Leicester Young Birdwatchers Club

As many will know back in the 1980's (although it started off life in the 70's)there was an organisation that went by the above name. The club is now sadly no more but for many years was run by one Barry Raine. I have lots and lots of fond memories of the club and it gave me my first experience of Scilly, Norfolk, Spurn, Portland Bill and Dungeness. Not to mention numerous birds and introducing me to many people whom I am still good friends with now. Chris Hubbard is organising a reunion this summer (June 28th is pencilled in). This coincides with the return to the UK of former chairman of the LYBWC, Andrew Featherstone, from a retirement home somewhere in South Africa :)

If by any chance somebody reading this was a member and would like more information then please get in touch. I can be contacted at thorntonmothman@yahoo.co.uk

Patch Tick

A not entirely unexpected lunchtime patch tick today in the shape of two Little Grebe on the river near the Thurcaston Road bridge. Numerous gulls near the Pumping Station included three adult Herring Gull. A single Goldcrest and plenty of Long Tailed Tit also. Eat you heart out Urban Birder...............

Trap Result 28/02/2009

We're off.....................

Acleris cristana
Pale Brindled Beauty
Common Quaker
Clouded Drab


The micro completely threw me, thanks to Skev for the ID. Quite a smart looking thing and only first recorded in the county as recently as 2002 but turning up all over the place now. I think its the form cristalana but feel free to correct me. Please see following very poor (but actually quite good for me!!) record shot

Bird Atlas 2007-11 part two

A very different tale to the previous visit over my survey area. Not many species but some new stuff, most exciting of which was a female Stonechat on the western edge of the quarry. Another surprise were a number of Teal on the smaller ponds accompanied by a rather out of place looking Cormorant. Plenty of Skylark but still no House Sparrow....Next visit spring.

Dark Green Fritillary

I had the latest edition of the Leicestershire Ent Soc newsletter this week and it was bumper packed. A very good read. Of real interest was a short article about a visit to Browns Wood by an emminent local lepidopterist who recorded the above butterfly. Don't you just hate it when that happens on your local patch.......

Fox

Today I stumbled across what appears to be a fairly newly dug Fox earth on my lunchtime wander. It's in quite an obvious spot with little cover in an area heavily frequented by dog walkers. Let's hope all goes well and I will try to keep my eye on them this spring.

Leicester City

Despite my passion for lower league Scottish football (The Mighty Ayr United) I am still a Leicester lad and support my home team despite my Scottish roots. Thats why I have posted this. Any LCFC fan from the last 25 years will be sent flying down memory lane at 1000 miles per hour.......Enjoy