good to see and we did watch a Silver-washed Fritillary and a Scarce Swallowtail flew through. There were the occasional Small Whites too, but butterflies generally were scarce.
Having made the assumption that we could see migrating birds we looked at everything. In a ploughed field we saw two possibilities that could have been Lesser Kestrels, but both had to be Hobbies and this was later confirmed when we had clear views of a male Hobby 'hawking' over the water. It was good to watch. When we were observing it we saw a perched Raptor in the distance. It flew for us and landed in a field and showing enough wing markings to identify it as Short-Toed Eagle. Hirundines flew south but only in small numbers. There were numerous water fowl that did include Gadwall and also two species of Grebe - Black Necked and Little.
Having taken this amount of time we decided to take a quick look at Lagunas de Petrola for any sightings of returning waders. Apart from two juvenile Common Sandpipers that was it. We went straight to Estepas de Yecla. This really is an early morning locale, but we were hopeful. Larks were in short supply, but we did have good views of both Black Eared and Black Wheatears. We had earlier seen several Northern ones.
If the sightings of Hobbies had not been enough we still had two Golden Eagles to watch. These were spiraling in the distant and were hard to identify. They came closer and eventually both Raven and Buzzard were discarded as Bryan got enough on them to satisfy him that were looking at two flying Golden Eagles. Next time we travel this way it will be this location first and we will not attempt both this area and the other larger one on the same day.
What a day with clear sightings.
We had discussed where to go and what would produce the most. The area around Higüera got the nod as a very small area has provided us with some good sightings and it was the same again.
Here we saw fifteen different species and included in this were three Crossbills calling and feeding in the top of the trees. Only brief sightings as they soon disappeared, but a new species for us here. Golden Orioles were noisy and we saw both perched and flying birds, but never close enough for the camera. In a corn field we saw a flock of around 20 Rock Sparrows and to add to our viewing we had a brief glimpse of a Bonelli's and a Willow Warbler in the same tree.
Before that, by the railway line, and in the same location as last time we had views of Stone Curlews and ten Great Bustards. That set us up for the day. We took our time in around Higüera and we were rewarded with more great species. Taking the camino we headed away from the village to where we knew there was an area of water adjacent to the mainline to Madrid. On way a flock of twenty or so Short Toes Larks flew in front of us.
Butterflies are always good to see and we did watch a Silver-washed Fritillary and a Scarce Swallowtail flew through. There were the occasional Small Whites too, but butterflies generally were scarce.
Having made the assumption that we could see migrating birds we looked at everything. In a ploughed field we saw two possibilities that could have been Lesser Kestrels, but both had to be Hobbies and this was later confirmed when we had clear views of a male Hobby 'hawking' over the water. It was good to watch. When we were observing it we saw a perched Raptor in the distance. It flew for us and landed in a field and showing enough wing markings to identify it as Short-Toed Eagle. Hirundines flew south but only in small numbers. There were numerous water fowl that did include Gadwall and also two species of Grebe - Black Necked and Little.
Having taken this amount of time we decided to take a quick look at Lagunas de Petrola for any sightings of returning waders. Apart from two juvenile Common Sandpipers that was it. We went straight to Estepas de Yecla. This really is an early morning locale, but we were hopeful. Larks were in short supply, but we did have good views of both Black Eared and Black Wheatears. We had earlier seen several Northern ones.
If the sightings of Hobbies had not been enough we still had two Golden Eagles to watch. These were spiraling in the distant and were hard to identify. They came closer and eventually both Raven and Buzzard were discarded as Bryan got enough on them to satisfy him that were looking at two flying Golden Eagles. Next time we travel this way it will be this location first and we will not attempt both this area and the other larger one on the same day.
What a day with clear sightings.
Sunday 13 August 2017
The Day After The Carnage
For the day after the carnage in the name of sport I wrote the following.
A DEADFULL 13th
the guns are quiet now
a few corpses remain
in "every-mans-land"
over the top we will
have to go again
into yesterday's
resumed hell
and so it begins again;
they're coming!
the cries grow louder
from the beating army
powerless we are;
we have to flee,
fly higher and higher
to beat the guns
it's an outrage
it's murderous
it's carnage
A DEADFULL 13th
the guns are quiet now
a few corpses remain
in "every-mans-land"
over the top we will
have to go again
into yesterday's
resumed hell
and so it begins again;
they're coming!
the cries grow louder
from the beating army
powerless we are;
we have to flee,
fly higher and higher
to beat the guns
it's an outrage
it's murderous
it's carnage
Saturday 12 August 2017
Another Day of Death
The Twelfth? Never!
quick upward escaping flight
crack crash-crack
suddenly altered into
a fast whirling out-of-control
plunge,
crack crash-crack
dead or, worse still,
only dying, bombs into
the eco-system that
nurtured it, allowing
a feather to break free
from the body that
was its life
crack crash-crack
they hear the call
of death once more,
filling the skies
with harmed and harmless birds,
with toxic lead shot,
with death
echo after echo re-echoes
the vision stays
the guns go silent
the dogs begin their work
quick upward escaping flight
crack crash-crack
suddenly altered into
a fast whirling out-of-control
plunge,
crack crash-crack
dead or, worse still,
only dying, bombs into
the eco-system that
nurtured it, allowing
a feather to break free
from the body that
was its life
crack crash-crack
they hear the call
of death once more,
filling the skies
with harmed and harmless birds,
with toxic lead shot,
with death
echo after echo re-echoes
the vision stays
the guns go silent
the dogs begin their work
Friday 11 August 2017
The Day Before - Natural Enemies
NATURAL ENEMIES?
natural enemies! pa-ah!
"they don't exist no more",
but we watch the skies, just
in case... you never know.
humans come and leave
things. We peck at stuff
and then there's that bunch
of feathers tied to the post.
It's really scary, that,
and the unseeing eye
socket scares us all,
but hey-ho
we eat our way
to plumpness:
good enough to eat -
and THEN...
JE(C)04/08/1
natural enemies! pa-ah!
"they don't exist no more",
but we watch the skies, just
in case... you never know.
humans come and leave
things. We peck at stuff
and then there's that bunch
of feathers tied to the post.
It's really scary, that,
and the unseeing eye
socket scares us all,
but hey-ho
we eat our way
to plumpness:
good enough to eat -
and THEN...
JE(C)04/08/1
The Day Before The Slaughter
AGAIN BAD NEWS FOR MOORLAND AND GROUSE.
Here it is again that day before Red Grouse can legally be blasted out of the sky by those that are able to afford to do it. Apparently, that is a sport!
I understand that traditions and culture have remained for centuries and in a decade where it seems where many that are involved in conservation are 'light' years away and miles apart from those that damage the environment and kill for pleasure. Red Grouse are one species that is bred to be shot, but what else goes on?
It is perceived by the breeders that anything that is seen as a danger to the rearing, feeding and the general health of Red Grouse should be exterminated. So let's wipe out the predators and slaughter the Mountain Hares and that is what is happening in a country where we boast about the RSPB, National Trust and other organizations. Yet still the slaughter goes on.
This year only four breeding pairs of Hen Harriers have been recorded and this sad total is in a country that boasts of animal protection and could support a population of over three hundred pairs.
Only yesterday, Raptor Persecution UK posted the following allegedly from West Yorkshire Firearms Licensing that "Study finds Grouse Moors protect rare birds - contrary to media opinion!
Retweet This!" WhiteMoorSporting apparently being the source. Hopefully not that many will! Impartiality should exist, but not with this tweet.
On the same day West Yorkshire Police announced that they were investigating the theft of eggs from a Marsh Harrier nest that was being monitored by RSPB. It was video protected, but unless it was being continually monitored what effect would that produce? Stolen eggs unfortunately and maybe for the eggs to be incubated and for the birds to be bred in captivity. It happens, and there are still collectors out there. It is an age old pastime. Oh yes! The video footage was not of sufficient quality to enable an identification of the perpetrators. And not forgetting that this another wildlife crime.
It seems that those of us that care about wildlife protection are being ignored and being continually frustrated by those that kill for pleasure and slaughter birds and animals that should exist side-by-side with us. It seems those with political power are aiders and abettors!
Here it is again that day before Red Grouse can legally be blasted out of the sky by those that are able to afford to do it. Apparently, that is a sport!
I understand that traditions and culture have remained for centuries and in a decade where it seems where many that are involved in conservation are 'light' years away and miles apart from those that damage the environment and kill for pleasure. Red Grouse are one species that is bred to be shot, but what else goes on?
It is perceived by the breeders that anything that is seen as a danger to the rearing, feeding and the general health of Red Grouse should be exterminated. So let's wipe out the predators and slaughter the Mountain Hares and that is what is happening in a country where we boast about the RSPB, National Trust and other organizations. Yet still the slaughter goes on.
This year only four breeding pairs of Hen Harriers have been recorded and this sad total is in a country that boasts of animal protection and could support a population of over three hundred pairs.
Only yesterday, Raptor Persecution UK posted the following allegedly from West Yorkshire Firearms Licensing that "Study finds Grouse Moors protect rare birds - contrary to media opinion!
Retweet This!" WhiteMoorSporting apparently being the source. Hopefully not that many will! Impartiality should exist, but not with this tweet.
On the same day West Yorkshire Police announced that they were investigating the theft of eggs from a Marsh Harrier nest that was being monitored by RSPB. It was video protected, but unless it was being continually monitored what effect would that produce? Stolen eggs unfortunately and maybe for the eggs to be incubated and for the birds to be bred in captivity. It happens, and there are still collectors out there. It is an age old pastime. Oh yes! The video footage was not of sufficient quality to enable an identification of the perpetrators. And not forgetting that this another wildlife crime.
It seems that those of us that care about wildlife protection are being ignored and being continually frustrated by those that kill for pleasure and slaughter birds and animals that should exist side-by-side with us. It seems those with political power are aiders and abettors!
Thursday 10 August 2017
Inglorious 12th
This came into my inbox via thunderclap.it
The so called Glorious 12th (August) sees the start of grouse shooting season in the uplands.
You may hear lots of stories about how the uplands are managed and all the benefits that come with that for some breeding birds like Curlew for example; but there is of course a darker side to all this in the form of raptor persecution. Grouse moors are intensively managed to produce unnaturally large numbers of Red Grouse, many of which will then be shot. But anything that would naturally prey on the Red Grouse is not welcome on the shooting estates and it is worrying to see a lack of natural predators in these areas.
Something I am learning is that where there is big money to be made there can also be criminal activity. Wildlife crime is not something you hear about enough in the news, as the environment and natural world are so far down the list of priorities in government, business, education etc.
The evidence just keeps getting clearer and clearer that serious wildlife crime is taking place in the uplands. Modern day technology is helping to bring these activities to light more and more.
Just one more statistic for you. In theory, the uplands in England could support over 300 pairs of hen harriers. Last year we had just 4 breeding pairs. Only about 1% of what could be there. Not really a statistic to be pushed down the priority list. And this year's number of breeding hen harriers in England is not looking promising either. But even if the numbers doubled to 8 pairs, it still wouldn't be acceptable.
So as the social media posts about the so called Glorious 12th start flooding in, wouldn't it be great to see #Inglorious12th trending and raising much needed awareness about the criminal activity that continues to plague these important breeding grounds.
The so called Glorious 12th (August) sees the start of grouse shooting season in the uplands.
You may hear lots of stories about how the uplands are managed and all the benefits that come with that for some breeding birds like Curlew for example; but there is of course a darker side to all this in the form of raptor persecution. Grouse moors are intensively managed to produce unnaturally large numbers of Red Grouse, many of which will then be shot. But anything that would naturally prey on the Red Grouse is not welcome on the shooting estates and it is worrying to see a lack of natural predators in these areas.
Something I am learning is that where there is big money to be made there can also be criminal activity. Wildlife crime is not something you hear about enough in the news, as the environment and natural world are so far down the list of priorities in government, business, education etc.
The evidence just keeps getting clearer and clearer that serious wildlife crime is taking place in the uplands. Modern day technology is helping to bring these activities to light more and more.
Just one more statistic for you. In theory, the uplands in England could support over 300 pairs of hen harriers. Last year we had just 4 breeding pairs. Only about 1% of what could be there. Not really a statistic to be pushed down the priority list. And this year's number of breeding hen harriers in England is not looking promising either. But even if the numbers doubled to 8 pairs, it still wouldn't be acceptable.
So as the social media posts about the so called Glorious 12th start flooding in, wouldn't it be great to see #Inglorious12th trending and raising much needed awareness about the criminal activity that continues to plague these important breeding grounds.
Sunday 6 August 2017
Inland Spain for summer birds
Another early start on Friday 4th August so that we would be in Higüera before 8am and it paid off. As we approached the high speed railway line there were half-a-dozen or so Stone Curlew calling, feeding and flying around. Close by on the other side of the tracks six Great Bustards were feeding near the field margins. A Common Buzzard showed well. What a start to the day! We carried on towards the village and amongst the populars we were entertained by Golden Oriels, screeching, calling and flying in out of the trees. Some good clear views and sometimes just glimpses. At a guess somewhere between four or six birds. Added to that several Mistle Thrushes, at least two Jays, both a Green and a Great Spotted Woodpeckers called. Also one Treecreeper, some Hoopoes and several Rock Doves and one Turtle Dove flew past which we can add to the list. It pays to get out early.
We carried on towards the other bridge across the railway and on the nearby water there were numerous ducks. But first flying low and close to us was a Red Kite and we could see it 'ruddering' as it turned and adjusted its position. They maybe common in UK, but very good to view in Spain.
On the water were both species of Pochard and in shallow water were three Wood Sandpipers and maybe an indication of seasonal movement. There was at least a dozen White-headed Ducks. Other sightings there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes among the Moorhens, Coots and BW Stilts. There were also two Flamingos. We did see more Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier.
After that we headed to Petrola and saw very little on the way. At the Lagunas there was a very large number of Flamingos with at least 5-6 hundred juveniles. Does that mean they breed there?
Driving through this vast area we saw little else and we were able to drive through the dried out water near Coral Rubio and with not one Bustard in sight. We had hoped for the Little Bustards as well because all the corn had been cut and this provided clear views across the fields, but not even one glimpse.
The heat of the day had arrived, but we decided to see what Estepas de Yecla could provide, but it was not worth the effort. We headed for home after a terrific first couple of hours and with no intention of going out for some weeks. It was great to be out after at least two months. The temperature ranged from a pleasant 16 to a high of 40 in the car on the way back.
We carried on towards the other bridge across the railway and on the nearby water there were numerous ducks. But first flying low and close to us was a Red Kite and we could see it 'ruddering' as it turned and adjusted its position. They maybe common in UK, but very good to view in Spain.
On the water were both species of Pochard and in shallow water were three Wood Sandpipers and maybe an indication of seasonal movement. There was at least a dozen White-headed Ducks. Other sightings there were both Little and Black-necked Grebes among the Moorhens, Coots and BW Stilts. There were also two Flamingos. We did see more Common Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier.
After that we headed to Petrola and saw very little on the way. At the Lagunas there was a very large number of Flamingos with at least 5-6 hundred juveniles. Does that mean they breed there?
Driving through this vast area we saw little else and we were able to drive through the dried out water near Coral Rubio and with not one Bustard in sight. We had hoped for the Little Bustards as well because all the corn had been cut and this provided clear views across the fields, but not even one glimpse.
The heat of the day had arrived, but we decided to see what Estepas de Yecla could provide, but it was not worth the effort. We headed for home after a terrific first couple of hours and with no intention of going out for some weeks. It was great to be out after at least two months. The temperature ranged from a pleasant 16 to a high of 40 in the car on the way back.
Tuesday 1 August 2017
To Commemorate Ypres and Passchendaele
This poem was put into an email from the Poetry Society in London. It comes after the two days of ceremonial respect on the eve and anniversary of the Third Battle of Ypres which is more widely known as Passchendaele.
On Sunday last the fantastic show that was created to commemorate the deaths of 100 years ago took place in the town of Ypres. It was truly a great piece of theatre delivered in a way that was both respectful and showing the horror of war. So thank you to Dame Helen Mirren, Michael Morpurgo and Warhorse, Ian Hislop and The Wipers Times, Alfie Bow and all the choirs, marching men and bands and everyone who made it spectacular. We should never forget.
War
by Hedd Wyn
Gwae fi fy myw mewn oes mor ddreng,
A Duw ar drai ar orwel pell;
O'i ôl mae dyn, yn deyrn a gwreng,
Yn codi ei awdurdod hell.
Pan deimlodd fyned ymaith Dduw
Cyfododd gledd i ladd ei frawd;
Mae sŵn yr ymladd ar ein clyw,
A'i gysgod ar fythynnod tlawd.
Mae'r hen delynau genid gynt,
Ynghrog ar gangau'r helyg draw,
A gwaedd y bechgyn lond y gwynt,
A'u gwaed yn gymysg efo'r glaw.
Why must I live in this grim age,
When, to a far horizon, God
Has ebbed away, and man, with rage,
Now wields the sceptre and the rod?
Man raised his sword, once God had gone,
To slay his brother, and the roar
Of battlefields now casts upon
Our homes the shadow of the war.
The harps to which we sang are hung,
On willow boughs, and their refrain
Drowned by the anguish of the young
Whose blood is mingled with the rain.
Hedd Wyn (born Ellis Humphrey Evans, 13 January 1887–31 July 1917) was a Welsh-language poet who was killed on the first day of the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I.
Sunday 23 July 2017
Last Morning at Crime Writers
We only had two events on the Sunday morning left and both were worth waiting for.
First up was TV PANEL: Vera. The character of Vera, created by Ann Cleeves is an immensely popular national crime fiction detective in book form and made more accessible by the TV series.
Steph McGovern, a BBC presenter, interviewed Ann, Brenda Blethyn who plays Vera and Kenny Doughty who plays her side kick and foil. Steph showed the way to run an interview and did it with professionalism and through out we had humour with plenty of laughs along the way. It was a privilege to be there. Ann Cleeves next book Seagull we bought and has been signed.
STRANGER THAN FICTION followed with the accomplished writer and interviewer NJ Cooper in the central chair. Either side of her was Chris Brookmyre, this year's winner, Eva Dolan, last year's winer, Sara Lotz and Kati Hiekkapelto. The programme states 'Writers have an uncanny knack of predicting the future' and they were asked to divulge their visionary experiences and to explore their deepest darkest fears. This was interesting and came back to the old cliché that 'Truth is stranger than fiction'. Basically you can write what you like and at some stage it can come true.
It seems that the inventive mind of the crime writer can predict anything! I made notes that I will decipher and explore later.
First up was TV PANEL: Vera. The character of Vera, created by Ann Cleeves is an immensely popular national crime fiction detective in book form and made more accessible by the TV series.
Steph McGovern, a BBC presenter, interviewed Ann, Brenda Blethyn who plays Vera and Kenny Doughty who plays her side kick and foil. Steph showed the way to run an interview and did it with professionalism and through out we had humour with plenty of laughs along the way. It was a privilege to be there. Ann Cleeves next book Seagull we bought and has been signed.
STRANGER THAN FICTION followed with the accomplished writer and interviewer NJ Cooper in the central chair. Either side of her was Chris Brookmyre, this year's winner, Eva Dolan, last year's winer, Sara Lotz and Kati Hiekkapelto. The programme states 'Writers have an uncanny knack of predicting the future' and they were asked to divulge their visionary experiences and to explore their deepest darkest fears. This was interesting and came back to the old cliché that 'Truth is stranger than fiction'. Basically you can write what you like and at some stage it can come true.
It seems that the inventive mind of the crime writer can predict anything! I made notes that I will decipher and explore later.
A SATURDAY WITH CRIME
SATURDAY 22nd JULY AT THEAKSTON OLD PECULIAR CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
This is where they say that 'Fiction is the truth inside the Lie'
This morning the streets ran with water and was puddling on the pavements, even in the richness of Harrogate there are uneven pavements holding hollows. We just got wet and we're there for another nine o'clock start. We dried off as we sat and listened. It's great to be in England during summer.
SPECIAL GUESTS Arne Dahl and Joseph Finder in conversation with Mark Lawson. One writer Swedish and the other American. We went into the world of spying, conspiracy theories (or just made up stories), fake news and politics where the boundaries have changed. Of course Russia had to be mentioned and the belief that Trump was already in bed with Putin prior to presidential election. And the belief that it was orchestrated by that power, but with the conclusion who are the men behind The White House and names were mentioned. These will be two authors that I will take a look at.
SPECIAL GUEST: IAN RANKIN
The Great Hall with its greater capacity was where we heard Ian Rankin read some of his last book and be interviewed by Harriett Gilbert. He is good entertainment and down to earth. There were no pretensions in anything that he said. It was interesting to hear that he stated that he thought that he is a bad writer and forgets some details of previous books! Perhaps it is that ease with himself that makes his books so readable and the stories enjoyable. This theatre is a joy to be in. It is beautiful.
A PEOPLE CAMEO. Being a people watcher a man a few seats away heard his phone ring, he answered it had a quiet chat then put it away. Thoughtless bugger, I thought, and he was fat. There is prejudice at strange times.
NEW BLOOD Val McDermid introduced Fiona Cummins who writes dark stuff, Jane Harper who wrote Dry, Jospeh Knox (real name Nobbs) an insomniac and Kirsten Lepionka who has a bi-sexual character in The Last Place You Look and we have a copy. As Val says 'a sure-fire list of ones to watch' and with her humour and candour it was an entertaining hour. Just some more names to look for.
On the way to the bar they were giving away THE TALL MAN, a limited edition proof by Phoebe Locke and published by Wildfire, an imprint of Headline Publishing Group. Maybe it will be as good as one last year When I obtained a proof copy which proved to be one of my best reads for that year. It was My Sisters Bones by Nualla Elwood. I will have to check on what she has had published since then.
SPECIAL GUEST: DENNIS LEHANE
I have neither read his writing or seen the films that have been made from his work. This was the best hour, for me, that I have spent here. To sum it up in a few words is difficult. He lives in America and the subject of Trump arose once more. He is concerned about what is happening, but thinks that America will be able to come good again. He seems honest and straight forward in his views and strong enough to say what he thinks. I liked it when he said that since he was born in Boston he is an American with strong Irish roots. We have heard the opposite expressed and that is false. Obviously a writer that has achieved much. I will have to read one of his at least.
SPECIAL GUESTS: STUART MacBRIDE and PETER MAY.
Two men having a chat with the interviewer Danita Kean being poor. It was okay and fairly enjoyable, but since I have been to Harrogate before there was not that much in it for me.
Two full days have disappeared at speed and only two events left for Sunday morning.
This is where they say that 'Fiction is the truth inside the Lie'
This morning the streets ran with water and was puddling on the pavements, even in the richness of Harrogate there are uneven pavements holding hollows. We just got wet and we're there for another nine o'clock start. We dried off as we sat and listened. It's great to be in England during summer.
SPECIAL GUESTS Arne Dahl and Joseph Finder in conversation with Mark Lawson. One writer Swedish and the other American. We went into the world of spying, conspiracy theories (or just made up stories), fake news and politics where the boundaries have changed. Of course Russia had to be mentioned and the belief that Trump was already in bed with Putin prior to presidential election. And the belief that it was orchestrated by that power, but with the conclusion who are the men behind The White House and names were mentioned. These will be two authors that I will take a look at.
SPECIAL GUEST: IAN RANKIN
The Great Hall with its greater capacity was where we heard Ian Rankin read some of his last book and be interviewed by Harriett Gilbert. He is good entertainment and down to earth. There were no pretensions in anything that he said. It was interesting to hear that he stated that he thought that he is a bad writer and forgets some details of previous books! Perhaps it is that ease with himself that makes his books so readable and the stories enjoyable. This theatre is a joy to be in. It is beautiful.
A PEOPLE CAMEO. Being a people watcher a man a few seats away heard his phone ring, he answered it had a quiet chat then put it away. Thoughtless bugger, I thought, and he was fat. There is prejudice at strange times.
NEW BLOOD Val McDermid introduced Fiona Cummins who writes dark stuff, Jane Harper who wrote Dry, Jospeh Knox (real name Nobbs) an insomniac and Kirsten Lepionka who has a bi-sexual character in The Last Place You Look and we have a copy. As Val says 'a sure-fire list of ones to watch' and with her humour and candour it was an entertaining hour. Just some more names to look for.
On the way to the bar they were giving away THE TALL MAN, a limited edition proof by Phoebe Locke and published by Wildfire, an imprint of Headline Publishing Group. Maybe it will be as good as one last year When I obtained a proof copy which proved to be one of my best reads for that year. It was My Sisters Bones by Nualla Elwood. I will have to check on what she has had published since then.
SPECIAL GUEST: DENNIS LEHANE
I have neither read his writing or seen the films that have been made from his work. This was the best hour, for me, that I have spent here. To sum it up in a few words is difficult. He lives in America and the subject of Trump arose once more. He is concerned about what is happening, but thinks that America will be able to come good again. He seems honest and straight forward in his views and strong enough to say what he thinks. I liked it when he said that since he was born in Boston he is an American with strong Irish roots. We have heard the opposite expressed and that is false. Obviously a writer that has achieved much. I will have to read one of his at least.
SPECIAL GUESTS: STUART MacBRIDE and PETER MAY.
Two men having a chat with the interviewer Danita Kean being poor. It was okay and fairly enjoyable, but since I have been to Harrogate before there was not that much in it for me.
Two full days have disappeared at speed and only two events left for Sunday morning.
Saturday 22 July 2017
Friday at Harrogate
FRIDAY 21st JULY AT THEAKSTON OLD PECULIAR CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
It starts sharp at 9am and runs on schedule throughout the day and evening. It is full on and there is not always time to draw breath!
SPECIAL GUEST. Lee Childs, being a star performer, kicked the morning off with James Naughtie interviewing. It was an accomplished performance and it was an open and honest discussion. And his readers should have been pleased listening in.
DOUBLE INDEMNITY. This was followed by one of the best hours I have spent at Harrogate. Thinking about the names on the panel I had doubts about how it would develop. The theme of justice or the lack of it soon appeared and the depth of the discussions was very interesting. It challenged my mind and set me thinking. The panel was balanced although with only one American, Alafair Burke, to add a North American influence to the other lawyers and advocates. Denise Mina who had studied and taught law had not practiced, but the others had, at least, from time to time. Steve Cavanagh with his involvement in litigation in dealing with those that had been discriminated against took us into present day life as did Matthew Hall with his knowledge of the war in Afghanistan. That brought a topical element to it with soldiers of between 18- 23 being engaged and sometimes judged on what happened. Marine A was quoted as an example. Obviously more authors and books to look at!
THE DARK SIDE with Claire Donoghue, Elly Griffiths, James Oswald, Lesley Thomson and Simon Toyne who were there to investigate the supernatural's ability to push boundaries. It was a well balanced group and lively. On knowing that Elly Griffiths was in the chair for the festival I read her first one in the Ruth Galloway series and also her first Stevens and Mephisto. I might well look at a James Oswald story.
We took time out for lunch and decided to go into ASHES TO ASHES where the writers based their stories in older times. It was interesting, but lacked any dynamism.
DEAD GOOD READER AWARDS. This is where our afternoon took a nose-dive. The week-end rovers that we had did not include this event. We didn't know that until it started. Not good enough really and it was sold out - well almost. It is a good one to go to and two of our party did buy two tickets and come away with a few books and a bottle of JD. Was it worth the entry fee?
It was held in the outside bar which was closed for them to set up and during the 90 minute event.
The inside bar - too small anyway under normal circumstances - had a queue. I ordered two Guinness and when served they were from cans, not cold enough and a double gin and tonic and was amazed when the bill came to seventeen quid. Bloody hell that is expensive especially even more so as we only wanted Guinness on draught. I make no complaint to the writing side of these events, but the comfort and convenience of the customers - us - needs more consideration. I wrote of this and made other points last year.
SPECIAL GUEST.
The next event after this was for Kathy Reichs being interviewed by Jeremy Vine. She is a best seller and is an anthropologist. The series Bones many of us we will be familiar with. She knows her stuff and she is an obviously accomplished interviewee. Jeremy Vine, in his role, said too much, but it ticked along nicely.
The queue for the signing was a long one and so I had to settle for a pint of Theakston's Singing Detective instead of seeing the last performance with Sarah Milligan interviewing Mark Billingham, Lee Child and Val McDermid and that should have been fun, but it had been a long day. Apparently it was hilarious. It was called WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED and if we knew that a missing child enquiry would be cut short! That would help the budgets!
It starts sharp at 9am and runs on schedule throughout the day and evening. It is full on and there is not always time to draw breath!
SPECIAL GUEST. Lee Childs, being a star performer, kicked the morning off with James Naughtie interviewing. It was an accomplished performance and it was an open and honest discussion. And his readers should have been pleased listening in.
DOUBLE INDEMNITY. This was followed by one of the best hours I have spent at Harrogate. Thinking about the names on the panel I had doubts about how it would develop. The theme of justice or the lack of it soon appeared and the depth of the discussions was very interesting. It challenged my mind and set me thinking. The panel was balanced although with only one American, Alafair Burke, to add a North American influence to the other lawyers and advocates. Denise Mina who had studied and taught law had not practiced, but the others had, at least, from time to time. Steve Cavanagh with his involvement in litigation in dealing with those that had been discriminated against took us into present day life as did Matthew Hall with his knowledge of the war in Afghanistan. That brought a topical element to it with soldiers of between 18- 23 being engaged and sometimes judged on what happened. Marine A was quoted as an example. Obviously more authors and books to look at!
THE DARK SIDE with Claire Donoghue, Elly Griffiths, James Oswald, Lesley Thomson and Simon Toyne who were there to investigate the supernatural's ability to push boundaries. It was a well balanced group and lively. On knowing that Elly Griffiths was in the chair for the festival I read her first one in the Ruth Galloway series and also her first Stevens and Mephisto. I might well look at a James Oswald story.
We took time out for lunch and decided to go into ASHES TO ASHES where the writers based their stories in older times. It was interesting, but lacked any dynamism.
DEAD GOOD READER AWARDS. This is where our afternoon took a nose-dive. The week-end rovers that we had did not include this event. We didn't know that until it started. Not good enough really and it was sold out - well almost. It is a good one to go to and two of our party did buy two tickets and come away with a few books and a bottle of JD. Was it worth the entry fee?
It was held in the outside bar which was closed for them to set up and during the 90 minute event.
The inside bar - too small anyway under normal circumstances - had a queue. I ordered two Guinness and when served they were from cans, not cold enough and a double gin and tonic and was amazed when the bill came to seventeen quid. Bloody hell that is expensive especially even more so as we only wanted Guinness on draught. I make no complaint to the writing side of these events, but the comfort and convenience of the customers - us - needs more consideration. I wrote of this and made other points last year.
SPECIAL GUEST.
The next event after this was for Kathy Reichs being interviewed by Jeremy Vine. She is a best seller and is an anthropologist. The series Bones many of us we will be familiar with. She knows her stuff and she is an obviously accomplished interviewee. Jeremy Vine, in his role, said too much, but it ticked along nicely.
The queue for the signing was a long one and so I had to settle for a pint of Theakston's Singing Detective instead of seeing the last performance with Sarah Milligan interviewing Mark Billingham, Lee Child and Val McDermid and that should have been fun, but it had been a long day. Apparently it was hilarious. It was called WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED and if we knew that a missing child enquiry would be cut short! That would help the budgets!
Friday 21 July 2017
Crime Writers at Harrogate
The Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writers' Festival in Harrogate started for us the day before the opening evening. We arrived here, met up with everyone and 'bedded in' to the feel of this very beautiful town. Thursday morning after a quick breakfast in The Winter Gardens under the name of Weatherspoon we were thinking about books. The object being to visit every second hand book shop prior to the award winning event. Afterwards we sped up to the Old Swan to collect our passes and our bag of books each. I declined an expensive hour or so in Betty's and spent some time looking at the seven books that we had doubled up on. I browsed through a few pages and I was impressed and I know that there is a lot to look forward to. This year we received a goody bag, containing more books than in previous years, with ten in it, and after we had examined our catch we removed these seven books from a our pile to take to Spain.
The rain had made the town very wet, but had diminished by the afternoon and the evening was sunny and warm. The Old Swan Hotel stands amongst mature trees and provides an atmosphere in which to socialize and to enjoy the occasion and of course we did.
Mark Lawson presented the evening with Simon Theakston introducing the event and retelling old jokes of previous years. It was light hearted. An achievement award was presented to Jane Gregory for her work, support and enthusiasm from the first festival fifteen years ago until now. She was visibly surprised and lost for words.
Lee Childs was the 'special guest' and was their to receive his award. A very prestigious one to rank alongside PD James, Ruth Randell and Colin Dexter. Lee has now created his 22nd Jack Reacher novel and his impressive acceptance speech paid tribute to fellow writers of his genre and many associated with publishing and the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival. A person having achieved so much and was evidently humble in being ranked alongside some great writers.
The six shortlisted writers were individually introduced by Mark Lawson and were interviewed briefly. The winner was Chris Brookmyre for Black Widow. I have looked at this book, but was not initially inspired. Maybe I should take another look at it, but sometimes the winner may not be the best book around. However, good luck to him and to achieve this result is something to be appreciated and to be proud of.
We had a great day and I was with those people that are important to me and with two friends of course. It is very good to be with those that matter to me. And now to an hour of Lee Child's at 9am in the morning.
The rain had made the town very wet, but had diminished by the afternoon and the evening was sunny and warm. The Old Swan Hotel stands amongst mature trees and provides an atmosphere in which to socialize and to enjoy the occasion and of course we did.
Mark Lawson presented the evening with Simon Theakston introducing the event and retelling old jokes of previous years. It was light hearted. An achievement award was presented to Jane Gregory for her work, support and enthusiasm from the first festival fifteen years ago until now. She was visibly surprised and lost for words.
Lee Childs was the 'special guest' and was their to receive his award. A very prestigious one to rank alongside PD James, Ruth Randell and Colin Dexter. Lee has now created his 22nd Jack Reacher novel and his impressive acceptance speech paid tribute to fellow writers of his genre and many associated with publishing and the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival. A person having achieved so much and was evidently humble in being ranked alongside some great writers.
The six shortlisted writers were individually introduced by Mark Lawson and were interviewed briefly. The winner was Chris Brookmyre for Black Widow. I have looked at this book, but was not initially inspired. Maybe I should take another look at it, but sometimes the winner may not be the best book around. However, good luck to him and to achieve this result is something to be appreciated and to be proud of.
We had a great day and I was with those people that are important to me and with two friends of course. It is very good to be with those that matter to me. And now to an hour of Lee Child's at 9am in the morning.
Thursday 13 July 2017
More White-Tailed Eagles
The bird feeder was very busy again with Siskins showing really well. I had a first sighting of a Coal Tit, but it was only for a quick visit. Rock Pigeons appeared again.
This morning we had sun, some cloud and a gentle breeze. We were again Eagle watching on the Lady Jayne and it was another spectacular trip with two pairs being seen. We had five visits to the boat and on one occasion we had a pair flying around us and taking fish. They are using Pollock which they throw out onto the water for the WT Eagles to scoop up in their large talons. This time of the year both pairs are feeding young and so these fish are a free meal at a busy time. The Eagles are not fed during the winter period.
When we arrived there was an otter swimming near the ferry landing, but it soon disappeared amongst the sea weed. On the way out there was a Red Deer Stag standing in the open on Ulva.
We had only see three hinds previously so seeing this one clearly, was a bonus.
We had considered a visit to Ulva, but decided against it with the amount of people going across the small ferry to the only pub. We came back to Salen via Loch na Keal. There was a WT Eagle in a tree and then we had three Whimbrel feeding. The rain was coming in and so we had lunch.
The rain was disappointing, but we did spend some time in Salen Bay, but there was nothing outstanding to see.
New birds for us on Mull were Coal Tit and in the evening a Blue Tit with Whimbrel earlier and Guillemot after seeing the Eagles. And then a cock Pheasant!
A total of 40 different species.
This morning we had sun, some cloud and a gentle breeze. We were again Eagle watching on the Lady Jayne and it was another spectacular trip with two pairs being seen. We had five visits to the boat and on one occasion we had a pair flying around us and taking fish. They are using Pollock which they throw out onto the water for the WT Eagles to scoop up in their large talons. This time of the year both pairs are feeding young and so these fish are a free meal at a busy time. The Eagles are not fed during the winter period.
When we arrived there was an otter swimming near the ferry landing, but it soon disappeared amongst the sea weed. On the way out there was a Red Deer Stag standing in the open on Ulva.
We had only see three hinds previously so seeing this one clearly, was a bonus.
We had considered a visit to Ulva, but decided against it with the amount of people going across the small ferry to the only pub. We came back to Salen via Loch na Keal. There was a WT Eagle in a tree and then we had three Whimbrel feeding. The rain was coming in and so we had lunch.
The rain was disappointing, but we did spend some time in Salen Bay, but there was nothing outstanding to see.
New birds for us on Mull were Coal Tit and in the evening a Blue Tit with Whimbrel earlier and Guillemot after seeing the Eagles. And then a cock Pheasant!
A total of 40 different species.
Iona
I could start off with a cliché, such has, the sun just fell out of the sky and there was only the odd cloud to get in its way, but I won't. There was a clear blue sky and it was shorts and T shirt weather. Yes, we are in Scotland and it is Iona. The scenery is spectacular and the water is clear.
On this Scottish summer's day this holy island was swamped with tourists. We would have preferred it to be quieter. However I was there not for spiritual enlightenment, but for the Corncrake. I heard two calling, but in the tall grasses and Irises they stayed hidden. So I had to be satisfied and reflect that the last one that I heard was when I was young. That is the price we pay for the modern methods in agriculture, but on Iona they have allowed the habitat to be 'old fashioned' so that this species survives here. It is reassuring to know that.
New birds for our trip were Rooks, Jackdaws, Wren and the sound of the 'Crake.
Later on we spent some time hoping to see Shirt-Eared Owl and Hen Harriers, but those two maybe for tomorrow. However we added both Common Sandpipers and Lapwings to our list.
We are not in the hunt for as many species as possible, but to have good views if what we see.
Tomorrow we are out on the boat again and then the ferry to Ulva in the afternoon.
We have been to and seen some wonderful parts of these two islands. I would say 'come here and visit'
On this Scottish summer's day this holy island was swamped with tourists. We would have preferred it to be quieter. However I was there not for spiritual enlightenment, but for the Corncrake. I heard two calling, but in the tall grasses and Irises they stayed hidden. So I had to be satisfied and reflect that the last one that I heard was when I was young. That is the price we pay for the modern methods in agriculture, but on Iona they have allowed the habitat to be 'old fashioned' so that this species survives here. It is reassuring to know that.
New birds for our trip were Rooks, Jackdaws, Wren and the sound of the 'Crake.
Later on we spent some time hoping to see Shirt-Eared Owl and Hen Harriers, but those two maybe for tomorrow. However we added both Common Sandpipers and Lapwings to our list.
We are not in the hunt for as many species as possible, but to have good views if what we see.
Tomorrow we are out on the boat again and then the ferry to Ulva in the afternoon.
We have been to and seen some wonderful parts of these two islands. I would say 'come here and visit'
Tuesday 11 July 2017
An Eagle Watching Day
At the breakfast table we looked out onto House Sparrows, Chaffinches, and more importantly Siskin at the feeders. There was a mixture of adults, young birds and even younger ones being fed. These were joined by our first sighting of Collared Doves and Stock Doves. Add to that Goldfinches as well.
We are staying at Fascadial, a BnB in Salen which is also where the owner of Lady Jayne the name of the boat that will take us out for a closer look at the WT Eagles. Martin and Judith made us welcome and our room is spacious enough to make it very comfortable. We had heard all about his knowledge and his trips out into the loch. The weather again was good and the sea was calm. These Eagles are big and with an eight foot wingspan they are an awesome bird to see fly over the boat. And they did on more than once. We passed two perched ones on our way out and we had at least four different birds fly over and to see them swooping to take fish is some sight. Martin knew what he was doing and when one came in view he shut the engine down and we watched.
He received information that there was a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphin and there were about eight of them. We enjoyed their company and they seemed to enjoy ours too. Swimming around and coming out of the water. Michelle managed a good shot of one partly out. So good to watch.
We are used to working on our birding days, but on this day it was made easy for us with Mull Charters and eco friendly too. We loved every minute of it.
Everything else did seem irrelevant after all that we had seen, but the usual sea birds were around
including Black Guillemots and Shags. Back at Loch na Keal the Whitethroat was still singing and we confirmed the sighting of around 200 Common Gulls. Here also we saw several Bar-Tailed Godwits and again Mergansers
We added to our list of birds when we saw both Meadow Pipits and Common Redstarts. It was really good to be 'grounded' with small moorland type birds including (again) Northern Wheatears. We saw four different Common Buzzards and the last one had a snake in its talons. We know that there are Adders here and so it could have been one of those has it arose from out of the bracken.
If we had thought that we had a good day then it kept on being good. We always stop when we see others watching. This led us out onto the rocks where we saw two otters - probably a mother and a juvenile. Only a viewing of a few minutes, but so good to see. They are superb animals.
A few miles on we saw a perched - on a crag - Golden Eagle. It was distant, but in the scope we could see the detail and observe Kestrels dive bombing it. On a hillside two Ravens flew.
Now for refreshment as we had not stopped since breakfast and a reflection on our two days on Mull. It is beautiful and it is user friendly. It is geared up for wildlife viewing and all this makes up for a great time. Tomorrow we visit Iona.
We are staying at Fascadial, a BnB in Salen which is also where the owner of Lady Jayne the name of the boat that will take us out for a closer look at the WT Eagles. Martin and Judith made us welcome and our room is spacious enough to make it very comfortable. We had heard all about his knowledge and his trips out into the loch. The weather again was good and the sea was calm. These Eagles are big and with an eight foot wingspan they are an awesome bird to see fly over the boat. And they did on more than once. We passed two perched ones on our way out and we had at least four different birds fly over and to see them swooping to take fish is some sight. Martin knew what he was doing and when one came in view he shut the engine down and we watched.
He received information that there was a pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphin and there were about eight of them. We enjoyed their company and they seemed to enjoy ours too. Swimming around and coming out of the water. Michelle managed a good shot of one partly out. So good to watch.
We are used to working on our birding days, but on this day it was made easy for us with Mull Charters and eco friendly too. We loved every minute of it.
Everything else did seem irrelevant after all that we had seen, but the usual sea birds were around
including Black Guillemots and Shags. Back at Loch na Keal the Whitethroat was still singing and we confirmed the sighting of around 200 Common Gulls. Here also we saw several Bar-Tailed Godwits and again Mergansers
We added to our list of birds when we saw both Meadow Pipits and Common Redstarts. It was really good to be 'grounded' with small moorland type birds including (again) Northern Wheatears. We saw four different Common Buzzards and the last one had a snake in its talons. We know that there are Adders here and so it could have been one of those has it arose from out of the bracken.
If we had thought that we had a good day then it kept on being good. We always stop when we see others watching. This led us out onto the rocks where we saw two otters - probably a mother and a juvenile. Only a viewing of a few minutes, but so good to see. They are superb animals.
A few miles on we saw a perched - on a crag - Golden Eagle. It was distant, but in the scope we could see the detail and observe Kestrels dive bombing it. On a hillside two Ravens flew.
Now for refreshment as we had not stopped since breakfast and a reflection on our two days on Mull. It is beautiful and it is user friendly. It is geared up for wildlife viewing and all this makes up for a great time. Tomorrow we visit Iona.
Monday 10 July 2017
The Island of Mull
After 10 days in the Faroe Islands and a return to Edinburgh for three days we started our journey to Mull. We over-nighted in Oban to catch the ferry to the Island of Mull. I was told that I would love it there. I do it is a very beautiful island with many variations of habitat and it is surrounded by sea. It is a great place to be and the the birds are great too.
The list for today is as follows.
Black Guillemot - Oban Harbour
On the ferry over.
Gannets
Herring Gulls
Greater-black Backed Gulls
Upon Arrival
White-Tailed Eagle - perched - our first one in UK
Oyster Catchers
Curlews
Grey Herons
Greenshank
Goldeneye
Eider - females
Canada Geese
Barn Swallows - the only Hirundines that we have seen.
House Sparrows
At Loch na Keal
Whitethroat - male
Willow Warbler
Robin - juvenile
Song Thrush
Blackbirds
Pied Wagtails
Chaffinch
Later in the afternoon and towards Ulva
Golden Eagles - flying high and distant
White-Tailed Eagles - two perched low on a reef and three flying.
Northern Wheatear - fledgling
Red-breasted Mergansers - nine
Shag - in several places
Greylag Geese.
Also our first otter and many seals. We think Atlantic Grey
Another day tomorrow and out on the boat at 10am. More Eagles and whatever else!
The list for today is as follows.
Black Guillemot - Oban Harbour
On the ferry over.
Gannets
Herring Gulls
Greater-black Backed Gulls
Upon Arrival
White-Tailed Eagle - perched - our first one in UK
Oyster Catchers
Curlews
Grey Herons
Greenshank
Goldeneye
Eider - females
Canada Geese
Barn Swallows - the only Hirundines that we have seen.
House Sparrows
At Loch na Keal
Whitethroat - male
Willow Warbler
Robin - juvenile
Song Thrush
Blackbirds
Pied Wagtails
Chaffinch
Later in the afternoon and towards Ulva
Golden Eagles - flying high and distant
White-Tailed Eagles - two perched low on a reef and three flying.
Northern Wheatear - fledgling
Red-breasted Mergansers - nine
Shag - in several places
Greylag Geese.
Also our first otter and many seals. We think Atlantic Grey
Another day tomorrow and out on the boat at 10am. More Eagles and whatever else!
Monday 3 July 2017
The Island of Mykines
Today with the weather set fair we travelled to the Island of Mykines which is west of where we are staying with a 45 minute car ride and then the ferry for about the same time. The sea was calm, but getting into the very small harbour at Mykines was incredible. We paused for a while apparently waiting for the right movement of the sea and then we were in. Disembarking was a leap onto the jetty helped by a strong arm.
Opposite the landing the cliff was full of Kittiwake, nesting birds with many chicks. The landing provided my first views of Black Guillemots and they were also there while waiting for the return home.
Nowhere on these islands is flat and there was a steep climb to the high ridge. Puffins easily obliged and remained close without any fear. I declined the descent via a narrow bridge to the other part of the island, but parked myself with a full view of the sea on both sides. Arctic Skuas which we had seen earlier flew and so did several Great Skua. One of these obliged and sat with a focused scope for many minutes. One was also seen to take a Puffin.
On this island there is a substantial colony of Gannets and these were easily seen from my high view point. Many birds were flying continually in from the sea and around the cliffs. I sat and watched and they kept coming.
A Pipit showed briefly and was photographed. A Wren was seen on this high point too..
In the village just above the harbour we saw a Wren feeding young and a Rock Pipit with food too.
Another unforgettable day of incredible coastline, high ridges and birds of course.
Opposite the landing the cliff was full of Kittiwake, nesting birds with many chicks. The landing provided my first views of Black Guillemots and they were also there while waiting for the return home.
Nowhere on these islands is flat and there was a steep climb to the high ridge. Puffins easily obliged and remained close without any fear. I declined the descent via a narrow bridge to the other part of the island, but parked myself with a full view of the sea on both sides. Arctic Skuas which we had seen earlier flew and so did several Great Skua. One of these obliged and sat with a focused scope for many minutes. One was also seen to take a Puffin.
On this island there is a substantial colony of Gannets and these were easily seen from my high view point. Many birds were flying continually in from the sea and around the cliffs. I sat and watched and they kept coming.
A Pipit showed briefly and was photographed. A Wren was seen on this high point too..
In the village just above the harbour we saw a Wren feeding young and a Rock Pipit with food too.
Another unforgettable day of incredible coastline, high ridges and birds of course.
Saturday 1 July 2017
The Island of Nólsoy
Ever since we have arrived in Tórshavn I have been looking out of the window at the island of NólsOy. The northern tip of the island is pasture, much like moorland, and it is separated from the larger part by an isthmus where the village of Nolsoy is. The southern part rises sharply with coastal cliffs leading to boulder strewn slopes that are the base of the higher cliffs. The sight of all of it is both fascinating and beautiful. The village has a cosy feel to it and everyone is friendly and polite.
The ferries are regular and ply back and forth with a minimal amount of time in either harbour. It takes less than thirty minutes and for each crossing the sea was calm. Going out we were in summer with clear skies and only a breeze. Today on our return it was persisting down and in the afternoon the wind has increased. It is typical Faroese weather I am told. Now as I look out the island has disappeared into the cloud and rain.
On our outward trip, in the harbour, was a Northern Diver which had only arrived recently and confirmed by Kjeld. A first for me and a bird that I have been wanting to see for most of my life.
Success at last and so easy.
As soon as we arrived I was introduced to Jens Kjeld Jensen. A man of birding knowledge and our guide for our midnight stroll up the mountain. We chatted and he told me what I wanted to know. I followed his instructions and walked towards the moorland area. Within five minutes I could see and hear the Arctic Tern colony. They were flying across this narrow part of the island to fish in the sea on either side. They passed within a few metres of my head. My other quest was to find the two pairs of breeding Whimbrel. I had to work at it and eventually I could hear them and then one flew. It landed in full view and on the track beside it was a female Northern Wheatear. I watched the Whimbrel for thirty minutes and standing in full sun without a fleece! It flew and landed in the larger southern part.
When walking back I passed the Tern colony again and found two more female Wheatears, although one at least could have been a juvenile with an adult male in attendance. What a great afternoon.
We met Kjeld about an hour before midnight. He seems to be a man of considerable talent and he has an exhibition of stuffed birds that he uses to acquainted people with the various species including children. We then left for the nesting site of Storm Petrels having held a stuffed one in my hand. They are so small and the sea journeys that this very small bird makes astounds me. Photographs will appear later.
As we climbed towards an area of boulders. Whimbrel called and flew. A Mountain Hare ran. The ubiquitous Oyster Catchers flew and called as well. Then we could hear the chicks calling from holes under rocks and the mist net was erected. We had to be patient for Storm Petrels only will come to their nests when light is poor and preferably in darkness. We had a clear sky to start with and then we had cloud cover. It was not until about one that we started to see these fast flying birds. Then the net did its job and eight birds were ringed, all of them for the first time. It is not until you hold this bird in the hand that you realize how dainty it is. It was a great experience.
Other wildlife was scarce, but a Common Snipe called and I heard and saw Raven. Apparently there are two pairs there with one specializing in a Fulmar diet. Local knowledge reigns supreme.
It was not easy and the walking was uneven and hard on the legs. Patience was needed, but a great reward in seeing another first for me. Again a privilege to be there and to having done it.
The ferries are regular and ply back and forth with a minimal amount of time in either harbour. It takes less than thirty minutes and for each crossing the sea was calm. Going out we were in summer with clear skies and only a breeze. Today on our return it was persisting down and in the afternoon the wind has increased. It is typical Faroese weather I am told. Now as I look out the island has disappeared into the cloud and rain.
On our outward trip, in the harbour, was a Northern Diver which had only arrived recently and confirmed by Kjeld. A first for me and a bird that I have been wanting to see for most of my life.
Success at last and so easy.
As soon as we arrived I was introduced to Jens Kjeld Jensen. A man of birding knowledge and our guide for our midnight stroll up the mountain. We chatted and he told me what I wanted to know. I followed his instructions and walked towards the moorland area. Within five minutes I could see and hear the Arctic Tern colony. They were flying across this narrow part of the island to fish in the sea on either side. They passed within a few metres of my head. My other quest was to find the two pairs of breeding Whimbrel. I had to work at it and eventually I could hear them and then one flew. It landed in full view and on the track beside it was a female Northern Wheatear. I watched the Whimbrel for thirty minutes and standing in full sun without a fleece! It flew and landed in the larger southern part.
When walking back I passed the Tern colony again and found two more female Wheatears, although one at least could have been a juvenile with an adult male in attendance. What a great afternoon.
We met Kjeld about an hour before midnight. He seems to be a man of considerable talent and he has an exhibition of stuffed birds that he uses to acquainted people with the various species including children. We then left for the nesting site of Storm Petrels having held a stuffed one in my hand. They are so small and the sea journeys that this very small bird makes astounds me. Photographs will appear later.
As we climbed towards an area of boulders. Whimbrel called and flew. A Mountain Hare ran. The ubiquitous Oyster Catchers flew and called as well. Then we could hear the chicks calling from holes under rocks and the mist net was erected. We had to be patient for Storm Petrels only will come to their nests when light is poor and preferably in darkness. We had a clear sky to start with and then we had cloud cover. It was not until about one that we started to see these fast flying birds. Then the net did its job and eight birds were ringed, all of them for the first time. It is not until you hold this bird in the hand that you realize how dainty it is. It was a great experience.
Other wildlife was scarce, but a Common Snipe called and I heard and saw Raven. Apparently there are two pairs there with one specializing in a Fulmar diet. Local knowledge reigns supreme.
It was not easy and the walking was uneven and hard on the legs. Patience was needed, but a great reward in seeing another first for me. Again a privilege to be there and to having done it.
Thursday 29 June 2017
A Beautiful Day In Faroe
This morning the runners stretched their legs and I wrote the first blog of this trip. Two locations were considered and with our hosts driving we went to the villages of Saksun and then onto Tjœrnuvik. The Faroes are so closely linked with the sea - I know that stating it may be so obvious as to be absurd - but the closeness of houses to water highlights this. The fjords and the open sea provides what has sustained these people over centuries.
We passed salmon farms too which I suppose is one way of being more sustainable than taking from the wild. However, in the Scottish Sunday Times the headline reads 'Seals shot to save Waitrose Salmon' followed by a quote 'if seals keep attacking the fish, then, like a farmer kills foxes, we shoot them'. It appears there are killers everywhere who justify to themselves that it is justified! The Wild is dangerous and then disease threatens the seal population and there is every need to be concerned.
I don't think that words would be enough to describe what we saw today.
Saksun is at the end of a finger of water that stretches out to sea. The hanging waterfalls and high ridges on either side are majestic. The vividness of the greens of the pastures are emphasized by the dark lines of ditches and boulders. Sheep dotted the hillsides. It was a pleasure to be there.
I was concentrating on the birds and their national bird, the Oyster Catcher, is everywhere and their calls are constant. Fulmars were on the crags and there was the occasional Herring Gull with a good number of Lesser-black Backed Gulls. An Arctic Tern fished nearby. We eventually identified a female Common Eider with three young. On the edge of a fjord were numerous male Eiders and in one group there were at least thirty. One Hare was spotted and that is the only land mammal apart from a House Mouse - and neither are indigenous.
At Tjœrnvnik we indulged in waffles, cream and strawberry jam where we sat outside and drank coffee. On the edge of the bay were two large stones. One was said to be a witch and the other a giant who agreed to tow the Faroes to link up with Iceland. Daylight came too soon and now they are fixed in stone for ever. That's one way of getting stoned and being enshrined in folk law.
On the way back to a fish and chip supper we saw gigg racing and later watched a re-run on TV. Good luck to them for a superb effort is required to get those boats moving through the water. The weather was kind and the sun shone and at 9am it was twelve degrees. We had some rain and the breeze was light. What a day and again Vodafone failed to solve the issues of no outward going calls or even inward ones. Money for nothing and it wasn't free. We have no consumer or consideration given to us from VODAFONE. IT APPEARS THAT THEY DON'T CARE. Tomorrow is another day.
We passed salmon farms too which I suppose is one way of being more sustainable than taking from the wild. However, in the Scottish Sunday Times the headline reads 'Seals shot to save Waitrose Salmon' followed by a quote 'if seals keep attacking the fish, then, like a farmer kills foxes, we shoot them'. It appears there are killers everywhere who justify to themselves that it is justified! The Wild is dangerous and then disease threatens the seal population and there is every need to be concerned.
I don't think that words would be enough to describe what we saw today.
Saksun is at the end of a finger of water that stretches out to sea. The hanging waterfalls and high ridges on either side are majestic. The vividness of the greens of the pastures are emphasized by the dark lines of ditches and boulders. Sheep dotted the hillsides. It was a pleasure to be there.
I was concentrating on the birds and their national bird, the Oyster Catcher, is everywhere and their calls are constant. Fulmars were on the crags and there was the occasional Herring Gull with a good number of Lesser-black Backed Gulls. An Arctic Tern fished nearby. We eventually identified a female Common Eider with three young. On the edge of a fjord were numerous male Eiders and in one group there were at least thirty. One Hare was spotted and that is the only land mammal apart from a House Mouse - and neither are indigenous.
At Tjœrnvnik we indulged in waffles, cream and strawberry jam where we sat outside and drank coffee. On the edge of the bay were two large stones. One was said to be a witch and the other a giant who agreed to tow the Faroes to link up with Iceland. Daylight came too soon and now they are fixed in stone for ever. That's one way of getting stoned and being enshrined in folk law.
On the way back to a fish and chip supper we saw gigg racing and later watched a re-run on TV. Good luck to them for a superb effort is required to get those boats moving through the water. The weather was kind and the sun shone and at 9am it was twelve degrees. We had some rain and the breeze was light. What a day and again Vodafone failed to solve the issues of no outward going calls or even inward ones. Money for nothing and it wasn't free. We have no consumer or consideration given to us from VODAFONE. IT APPEARS THAT THEY DON'T CARE. Tomorrow is another day.
Wednesday 28 June 2017
Summer visit to the Faroes
"We are going to the Faroe Islands" we say and apart from the fact that it gets translated into Fiji, Falkland Islands and, more logically, Faro in Portugal and then we can get "they kill whales. Don't they?
Well, they do and it has been happening this week. I don't like and I don't agree with it and if I say that it is their culture and that it is traditional I know somebody that would shout and swear at me.
All the content in the above three lines are true. I said that I would blog this trip 'warts and all' and that I will include everything that is good and beautiful and that is what I will do. I will attempt to give a balanced view of the people here and what I can see as I look out of the window. That backdrop of fields, rocky outcrops, coloured houses and the sun shining on the sea is a sight worth remembering. It is an experience and there are, and will be, many of them that will linger in the memory.
I have taken several days in getting to the point of writing anything, but I have been reflecting on matters and events that have been there in my life and formed my early thinking and more latterly on what my views have developed into.
Now to reminisce, just a little. I can remember the otter hounds meeting in my village before trotting away to our local river. Although the fox hounds were never allowed to hunt on the farm there were several occasions when stray hounds trotted past the house. Okay, the propaganda being said that foxes were wanton killers and would kill more that they could possibly eat. Also there was the 'a shilling' bounty which was redeemable when the tail of the Grey Squirrel was presented. Add into that pheasant shoots and for fifteen shillings a day I could encourage them to fly toward the guns. Rabbits, before Myxomatosis, grazed the edge of fields and meadows up to about five metres or so. Yes they consumed what we needed to eat, but they were the poor man's chicken! Add into that mix Grey Partridge, Wood Pigeons, Hares, Woodcock and other beautiful birds that were targets for the 'landed gentry', gamekeepers and for anyone who owned a gun. On the good side that was when there were good habitats for song birds, wide field margins and hedgerows. 'PROGRESS' has changed all that and so for every one that says 'thou shall not kill whales' and I will agree with them, but I have looked hard at myself and would encourage everyone to look at what is happening at home - First.
I follow RaptorPersecution and I am appalled at what killing goes on. I am not speaking about killing for food, but they say that the killing of raptors is necessary to protect pheasant and grouse chicks that are bred in pens, fed with manufactured food with added chemicals. All being bred and cared for, and only for the sole purpose of being made to fly into a hail of lead shot. And this is called sport by some.
On the various blog entries that I read for England I hear of shot Peregrine Falcons, Red Kites, Buzzards, Sparrow Hawks and only a few days ago a Short-Eared Owl. Why kill such beautiful things? Maybe it is because they can! It seems to be even worse in Scotland where the driven grouse moors seem to encourage wanton slaughter of everything that appears to them to be in competition with their bloody grouse including the mass slaughter of Mountain Hares. I have written about this before.
I could say much more.
Now briefly to here and now. We are having a cracking time in Tóshavn. It is beautiful and so are the people that we staying with. The view from the windows both landward and seaward are terrific. We have erected a marquee, sat, drank and chatted in it. We have been entertained by a choir singing in harmony. All this was for the end of school term and graduation. Then we took the marquee down so efficiently that we could go into business!
We managed a short trip down to the town and the harbour. Sat in the sun with a cake and beer and took it easy. Yes, we saw a small quantity of meat for sale on the quay side which is what we did not want to see, but they do eat it.
The fun for me is VODAFONE. I spent £27.50 in their shop in Edinburgh so that we can keep in touch with Europe. It doesn't work and for two days two people are in constant chat with Vodafone staff somewhere. But only by text and with no ability to phone out. It is annoying, but I don't care. My phone is still switched off. I am having such fun.
Well, they do and it has been happening this week. I don't like and I don't agree with it and if I say that it is their culture and that it is traditional I know somebody that would shout and swear at me.
All the content in the above three lines are true. I said that I would blog this trip 'warts and all' and that I will include everything that is good and beautiful and that is what I will do. I will attempt to give a balanced view of the people here and what I can see as I look out of the window. That backdrop of fields, rocky outcrops, coloured houses and the sun shining on the sea is a sight worth remembering. It is an experience and there are, and will be, many of them that will linger in the memory.
I have taken several days in getting to the point of writing anything, but I have been reflecting on matters and events that have been there in my life and formed my early thinking and more latterly on what my views have developed into.
Now to reminisce, just a little. I can remember the otter hounds meeting in my village before trotting away to our local river. Although the fox hounds were never allowed to hunt on the farm there were several occasions when stray hounds trotted past the house. Okay, the propaganda being said that foxes were wanton killers and would kill more that they could possibly eat. Also there was the 'a shilling' bounty which was redeemable when the tail of the Grey Squirrel was presented. Add into that pheasant shoots and for fifteen shillings a day I could encourage them to fly toward the guns. Rabbits, before Myxomatosis, grazed the edge of fields and meadows up to about five metres or so. Yes they consumed what we needed to eat, but they were the poor man's chicken! Add into that mix Grey Partridge, Wood Pigeons, Hares, Woodcock and other beautiful birds that were targets for the 'landed gentry', gamekeepers and for anyone who owned a gun. On the good side that was when there were good habitats for song birds, wide field margins and hedgerows. 'PROGRESS' has changed all that and so for every one that says 'thou shall not kill whales' and I will agree with them, but I have looked hard at myself and would encourage everyone to look at what is happening at home - First.
I follow RaptorPersecution and I am appalled at what killing goes on. I am not speaking about killing for food, but they say that the killing of raptors is necessary to protect pheasant and grouse chicks that are bred in pens, fed with manufactured food with added chemicals. All being bred and cared for, and only for the sole purpose of being made to fly into a hail of lead shot. And this is called sport by some.
On the various blog entries that I read for England I hear of shot Peregrine Falcons, Red Kites, Buzzards, Sparrow Hawks and only a few days ago a Short-Eared Owl. Why kill such beautiful things? Maybe it is because they can! It seems to be even worse in Scotland where the driven grouse moors seem to encourage wanton slaughter of everything that appears to them to be in competition with their bloody grouse including the mass slaughter of Mountain Hares. I have written about this before.
I could say much more.
Now briefly to here and now. We are having a cracking time in Tóshavn. It is beautiful and so are the people that we staying with. The view from the windows both landward and seaward are terrific. We have erected a marquee, sat, drank and chatted in it. We have been entertained by a choir singing in harmony. All this was for the end of school term and graduation. Then we took the marquee down so efficiently that we could go into business!
We managed a short trip down to the town and the harbour. Sat in the sun with a cake and beer and took it easy. Yes, we saw a small quantity of meat for sale on the quay side which is what we did not want to see, but they do eat it.
The fun for me is VODAFONE. I spent £27.50 in their shop in Edinburgh so that we can keep in touch with Europe. It doesn't work and for two days two people are in constant chat with Vodafone staff somewhere. But only by text and with no ability to phone out. It is annoying, but I don't care. My phone is still switched off. I am having such fun.
Monday 24 April 2017
OUR LAST FULL DAY WITH WILD POLAND (Friday March 24th updated with photographs)
On our last morning it was an early start to see Elk. However outside the hotel I had very close views of both Tree Sparrow, Robin and a pair of Linnets perched within 20 meters. We soon found five Elk close to the road and the photographers got busy. Further on in a flooded field there were two Common Cranes feeding and in front of them five Greylag Geese and it got better. Redshanks called and flew, Snipe were drumming and then flew. In addition there were Lapwing exhibiting their crazy flight. It was a magic few minutes.
After breakfast the objectives were to be waders, Ducks and Geese. We were in an active area for many varieties of birds. The idea was to find a field that did not look like a lake and many fields were totally flooded.
Near the river we had good views of:
Wigeon - in large numbers
Common Pochard
Teal
Tufted Duck
Garganey - three female and one male seen, but I only saw them fly in and out.
Pintail
Geese flying over as usual
Buzzard - another one as usual, but not in any number.
White Tailed Eagle - two good flying views.
Ruff - several good views
Black Tailed Godwits.
Great Crested Grebe.
Cormorants flew over
We passed Roe Deer grazing in the fields and that there is one of the groups of Roe that favour such an habitat while others are forest animals that stray no further than the edge of the trees.
Instead of a packed lunch we went to a bar overlooking the River Bialowieza at Rús. It was easy to get being on the side of a main road and with a patio overlooking the river and flooded valley.
Skylarks were everywhere and could be viewed even on the ground
The afternoon was spent looking at expanses of water and seeing what was on it. We had some real treats.
On one area just above the water level we saw three species of geese - Greylag, Bean and White Fronted.
This also was a good place for all ducks. The common birds listed before are not mentioned again here, but we did see:
Pintail
Shovelers
Smew - both male and female
Golden Eye
SAWBILLS
Goosanders - two female
GULLS
Black Headed
Herring Gull twice and possibly the same bird and a second year.
White Wagtail.
ALSO
Fieldfare in very good numbers.
White Stork and on nest too.
Cranes in many fields
Great Grey Shrike.
Reed Bunting
Red Fox - probably a dog and in very good condition.
There were in addition very good sightings of both Elk and Roe Deer.
And again we weren't finished as the cold wind felt colder and the light began to get less we went to the village of Goniatz. It sits just above the Biebrza River that had expanded across the flood plain. The sunset was another memorable one as we watched about a dozen Great White Egrets come into roost on an 'island' with one Grey Heron.
The whole group has completed a full list for each day of every species seen. I have not included all birds seen every day and tried to be as informative that I can be without being repetitive. We had some very sharp eyed persons in our group and with their knowledge and the knowledge and experience of Andrzej we had confirmation of all species. There was no guessing!
After breakfast the objectives were to be waders, Ducks and Geese. We were in an active area for many varieties of birds. The idea was to find a field that did not look like a lake and many fields were totally flooded.
Near the river we had good views of:
Wigeon - in large numbers
Common Pochard
Teal
Tufted Duck
Garganey - three female and one male seen, but I only saw them fly in and out.
Pintail
Geese flying over as usual
Buzzard - another one as usual, but not in any number.
White Tailed Eagle - two good flying views.
Ruff - several good views
Black Tailed Godwits.
Great Crested Grebe.
Cormorants flew over
We passed Roe Deer grazing in the fields and that there is one of the groups of Roe that favour such an habitat while others are forest animals that stray no further than the edge of the trees.
Instead of a packed lunch we went to a bar overlooking the River Bialowieza at Rús. It was easy to get being on the side of a main road and with a patio overlooking the river and flooded valley.
Skylarks were everywhere and could be viewed even on the ground
The afternoon was spent looking at expanses of water and seeing what was on it. We had some real treats.
On one area just above the water level we saw three species of geese - Greylag, Bean and White Fronted.
This also was a good place for all ducks. The common birds listed before are not mentioned again here, but we did see:
Pintail
Shovelers
Smew - both male and female
Golden Eye
SAWBILLS
Goosanders - two female
GULLS
Black Headed
Herring Gull twice and possibly the same bird and a second year.
White Wagtail.
ALSO
Fieldfare in very good numbers.
White Stork and on nest too.
Cranes in many fields
Great Grey Shrike.
Reed Bunting
Red Fox - probably a dog and in very good condition.
There were in addition very good sightings of both Elk and Roe Deer.
And again we weren't finished as the cold wind felt colder and the light began to get less we went to the village of Goniatz. It sits just above the Biebrza River that had expanded across the flood plain. The sunset was another memorable one as we watched about a dozen Great White Egrets come into roost on an 'island' with one Grey Heron.
The whole group has completed a full list for each day of every species seen. I have not included all birds seen every day and tried to be as informative that I can be without being repetitive. We had some very sharp eyed persons in our group and with their knowledge and the knowledge and experience of Andrzej we had confirmation of all species. There was no guessing!
A FEW HOURS IN THE RED MARSH - NOW WITH PHOTOGRAPHS
Thursday 23rd March saw a frosty morning and at 8.45 we were ready to go for several hours and with a need of Wellington Boots.
Our destination was the Red Marsh which is a vast area and where there is said to be a population of one thousand Elk. Apparently the water levels were too high to drive through and around. Eventually we were allowed limited access and to reach a good vantage point we walked for just under an hour with an estimated distance of three and half kilometers. As we waited for access we saw a male Black Redstart - it had to be an early arrival. In an adjacent paddock there was a Konic Stallion which is a descendent of the first horses and now used in the U.K. for habitat management.
On the way we passed a monument to the villagers that were taken into the forest and shot by the Germans. We saw several such sites on previous days. Again there is so much history.
In the birding sense it was a very quiet day. The habitat that we were in is poor for many species.
On the walk we passed a sanctuary for Wild Boar, Elk and Raptors. I have noticed that there are people who care about the environment and nature. We were on a sandy track that enabled us to see prints of Elk, Wild Boar, Wolf and Fox. Also Wolf dropping indicated their diet of Boar and on one pile was an Orange Underwing Moth. A very good spot for the more observant. And we saw both male and female Brimstone Butterflies flying through the trees. There were some birds around including Raven, Buzzard and in the distance a male Marsh Harrier was see.
One area we walked on a boardwalk which was over a raised bog. Growing on it and through it were Birch Trees and really it could be any swamp, but it wasn't. Another special treat for us and something completely different.
We had been out all day and after a quick evening meal we travelled to Wizna Village on the Narew River where we looked for Beavers from a boat with the aid of spotlights. The Beavers seemed not to pay that much attention to the sound of the boat engine or to the light. In fact they swam into a beam. We watched one for about 15 minutes as it chewed away and from time to time scratched itself apparently unconcerned with human presence about 20 metres away. I am told that they do react to human voices. We had some wonderful views and Michelle was able to photograph them.
In the beam of the light there were insects flying and Pipistrelle Bats too. Also I caught sight of a Kingfisher as it flew across.
It was a cold evening with a slight sleet shower and then we headed back to the hotel and a beer.
It was a tough day for the legs and feet and we completed over twenty thousand steps according to Fitbit.
Our destination was the Red Marsh which is a vast area and where there is said to be a population of one thousand Elk. Apparently the water levels were too high to drive through and around. Eventually we were allowed limited access and to reach a good vantage point we walked for just under an hour with an estimated distance of three and half kilometers. As we waited for access we saw a male Black Redstart - it had to be an early arrival. In an adjacent paddock there was a Konic Stallion which is a descendent of the first horses and now used in the U.K. for habitat management.
On the way we passed a monument to the villagers that were taken into the forest and shot by the Germans. We saw several such sites on previous days. Again there is so much history.
In the birding sense it was a very quiet day. The habitat that we were in is poor for many species.
On the walk we passed a sanctuary for Wild Boar, Elk and Raptors. I have noticed that there are people who care about the environment and nature. We were on a sandy track that enabled us to see prints of Elk, Wild Boar, Wolf and Fox. Also Wolf dropping indicated their diet of Boar and on one pile was an Orange Underwing Moth. A very good spot for the more observant. And we saw both male and female Brimstone Butterflies flying through the trees. There were some birds around including Raven, Buzzard and in the distance a male Marsh Harrier was see.
One area we walked on a boardwalk which was over a raised bog. Growing on it and through it were Birch Trees and really it could be any swamp, but it wasn't. Another special treat for us and something completely different.
We had been out all day and after a quick evening meal we travelled to Wizna Village on the Narew River where we looked for Beavers from a boat with the aid of spotlights. The Beavers seemed not to pay that much attention to the sound of the boat engine or to the light. In fact they swam into a beam. We watched one for about 15 minutes as it chewed away and from time to time scratched itself apparently unconcerned with human presence about 20 metres away. I am told that they do react to human voices. We had some wonderful views and Michelle was able to photograph them.
In the beam of the light there were insects flying and Pipistrelle Bats too. Also I caught sight of a Kingfisher as it flew across.
It was a cold evening with a slight sleet shower and then we headed back to the hotel and a beer.
It was a tough day for the legs and feet and we completed over twenty thousand steps according to Fitbit.
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