Wild Goose (Jack Snipe) Chase

Today hasn't been great. Spent most of the afternoon mooching around near Thornton in search of the Jack Snipe that Andy first saw in the new year. Zilch. Decided to go back hunting for Water Rail. Zilch. Common Gull was a new year bird (46) plus a couple of Buzzard and 23 Lapwing.

One saving grace however were two examples of Limnaecia phragmitella larvae feeding in Bulrush (Typha spp) . I've seen the feeding signs before but never the larvae or the imago so not a wasted afternoon!!

Water Rail 1 Russ 0

Well, a visit at first light on Saturday proved fruitless. No sign of any Water Rails but Cormorant and Grey Heron were (incredibly) new for Thornton in 2008. Thornton year list so far then, 45.

Grown Up Writing

I've finally finished putting pen to paper on a mega project that has been consuming my evenings and weekends since late November, not to mention valuable time over Xmas when I should have been in the pub. At the back end of last year I was approached (that bit is a little long winded and I'll explain how it came about another day) to contribute to a forthcoming Encyclopedia of British Birds by a publishing company in London. I'm one of four contributors and the others include Dominic Couzens and Steve Moss who are both proper grown up writers !!! It went really, really well and I've also been commissioned to do a reasonable slice of the North American version as well. It's been time consuming but great fun. I honestly don't know whether it will lead to other things or not, but I've enjoyed immensely and big thanks to Flame Tree Publishing, Big Blu Design and particularly to Sonya for her help, advice and perhaps most importantly, patience! Publication is July of this year and as soon as I know how you can acquire a copy I'll let you all know. I have to admit secretly that it will be great to get out this weekend and watch some birds rather than write about them though.

Water Rail (AARRGGHH!!!)

Andy had crippling views of Water Rail last night at Thornton Reservoir. He kindly phoned me to give me precise viewing instructions as this is my all time Thornton bogey bird. Sadly it wasn't light enough before I left for work this morning but I'll be down there tomorrow at first light to try and break my duck (well, rail)

I'm having a steady response of acceptances to my 40th (yeah, I know I only look in my late 20's) this week. Rather than a lavish party I'm clearing off to the Brecks and having a night near Wicken Fen. Hopefully we'll be able to trap but just awaiting official confirmation. It'll just be good to visit this mecca of moths......Mark Skevington is being very helpful in some background info and whetting my appetite. The other close friends on this weekend probably won't share my enthusiasm but tough shit, it's my party and I'll cry if I want to !!!!

Siskin again

A very muddy and damp Thornton Reservoir gave me a cracking male Siskin with a small flock of Goldfinch yesterday. Little else of note except a very confiding Nuthatch on the boat house feeder. Thornton year list currently stands at a measly 43 !!

Happy New Year

All the best for 2008.........
Caught up with Chris Hubbard over Xmas and he has finally found a copy of the Mercury centre pages from 1991 that features Chris, Tiddy and yours truly as we wax lyrical about the sponsored birdwatch we did that year. Will try and get a scan and put it here shortly.