Tuesday, January 02, 2007

And so another year begins

so what have I been up to since last we spoke?
I finished Trudi Canavan's "Priestess of the White". Started a bit slowly but did get going toward the end. Sets things up for book 2 which is out in paperback in a few weeks. I'm now halfway through "Hawkmistress!" by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
I didn't see the new year in! Miserable old git eh!
On New Years Day I did not tick 63 birds by 8am as CP guessed. I did see 36 species over Hatfield Forest - highlights were a Sparrowhawk (surprisingly my first over the forest), Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Bullfinch (at least 3 males). On to Amwell Gravel Pits where I got 38 species. Highligts being Smew (2 drakes), Goldeneye, Marsh Tit, Grey Wagtail and a Water Rail. The total seen were 59 (including a few at my folks). A few notable omissions no Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Greenfinch(!!), Coal Tit (well not really a surprise), Reed Bunting. Oh an urban fox was nice.
After all the roasts it was a nice change to have Scampi & Chips New Years Day. I am now willing the weather to be ok for Sat-Tues next week!

Plans for the year? Well I want to visit Buckinghamshire there are a few churches there I want to clean up but mostly it has a raft of National Trust Places I haven't visited.
Ascott
Boarstall Duck Decoy
Boarsstall Duck Tower
Claydon House
Cliveden
Waddesdon Manor (the gardens are only free to HHA Members, luckily I am!!)
West Wycombe Park

There are some non NT places as well.
Chenies Manor House
Nether Winchenden House
Dorney Court (ok just in Berks)

I also want to go to Somerset/North Devon because there are lots of churches to visit in the area.

I want to see a Swallowtail Butterfly and a Golden-ringed Dragonfly. I have no real wants on my bird list. I'll have to see a Golden Oriole I suppose. I just find standing around with a load of birders waiting for a flight view a bit depressing

I have a date with Cherrypie in November to see Seals. I may have to get a chaperone along though.

There is one other thing I'd like to do but since there is no chance I won't bother mentioning it!

10 comments:

Unknown said...

"There is one other thing I'd like to do but since there is no chance I won't bother mentioning it!"

Oh, you can't say that, now you have to tell us ;-)

Happy New Year!

The Quacks of Life said...

oh it involves foreign birding. Nic was asking about this as well so she'll be pleased to get an answer.

nicola said...

Hey I didnt tell you did I...guess who has more holiday next week!!!!


ME....

The Quacks of Life said...

MORE HOLIDAY!!

Nic take it in summer next year!! Think of the light for photography.

nicola said...

I cant, think of the hogs!!!

Cherrypie said...

And I note I was only 4 off. That wasn't a bad guess, now was it?

Anonymous said...

T'n'T or Equador or ??????????????


They are all possible you know...

Seany said...

Sounds like the makings of a busy year - all the best for 2007 Pete!

The Quacks of Life said...

Anony - nah

Seany - busy? I'll get lots of ANOTHER HOLIDAY from the "usual suspects"

Robbiegirl said...

Seals? You lucky pair... I'd love to see some seals!

Blog Status

If you want to use any photos on this blog please see this link.