Ian Brown

I was always more of a Happy Mondays kinda bloke than the Stone Roses but nevertheless a rare night out with the missus saw us at the De Montfort Hall. He has a reputation of often being quite awful live so I wasn't sure what to expect. However, he was pretty good as it goes. Only knew a few bits of his solo stuff but Stellify was very good and Fools Gold really got everybody whipped up but was the only Stone Roses track of the night.

Thornton Res and Brown's Wood - Sunday

Two Ruddy Duck (another shameful Thornton tick) on Sunday plus a female Shoveler. A fair few Wigeon and Gadwall to boot. Water level is pretty high presently so consequently no Water Rail on show. Brown's Wood was painfully quiet (and very wet) but a bonus was Willow Tit on the way back to the reservoir. Small Siskin group near the churchyard also.

Birds of Thornton

An all new blog courtesy of Andy Smith is up and running highlighting the avian wonders of Thornton Reservoir and it's environs. Andy's Thornton list is way higher than mine but he has been working this patch since 1937. See the link on the right hand bar or click here

Edward Woodward

Sad news that Edward Woodward died today. I'm not a huge fan and don't really know much about him other than vague memories of the Equalizer and he was in Enders recently, but he does star in one of the greatest films EVER made, The Wicker Man. Very low tech especially by todays high standards but bloody quality from start to finish.....

Post Punk and Paint Tins

I was loaded up to the hilt with empty paint cans en-route to Coalville Tip on Sunday only to be turned away as they don't have the facilities to accept them. My only alternative was a trek to Whetstone Tip which was a bit of a chore but allowed me to listen to the classic live Banshees album 'Nocturne' in the car. The classic line up of Sioux, Severin, Budgie and Smith from the Royal Albert Hall no less in 1983. Enjoy.....

The Gambia

One of my first proper birding hols back in February 1992. I came across my old notebook for the trip the other night and it made fabulous reading and felt like only yesterday when I went. It prompted me to search out my old guide who I met whilst I was there, Modou Barry. We corresponded after the trip regularly but then lost touch. I'm pleased to say that I tracked him down and he's still guiding. We've swapped a few e mails and I can honestly say that if you are ever planning a visit I can recommend the country wholeheartedly and even more so I can recommend Modou as a guide. A very knowledgeable bloke and a top class guide. You can check out his website here

County Mega - Prediction

This is based on nothing remotely scientific just a feeling in my water BUT watch this space. My prediction this winter, somewhere in VC55, is for Dartford Warbler....You have been warned......

Owls......

Myself, Andy and honourary Tosser, Tiddy ventured to Cossington on Saturday afternoon. I'd called in at the res before hand and had 2 Raven (yet another Thornton tick)drifting over and the owls didn't disappoint either. One Barn Owl showing very well and 3 Short Eared giving excellent views. Little Egret was also seen flying over. Not a site I visit very often but will certainly be back.

At last..........................

After 5 long years I finally caught up with Water Rail at Thornton on Saturday afternoon. Proably the best views I've ever had of this bird as it fed out in the open with 3 Moorhen for company at the western end. By utilising state of the art mobile communications (my old Nokia) I was able to glean that Andy was watching a second individual at the top end of the Res at the same time. Bogey bird well and truly unblocked.......