Thursday 31st March (Life on Venus)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a rainy morning blown by a strong wind. Within seconds a Common Buzzard was seen in a slow controlled glide just above the tree level heading into the wind. To keep control it's wings and tail were constantly adjusted and trimmed to keep a straight course.

Mr. Kite spruced up The Beast and cycled towards Venus Pool in a blustery wind. With the sun shining warmly on the buffeted Mr. Kite, the journey was fairly pleasant. When Mr. Kite arrived at the hide and opened the window he scanned the islands for a small wader he hoped to see that should have arrived by now, the end of March. A small blob on the end of an island caught Mr. Kites eye; focusing his binoculars he noticed a small plover with a white breast and brown back. Around it's neck was a narrow black band. The plover's head was most revealing; a short black beck with a white patch just above; a black and brown head with a neat yellow circle around it's eye. This was Mr. Kite's first sighting this year of a Little Ringed Plover. Hopefully this neat little bird has traveled from Africa to breed.

Now on the shingle island a Lapwing and an Oystercatcher had started the breeding procedure by scraping a hollow amongst the small stones and sitting there waiting to lay. Both sitting birds were well camouflaged. The Lapwing was on the edge of a green patch of grass that blended in with it's greenish body, and it's black and white head was barely noticeable against the marbled stones. On the other hand the pied black and white colours of the Oystercatcher also made sure the bird was unnoticeable; only it's long orange bill gave away it's whereabouts.

In the reeds on the far side of the pool a pair of Mute Swans had chosen their nest site. In between spells of home building the pair of Mute Swans were swanning around their patch. At one stage a family of Mute Swans arrived and landed on the water. Instantly the nest building cobs feathers were ruffled; arching his wings and forming a screen he placed his head inside the protective screen and surged through the water to the cob who was with his pen and two offspring. Relentlessly he pursued the intruder until the visiting cob took to the air and his family followed. Mr. Kite wondered what it must be like to lose face in front of your family and have to retreat. However a few minutes later the family flew slowly over the length of Venus Pool with a menacing fly past the nesting pair; a gesture of 'we will seek revenge'.

This afternoon Venus Pool was all action. A Sparrowhawk made a low pass over the water into the feeding station and little later another pass below the window of the hide and a steep circular climb past the far end of the pool followed by a steep turn and dive towards where grass where the Little Ringed Plover was resting. Passing just feet above the spot the hawk flew the length of the pool and out of sight. Now Mr. Kite thought what a welcome for the little plover; all the way from Africa as a potential meal for a hawk. Minutes later the Sparrowhawk did another low attack towards the same spot watched by two Canadian Geese; and once again the hawk failed. It seems to Mr. Kite that Little Ringed Plover must be a bit like the Grouse to people; a delicacy to be eaten in the appropriate season. Hawks must look forward to the arrival of the Little Ringed Plover.

With the plover safe and playing hard to get the hawk was distracted by a partner. On arrival the Sparrowhawk changed attack flying into display flying. Rising high over the end of the pool the pair dropped and tumbled in a sign of courtship.

Now Mr. Kite had a engaging time watching birds today. It was the seasonal start of the battle for life for the next generation. After such excitement Mr. Kite cycled home and sat in the garden sipping Tetley tea. Cha from an appreciator of bird behaviour.

Wednesday 30th March (Gulls in the City)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window through the Lime trees to see the Dentist's Surgery just down the road. Fifteen minutes later Mr. Kite was relaxing in the chair having his teeth cleaned.

Now today Mr. Kite and His Lady were going to Birmingham to look as a few pictures with friends. To cut along story short Mr. Kite walked through the streets of Brum looking up at Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Against the grey sky their bright white bodies shone; underneath their yellow legs fitted snuggly against their underside. When they banked and turned the dull grey light intensifies the slate grey-black colour on the top surface of their wings. Lesser Black-backed Gulls, like all birds, are magnificent at times. Against a grey sky these killers of small birds, voracious eaters of seashore creatures and bullies, whenever they can, look the part under the threatening sky. Like warplanes in the sky they are menacing and those below them are vulnerable. Wow; what a sight.

Of course Mr. Kite has described a Lesser Black-backed Gull but what race? Was it a W European/Iceland, or NW European race or race fuscus? Now all that is another question; but firstly enjoy the bird for what it is and does and remember; Alfred Hitchcock's; The Birds.

Mr. Kite arrived home and sipped a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a tired Mr. Kite.

Tuesday 29th March  (A Snapshot of Venus)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the Lime trees opposite to see the beginnings of fruit and flowers growing on the end of some twigs. Not one bird sat in the bare trees; but they will soon.

This morning Mr. Kite went to a Special Grave to cut the grass, place flowers and remember twenty-four years of happy memories and laughter with The Star. Today a Blue Tit sang from a low tree and looked down on Mr. Kite and His Lady.

Now Mr. Kite returned home to repair The Beast and upgrade it to a Trek-Shimano. After some adjustments, a spot of oil and a quick test it was all systems go.

Mr. Kite decided to go for a ride to Venus Pool as the odd spot of rain fell from the grey skies. As Mr. Kite cycled along he could smell ‘wet roads’ as the dry dust, powder and organic materials were hydrated with the gentle rain water.

Eventually Mr. Kite reached Venus Pool and went inside the hide. If Mr. Kite had a camera he could have taken a picture and placed it in his blog to show you what he saw. But Mr. Kite describe a snapshot of what he saw when he opened the door and looked through an open window.

Sitting on a bench were two birders-watchers. On the pool twelve amorous male Tufted Duck were following a female ‘tufty’. A group of about thirty Black-headed Gulls coarsely squawked; some sat in the water and other flew close by. Two pairs of Shovelers swam in circles while two Coots protected their territory be running across the water towards two others. 

On the islands sat the quiet, peaceful resting Mallards, Canada Geese and Gadwall. Just above the water and islands, in the lower air space,  Lapwings performing violent aerial manoeuvres  as they flew fast and low before pulling a stall turn followed by a roll as they dived towards the earth and returning to a fast straight low level flight. Above the Lapwings the sky was peppered with Sand Martins gently hanging in the air and gliding forward with wings and tail outstretched.

Now Mr. Kite describes this scene because a picture would not describe the busy area, the noise, the movement of the birds and their behaviour.

After the excitement of the performance Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha. 

Monday 28th March (A Close Call)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a grey sky and a misty morning. The bulbous growths on the end of the twigs were larger and each individual bud was visible. Today Mr. Kite and his Birding Companion were off for a birding competition.

Now Mr. Kite keeps thinking about what phrase should be used to start a bird-spotting competition. A game of bingo is easy; 'eyes down, look in'. Mr. Kite thought that, 'Eyes open, look around', was a start but he now thinks not. So Mr. Kite is trying, 'Look, listen and watch'. At ten o'clock The Incapacitants guestimated the number of species that would be spotted.

Just after ten o'clock it was game on, 'Look, listen and watch'. Now within seconds of the start a Sparrowhawk sped through the air just above the road and suddenly went up and under the eaves of the next house. With it's wings flapping rapidly it trapped a House Sparrow under the eaves. So there was the noise of the flapping of the hawk's wing, the banging as it tried to grasp it's victim and the distressed chirp of the frightened House Sparrow. For about five seconds The Incapacitants watched a battle of life and death for the House Sparrow. Eventually the spadger escaped and flew over a hedge with a fast flying hawk in hot pursuit and out of sight. Was it a close call for the sparrow; or was it a meal for the hawk?

The Incapacitants then cycled away for a days birding. To cut a long story short they looked, listened and watched forty six species of birds; the competition was a draw. They had a good cycle ride, walked around fields and woods, spoke to a few other bird-watchers. The Incapacitants listened to a Chiffchaff and then spent about three minutes locating it. The most colourful bird spotted was a male Brambling with a black head. The Incapacitants went home after a great day out when the sun shone brightly and warm in the afternoon.

After putting The Beast into the shed Mr. Kite sat in his garden and had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha from Mr. Kite who watched colourful birds, hungry birds and lucky birds. Life is a close call.

Sunday 27th March (Hirondelle; One Swallow does not make a Summer)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see pink, yellow and white blossom. Neighbouring Privet hedges had grown fresh green leaves. On this dull morning the plant life colourful and the bird life quiet.

Later in the morning Mr. Kite set out on The Beast on a bird-watching tour in the chilly spring air. Near Berrington Hall Mr. Kite stopped to listen to a Dunnock singing from the top of a hedge in a high-pitched short song. Some of the variations of it's song were 'Robin like, Wren like' but very melodic. When the Dunnock stopped singing and disappeared into the hedge Mr. Kite examined a holly bush that he was near. Looking closely he noticed a few bright red berries hidden amongst the sharp green leaves. The Fieldfares and Redwings had misses these. A few yards away the black berries of an ivy plant grew on a stem in a cluster of about twenty. On the ground purple, pink and yellow flowers grew under the hedge. More plants were growing than first met the eye; but the birds were definitely scarce.

Mr. Kite moved on to Berrington Pool and walked down to the waters edge. Now Mr. Kite could see Sand Martins flying low over the water. Against the grey sky the white body and brown band stood out clearly. Then Mr. Kite focused his binoculars on individual birds and watched them as they turned, climbed higher and dropped back over the water. Then Mr. Kite noticed a gleaming metallic-blue back flying away from him and climbing over the trees on the far side of the pool. This was Mr. Kite's first glimpse of a Swallow.

Now this was exciting to Mr, Kite; his pulse rate increased and he intensified his search for the Swallow; or the French name, 'Hirondelle'. Soon he had focused upon a Swallow and looked at the tail streamers on the forked tail, then the white body and finally the red forehead and throat. One Swallow does not make a summer but it did make Mr. Kite's day, and Mr. Kite likes the name Hirondelle.

With his day made Mr. Kite rode onto Venus Pool hoping for another spring visitor. However the usual birds were on the pool but their behaviour was stimulated by that springtime feeling. Black-headed Gulls noisily marked their territory by keeping away intruders by flying towards them and a pair of romantic Great Crested Grebes faced each other with their crests spread out. They lowered their heads to the body and the beck touched the wing and then the head was held proudly high. After five minutes they dived under the water for a romantic meal.

Mr. Kite then leisurely rode to Atcham, through Attingham Park, over the River Tern and reached the Mire where the most noticeable birds were Shelduck. Mr. Kite then cycled home stopping occasionally to enjoy the surroundings. On reaching home Mr. Kite sat in the garden with a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha from a very happy Mr. Kite wishing spring would slow down because summer will soon be here, and there is so much more to see in spring.

Saturday 25th March (Spring Hidden by Fog)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the buds on the twigs on the Lime trees more bulbous than yesterday. Every twig was showing signs of life with sticky buds about to uncurl.

Now Mr. Kite took The Beast from the shed and went bird-watching. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite cycled miles and miles on a foggy day. The bright yellow Daffodils lined the verges and the blossoms were beginning to loose their petals. On this dull day the birds were less colourful but very active on the pool at Polemere and Monkmoor Lagoon. Someone had recorded the sighting of three Swallows at Polemere but Mr. Kite thinks you may be mistaken; probably they had seen Sand Martins.

Mr. Kite reads newspapers and always reads articles by Simon Barnes and Derwent May because they write about birds and nature. In todays edition Simon Barnes's article was titled, 'Birdsong is landscape distilled into sound' emphasising that birdsong is a reflection on the state of the environment.

As Mr. Kite read the article and agreed with every word written he enjoyed a tipple of Marston's Strong Pale Ale. Cheers from a thoughtful Mr. Kite; who listens to birdsong at every opportunity.

Friday 25th March (The Cadaverous Kid Continues)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the Lime trees over the road. Today the ends of the twigs had grown small bulbous lumps that would soon shoot out into leaves. The sun was rising and the forecast was good; so Mr. Kite was going bird-watching.

Now Mr. Kite was asked if he could pick up an acquaintance, The Cadaverous Kid, if needed from death's door at a nearby hospital. The timing was vague but it gave Mr. Kite a few hours spare. So Mr. Kite's plan was to visit some local pools. Firstly Mr. Kite stopped at Springfield Mere to watch Coots squabble, Moorhens swim across the water with their heads jerking and Mallards being fed by Mothers and Toddlers. In the warm air Mr. Kite sat on a bench in the warm sunshine watching over the busy Mere hoping to find something less common. But he did not, but it was very pleasant.

Mr. Kite then cycled two hundred metres to a swampy region with trees by Weeping Cross Island where The Rookery was a 'hive of activity'. Rooks sat on nest; others were reconstructing nests and other were flying in carrying building material in their beaks. Below them in the water Moorhens swam amongst the tree trunks.

Then Mr. Kite cycled and then walked to Betton Pool for a quiet spot of bird-watching. Mr. Kite planned to look closely around this isolated pool and see what he could spot. Approaching the pool quietly Mr. Kite could hear the screams and shrieks of people having a good time. Soon he saw that students from a local college had commandeered the pool for a session of canoeing and water activity. Mr. Kite was disappointed so he carried on a sat in the sun by a wooded area searching for signs of life. Surprisingly he did not spot anything. But thinking of life Mr. Kite then returned home in case he was needed to transport The Cadaverous Kid home because of a shortage of hospital beds. Fortunately the hospital thought it prudent that he was driven home with medical personnel; just in case he took a turn for the worse.

This left Mr. Kite with the afternoon to himself. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite cycled over the Col du Callow; a thirty one mile ride with a two mile climb. Mr. Kite spotted Buzzards, heard Ravens and nearly ended the life of a Dashing Black Pheasant with a dark black-green plumage. So at the end of a day where life continued, spring progressed, and all was well Mr. Kite returned home very thirsty and content to quaff a tipple of Old Speckled Hen. Cheers from a saddle sore Mr. Kite.

Thursday 24th March (More Springtime Promises)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the dawn sky. The moon was in the south-east and about three-quarters full; the birds were singing the Dawn Chorus. The dominant singer was a Blackbird with a Song Thrush almost as loud. As the day brightened the Dawn Chorus faded leaving the 'coo coo coo' of the Wood Pigeons.

Mr. Kite had arranged a bird-watching day with his Birding Companion. At ten o'clock it was, 'Eyes open and look around'; the competition was on and The Incapacitants were off. Now on this warm, sunny and fabulous spring morning the birds took second place for the first part of the outing. The count was on but the white, pink and yellow blossom flowers were stunning. The dark and light green leaves were dazzling. The yellow, purple and white flowers were a picture. An English spring morning could not be better. In the bare trees old bird's nests could be seen and the new growth of Mistletoe. Buds were bursting with life.

The bird count increased as The Incapacitants slowly cycled along country lanes towards Venus Pool stopping occasionally to wander to a pond, pool or clump of trees. A highlight being a Sand Martin skimming the surface of an artificial pool for a sip of water. Now with the birds singing The Incapacitants stopped to listen and locate Skylarks, Chiffchaffs, Greenfinches and Wrens. At one stage they followed a Red-legged Partridge along the road.

Now to cut a long story short Venus Pool produced the usual species and then The Incapacitants cycled to Lodge Hill where time ran out so they returned back to Shrewsbury stopping to watch sixteen Common Buzzards in a circular stack soaring, gliding and diving in the clear blue sky above the green and pleasant Salop landscape. Today Shropshire had more than it's fair share of Common Buzzards. With the competition a draw The Incapacitants went their separate ways.

Mr. Kite cycled to the River Severn at Monkmoor and watched ten Sand Martins flying high over the river, low over the river and over the surrounding fields. If Mr. Kite stood still the birds come closer and flew lower than Mr. Kite's eye level so he could see their plain brown backs. When they rose Mr. Kite could see their white underside and brown chest band. Soon these birds will be nesting in the river banks.

Mr. Kite returned home after a great day out and settled down with a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a sun soaked Mr. Kite.

Wednesday 23rd March (Sun, Shorts, Shirtsleeves and Swallows)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the sun in the sky above the house roof opposite. A few birds were singing and Mr. Kite was pleased with the view and today was His Lady's birthday.

After a few hours celebrated with coffee and toast Mr. Kite cycled off in the sunshine towards Venus Pool. Now that the Sand Martins are arriving Mr. Kite is eagerly seeking the first Swallow of the year. Now Mr. Kite knows a place where the first Swallows appear to go. So Mr. Kite cycled along the country lanes in his shorts, wearing sandals without socks and in shirtsleeves. It was a warm spring day. In the village where the first Swallows arrive Mr. Kite rode along slowly hoping to see one; but he did not.

Fifteen minutes later Mr. Kite was looking out over Venus Pool watching the usual birds. Today the Black-headed Gulls were more black headed than normal and the Oystercatchers were preparing a place on the pebble island to nest. Mr. Kite scanned the air for a glimpse of a Swallow but none appeared. After two hours bird-watching in the sunshine Mr. Kite returned home through the village where he hoped to see a Swallow. Mr. Kite did not see a Swallow but he did see a house called 'The Swallows'; a house probably named because that is where Swallows return to every year.

Mr. Kite and His Lady had a good evening with friends eating and drinking. Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Marstons Old Empire IPA. Cheers from cheerful Mr. Kite who is making of the most of the spring sunshine.

Tuesday 22nd March (Give me Sunshine)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a bright light morning. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and Mr. Kite was awake. Today Mr. Kite had arranged to do some chores at a house. So most of the day Mr. Kite marked hole centres, drilled holes, countersunk holes, fitted rails and kept busy.

At the end of the day, when the sun was lowering in the west, Mr. Kite sat in his tidy garden watching the sun drop behind his garden shed. Enjoying a tipple of Adnams Gunhill, a dark ruby ale, Mr. Kite listening to the evening song of Blackbirds, Song Thrush and Robins. Cheers from 'cream crackered' Mr. Kite.

Monday 21st March (The Spring Equinox)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a sunny blue sky with some high cloud. Now that the Spring Equinox has passed, for the next six months the hours of daylight were going to be greater than the hours of darkness; so Mr. Kite might see more lighter mornings. With a brighter morning Mr. Kite could see the vapour trails of aircraft flying south-east behind the lime tress over the road. By coincidence this morning Mr. Kite went to an interesting talk about a local airman and his adventures in World War 2.

On return, just after midday, Mr. Kite sat in the warm sunshine in his garden bird-watching. Mr. Kite scanned the skies for signs of spring visitors; or perhaps a spring song. He enjoyed the warmth of the sun, the sight of next doors blossoming pear tree and the sounds of common garden birds. Mr. Kite did not spot any spring birds but he tidied the garden, cut the grass and pruned some shrubs.

Stock Doves, Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves flew over the garden, a small flock of Starlings sat in a tall thin tree. Mr. Kite had a very pleasant afternoon and enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Cheers from a shirtless Mr. Kite.

Sunday 20th March (A Ploughman's Lunch)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a cloudy morning. The trees were still bare and a pair of Wood Pigeons sat on a branch in one of the trees. Now Mr. Kite has researched trees because he wanted to identify the species of trees that he looks out onto. Mr. Kite believes they are Lime trees. Mr. Kite sat at home and read the paper until the rain showers stopped.

At midday Mr. Kite mounted The Beast and cycled along the country lanes bird-watching. There was not a great deal to watch on this grey Spring day but Mr. Kite saw the usual birds on Berrington Pool, Venus Pool and in Attingham Park.

Mr. Kite then went to The Mire where Shelducks were dominating a small island. Today this pool was also quiet. Now Mr. Kite cycled back towards home and near Upton Magna watched a farmer ploughing the field into neat straight lines. With the 'earth moving' it was an opportunity for a group of Lesser Black-backed Gulls to enjoy the picking of a 'Ploughman's Lunch'. Now that the plough had turned the soil over to expose the 'fruits of the earth'; these large white-headed gulls with their red-spotted bill and bright yellow legs were having a 'Ploughman's Lunch' special composing fresh Spring worms and grubs.

Mr. Kite returned home to enjoy a tipple of Lindemans Kriek Belgian Cherry Beer. Good health and cheers from Mr. Kite and a colony of well fed gulls.

Saturday 19th March (March along the Drover's Trail)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw sunshine. This was unusual because this was real sunshine. Not the promise of sunshine, or a hint of sunshine, but real rays of sun; the big current bun. Today Mr. Kite and his Birding Companion were going for a walk along a drover's trail called the Kerry Ridgeway. This route started near Newtown, in Powys, and ended in Bishop's Castle Shropshire

At nine thirty The Incapacitants were dropped off at Cider House Farm in the hills outside Newtown at the start of Kerry Ridgeway. The weather was sunny. the forecast good and the birding competition was on,; 'Eyes open; look around'. Fortunately the Cider House did not sell cider so The Incapacitants gave that a miss and walked into the March sunshine and onto Kerry Ridgeway at the start of a fifteen miles walk at more than one thousand feet above sea level. The signs had FFORD LAS CERI and the walk was pre iron age. Now The Incapacitants did not understand such things but were thrilled by the fantastic views around them.

To cut a long story short; the walk was breathtaking, literally. Great scenic views across Wales, Shropshire and into Herefordshire. The Incapacitants saw more bird species than expected; a total of thirty eight, so the competition was a draw. They watched Ravens, Buzzards and Meadow Pipits in the spring sunshine and Redpoll, Coal Tits and Siskins in the plantations. Not all flying creature had feathers. They also saw butterflies and bees and picked the first Daisys of the year. At four o'clock The Incapacitants marched into a sunlit Bishops Castle and headed to the Three Tuns to quench their thirst.

Now the Three Tuns was very lively. Rugby, young girls, The Incapacitants and beer brewed on the premises. This was a real cocktail for pleasure so The Incapacitants quaffed Three Tuns Cleric Cure until 'The Cows came Home'. Being new to droving, and not realising that drovers had to drive their cows, pigs, geese and sheep along the trail to the market. the animals did not follow. So The Incapacitants sat in the pub drinking and waiting until 'The Cows came Home'. The animals did not arrive but the beer went down well. After three hours of waiting, the 'Cows did not come Home' but The Incapacitants did. Cheers from a tired sunlit Mr. Kite.

Friday 18th March (Eighteen Years in The House of Words)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a cool grey morning and thought. Eighteen years ago today Mr. Kite moved into this home on a wet and rainy Thursday morning. That day was also the hundredth birthday of the houses most well known resident; a young man whose words are movingly read and recited all over the world. One hundred years later words written in the house are also read all over the world. The difference now is that his words were in books and Mr. Kites words are transmitted electronically and read from a computer screen. Inside this house poems, essays, diaries, songs and blogs have been written by numerous residents. The words written within this house have varied from sad and tragic to funny and humorous; words written in this house can bring tears of grief and others tears of joy.

Mr. Kite looks out of his bedroom window onto a modern road but the well known resident, whose bedroom window was above Mr. Kites, looked out on the view described by Jon Stalworthy as follows.

Perhaps the most attractive feature of this room was its uninterrupted view over the Shrewsbury Racecourse and the fields beyond to the majestic hump of the Wrekin. Away to the right he could see Lord Hill's column, then the largest doric pillar in the world, erected in 1816 to commemorate the achievements of the Peninsular General.

Now within the walls of Mr. Kite's house, memorable words and phrased have been written and spoken. Mr. Kite is not a lord and the residents, both past and presents, were not lords, so Mr. Kite's house is not the House of Lords. But the residents of Mr. Kite's house, both past and present, have written words so Mr. Kite lives in the House of Words. Dr. Samual Johnson defined the words in his museum the House of Words and Mr. Kite is using these words.

Talking of museums reminded Mr. Kite that today a museum is opening in Birkenhead for the former well known resident of the House of Words.

Today The Incapacitants had arranged a birding competition. So about ten o'clock it was, 'eyes open; look around',  and the competition was on as they cycled towards the village of Ford in the emerging sunshine. Buzzards soared in the blue sky, Corvids fed in the fields and small birds flitted along the hedgerows. Just before Alberbury they parked The Beasts and walked along a footpath towards Rowton Castle stopping to look at a fine avenue of trees. Chaffinch, Blue Tits, Great Tits were abundant and a Mistle Thrush took off in the field and flew along the avenue of trees. The avenue of trees was obviously planted for a spectacular view from the castle. But Mr. Kite did not have to be a lord to enjoy these trees. Now The Incapacitants were impressed by the sight and sound of Wrens that today had decided to display themselves in the warm spring air. With tails cocked they traveled along the hedgerows popping up at intervals to make sure they were the centre of attention and they were.

Eventually The Incapacitants continued their trip through Alberbury and into Montgomeryshire in Wales where the border has a sign showing a Red Kite. Crossing the border The Incapacitants scanned the bare trees for signs of life but nothing unusual was spotted. However soon they caught a wafting aroma of beer and fried chips coming from The Hand and Diamond where our people were sitting in the sunshine enjoying food and drink. Now The Incapacitants are keen bird-watchers and kept on cycling although they were tempted to try a half. Showing great resolve they cycled past The Fir Tree and then stopped on the bridge crossing the River Severn with with views of the confluence where the River Vyrnwy joins the Severn. The sun had warmed the metal structure and The Incapacitants leant against it searching for birds; they found a Goosander and a Pied Wagtail.

Continuing their journey they past The Tontine and turned right heading back home. Now a few miles further on they heard a liquid 'lee lee lee'; the sound of a Curlew. Looking right the brown shape of a Curlew could be seen flying low over the river bank. The Incapacitants stopped to watch, and listen to the Curlew. Fortunately for them they had stopped by The Royal Hill public house. What could be better than that. Scanning the field on the other side of the river they could see a 'Herd of Curlew'.

So in the warm spring sunshine The Incapacitants watched thirty Curlews fed in the field; and they had a few glasses of Three Tuns Pale Ale; lovely.

When the pub door was locked they cycled back to Shrewsbury spotted a few more species of birds. Now by this stage Mr. Kite's 'Birding Companion' had won the competition. Arriving back in town they went to The Crown's beer garden overlooking the River Severn and talked about the days birding whilst they supped a tipple of Marston's Double Drop and watched Mallards, Goosander and Black-headed Gulls feeding. Cheers from  Mr. Kite.

Thursday 17th March (Spring is not completely Sprung)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the half-light. The tree trunks imaged the orange light from the street lamp and the branches were black against the cloudy sky. Looking along the tree lined road Mr. Kite could see that all the trees were mushroom shaped; they had a single thick straight tall trunk and a bare canopy shaped like a mushroom. Over the years these trees have been skillfully managed and pruned to keep their symmetrical mushroom shape. All the trees are about ten metres tall; taller than Mr. Kite's three storey house. They are equally spaced about eight metres apart. However Mr. Kite needs to find out the species of these trees.

Today Mr. Kite looked into the trees for life. The trees did not show any sign of new growth and there were not any birds perched in them. Looking closely Mr. Kite could see flat layers of twigs arranged in a circular shape; from experience Mr. Kite knew that these were the old nests of Wood Pigeons and Collared Doves. On this spring morning the only bird life on display was a Robin that sat on the humpy part of The Joint's roof. This inquisitive feathered friend had come to look inside Mr. Kite's front living room. In this world of give and take; Mr. Kite looks out for bird life and the birds look in at Mr. Kite's life.

Today Mr. Kite was cycling to Polemere and then to Monkmoor Lagoon to look for Sand Martins. Before Mr. Kite set off he had listened to the Radio Shropshire news where there was a report that anglers in Bridgnorth wanted a cull of Cormorants along the River Severn because the number of Dace and Roach supposedly had declined recently and the Cormorant was seen as the culprit. So Mr. wrote an e-mail to the local radio in their defence.

At ten o'clock Mr. Kite adjusted the saddle on The Beast and cycled towards Polemere via Shrewsbury Quarry. The Daffodils were in bloom; flower blossom had emerged on Cherry Trees and Hawthorn. Spring was springing along. With many trees still bare Mr. Kite stopped to look at a Magpie's nest for signs of life. The Magpie's nest is a spherical structure, about thirty centimetres diameter, made from twigs. At this nest there was no sign of life but the Rooks a little further along the road were sitting, with their heads protruding, on their cup shaped twig structures woven into the tops of the trees. Mr. Kite noted how the Magpie's nest was a solitary nest whilst the Rooks had a colony of about fifty nests; why?

Mr. Kite reached Polemere in pleasant warm sunshine and looked for Sand Martins skimming over the water that a variety of ducks were sitting on. In the sunshine the spring plumage of Shelduck, Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Goosander was stunning; but Mr. Kite could not see any Sand Martins. Spring had not yet sprung at Polemere.

Before Mr. Kite continued his journey to Monkmoor Lagoon he sat at the picnic table near the hide at Polemere and listened to his radio. Mr. Kite's e-mail was read out defending the Cormorant along the banks of the River Severn as the culprit that has reduced stock of Dace and Roach. His first line of defence is that before the Cormorant is blamed for eating the Dace and Roach research needs to be carried out to verify what effect the Barbel has had on the eco-system of the River Severn since it was introduced into the river nearly fifty years ago. Fishermen welcomed the introduction of specimens extracted from Berkshire's River Kennet because these strong voracious bottom feeding monster would provide good coarse fishing because of their powerful fight when hooked. At the time early environmentalists warned against the idea citing the introduction of the Nile Perch into Lake Victoria and the damage they did to the native fish stocks. Mr. Kite being a youngster did not fully understand that point of view but he did object to their introduction on the grounds that anglers used Plumrose Luncheon Meat as bait for the Barbel and the young Mr. Kite was concerned in case the Barbel ate all the Plumrose Luncheon Meat that he enjoyed on a sandwich with Colman's Mustard from a tube.

In the pleasant warm air Mr. Kite casually rode along country lanes and tracks. On route Mr. Kite met a fellow birder; the Birder with a Boy had a chat for a few minutes before Mr. Kite continued slowly to Monkmoor Lagoon stopping occasionally listen, look and investigate a flitting bird.

Mr. Kite reached the lagoon and searched for Sand Martins in vain. But Mr. Kite knows that very soon Sand Martins will be skimming over the lagoon water from the colony that will reside in a nearby muddy bank. So Mr. Kite has concluded that spring is still springing in some parts of Salop.

With the clouds developing and a chilly wind blowing Mr. Kite returned home to enjoy a tipple of Owl'd Speckled Hen. Cheers and a good health of all Cormorants until proved guilty of fish theft from Mr. Kite.

Wednesday 16th March (Looks like One; Sounds like One; It is One)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the trunks and branches of the bare trees lit up by the orange street light. It was still dark and occasionally a car would travel along the road. But Mr. Kite could hear the coarse grating 'cark', 'cark' of Carrion Crows flying over. Mr. Kite often wonders what birds fly at night and why they do. He knows that Owls and Geese fly at night; Owls to feed and Geese to travel, but do Chaffinch or Blue Tits? On moonlit nights Mr. Kite has watched the silhouettes of Geese fly over.

Now it is the middle of March and the first summer migrants are reaching 'our shores' after wintering in Africa. One of the first to arrive is the small brown and white Sand Martin. Mr. Kite wants to spot the first Sand Martin in Salop this year. In  previous years Mr. Kite has found it interesting that 'one afternoon there are no Sand Martins' but the following morning, in the same location, there is suddenly twenty of the little blighters. So Mr. Kite is now returning to the real world of bird-watching.

At the moment Mr. Kite is really looking forward to Spring. The Sand Martins are coming and Mr. Kite has booked a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk in April. As they say, "Watch this space'.

Mr. Kite arranged a 'birding competition' with his 'birding companion'  and at ten thirty they met. Well you might ask, "Why so late a start?". The answer is that they are aging, less inclined to roll out of bed, their bodies are wearing out, and they both have to grunt and groan with the early bodily movements of the day; they have grown into The Incapacitants.

Anyway at ten thirty Mr. Kite guestimated a tally of forty- four bird species and his 'birding companion', forty-two. Mr. Kite likes numbers and many years ago he was a Bingo Player. Each game began with the words, "Eyes down; look in". Now the birding competition begins with the words, "Eyes open; look around". So just after ten thirty it was "Eyes open, look around" and The Incapacitants began the competition. Within seconds the first bird of the day was recognised sitting in a bush six metres away; it looked like one and it was one; a Blackcap. This greyish-blue warbler with a black cap was possibly a spring visitor. What a start to the day; a spring visitor. Today this bird song a few notes, probably because he was tired after flying from Africa. In a few days time this Blackcap will sing loudly from inside shrubbery.

The Incapacitants then started their trip towards Venus Pool. On route they spotted the usual and Sharpstone Quarry was quiet. The Rookery near Weeping Cross Island was busy and noisy. Passing the path leading to Berrington Pool The Incapacitants heard one; it sounded like one; looking up they saw it was one. 'Chiff chaff', 'chiff chaff', chiff chaff'; yes, another spring visitor in sight. This little brown brown bird sang as it quickly moved around the branches on the tree. Chiffchaff's are best recognised by their call because they are small, indistinctive and fast moving.

The Incapacitants walked to Berrington Pool to see Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebe and Coots. But in the nearby bushes more calls of  'chiff chaff, chiff chaff' could be heard. Today the birds and the blossoms were spring. Then it was onto Venus Pool along the country lanes.

In the hide at Venus Pool were two bird-watchers. Mr. Kite opened the window and instantly saw what he had hoped for; the bird that would make his day; the bird that signals the arrival of the migrants; it was one; it was a Sand Martin. Within seconds Mr. Kite could see two more. Three Sand Martins were flitting over the water whilst two bird-watchers showed little excitement; but The Incapacitants were elated, over the moon and pleased.

Mr. Kite might have seen the first Sand Martin in Shropshire. A small martin that flitters over water. A bird with a forked tail; broad based wings that taper to a thin tip. And a body with a white underside with  a brown breast band. This is a great sight. Now The Incapacitants went on to spot further common species including Oystercatcher and Gadwall. At this stage of the day forty five species had been identified; so Mr. Kite's birding companion had lost and Mr. Kite was leading. So, if three or more species were spotted the birding competition would be a draw. So The Incapacitants went to the field.

In the top field a large flock of birds flitted from the hedge to the ground to feed and then back to the hedge. When one flew; they all flew. It was the hedge; the field; the hedge; the field. It was now mid afternoon and the sky was becoming more grey as the cloud lowered but The Incapacitants were watching birds; and identifying them.

Faced with lots of birds how did they identify them? Firstly The Incapacitants picked out the colourful male Chaffinch's, Reed Bunting's and Yellowhammers. Then they matched the plainer females to the males; often because they sat by each other and the similarities, and differences, could be noticed. Over half an hour The Incapacitants ticked off the obvious and then had a few left over. A female Brambling, a male Brambling and lastly; and lastly; yes; hum.

A larger heavier bill, fatter body, no white in the tail, slight hump back, streaks on the front and a dark central v-shape; a Corn Bunting. Watching and listening further confirmed the identification. An occasional 'jingling of a bunch of keys' and a short flight with feet down. Great stuff. Bird-watching and bird identification requires patience, perseverance and thought.

With forty nine species identified the birding competition was a draw. As the air cooled and the sky darkened it was time for the return trip via Snipe Bog, the artificial pool and Condover. The tally topped fifty and The Incapacitants cycled into Shrewsbury and went their separate ways after a grand day bird-watching.

Mr. Kite cycled home and parked The Beast. Now Mr. Kite likes numbers. Yesterday was Centenary Day at Cheltenham; today Mr. Kite passed the Centenary of bird species spotted this year and he looks forward to the next hundred. To celebrate Mr. Kite chose a tipple with a number, not a name. Today Mr. Kite quaffed a bottle of Shepherd Neame 1698 Kentish Strong Ale. Cheers from a numerate Mr. Kite and remember, 'eyes open, look around'.

Tuesday 15th March (Mr. Kite has a Flutter over Eight Flights)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a dark cloudy morning. The trees were just dark twig silhouettes and only the odd Wood Pigeon stirred in the still morning air. It was pre dawn and only the 'early birds' were passing Mr. Kite's home. Returning from a Wi Fi free weekend Mr. Kite had some correspondence to put into order; and a walk into town to a bank to sort out the finances.

At mid morning Mr. Kites bird-watching day began. Walking towards Shrewsbury town centre he noticed Goosander on the river and the usual Feral Pigeons over the buildings. On his way home Mr. Kite walked over the Castle Walk where he stopped to watch a Song Thrush. For a change this Song Thrush was not singing but feeding on a patch of bare earth close to the path. So good were the pickings that Mr. Kite stood close to this bird as it sprinted around the patch of earth plucking small pink earthworms from their holes. Within twenty seconds the fortunate Song Thrush had pulled, stretched and swallowed seven unlucky creatures. Mr. Kite was impressed by the speed at which the Thrush could locate and eat worms. This was the exception to the proverb where, 'the early bird catches the worm'.

Now today was the start of the Cheltenham Festival and Centenary Day so Mr. Kite was in festive mood and decided to have a flutter on the first race; the one thirty novice hurdle. Being a bird-watcher Mr. Kite spotted a Marsh Warbler in the runners and riders list. Marsh Warblers are scarce in Salop but a four legged one on television is a gem. So Mr. Kite went into a local pub to watch his flutter perform over eight flights and two and a half miles. Being a Salop lover Mr. Kite ordered a pint of Ludlow Best produced by the Ludlow Brewing Co. and settled down on a stool to watch the Marsh Warbler.

The race began and the Marsh Warbler was near the front of the field easily recognisable by small white spot on it's head. The jockey was in white with a dark hat. Luckily the Marsh Warbler was near the rail and closest to the cameras. For the first five flights the Marsh Warbler was in contention and Mr. Kite was pleased with his two pounds investment; but towards the end of the race the Marsh Warbler dropped down the field to finish eleventh.

That was Mr. Kites only flutter for the day but he enjoyed the excitement of the chase and then settled down with a tipple of Mad Goose brewed by Purity Brewery. Cheers from a fluttering Mr. Kite.

Monday 14th March (Home Time)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a frosty morning. The grass was covered with Jack Frost. Soon Mr. Kite was on his way home in the sunshine. Driving along Mr. Kite did not see many birds but he did notice busy Rookery's. Mr. Kite arrived home, unpacked The Joint and had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite drinking to a pleasant  bird-watching trip to Bath.

Sunday 13th March (A Trip from Bath to Bristol and Back)

Mr. Kite looked out of his window and watched the rain gently falling. The sky was grey but in the west the cloud was breaking and a hint of sunshine appeared. At eleven o'clock the sun shone and Mr. Kite  started cycling along the course of the Old Railway to Bristol. To cut along story short Mr. Kite saw lots of birds but the most impressive sight was a churrring bush of colourful Starlings. In the sunshine they were content to sit and enjoy the sight of cyclists and walkers passing by.

Mr. Kite returned to The Joint and enjoyed a tipple of Fullers Bengal Lancer. Cheers from Mr. Kite.

Saturday 12th March (A Spring Day to Enjoy)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to the sunlight peeping over the tree tops. The sky was blue and the 'Spring Chorus' was a gentle rehearsal prior to the developing repertoire that will gradually emerge. Mr. Kite had breakfast watching two fine Magpies hopping around the neat green grass pecking at food on the ground.

Later Mr. Kite sat outside The Joint watching Wood Pigeons, Rooks and Chaffinch enjoying a warm spring day. Later Mr. Kite and His Lady had a stroll along the babbling brook where yellow Primroses were in bloom on the grassy banks and the smell of Ramsons wafted in the air. Mr. Kite has something in common with Brown Bears and Wild Boar; that is he likes eating Wild Garlic. Of course bears and boars will root out the bulb and eat the leaves whereas Mr. Kite slices them finely into a salad or makes a delicate soup. Today Mr. Kite left the leaves growing for the bears and boars of Bath. Being a visitor to the area Mr. Kite considered that it would be taking a liberty to eat their luscious leaves.

Returning along the brook Mr. Kite saw a Grey Wagtail. With it's slaty-grey top and yellow rump and long wagging tail this bird added extra beauty to the tranquil scene. Having left the 'bears garlic' Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a Red Rice Risotto and a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a grinning Mr. Kite.

Friday 11th March (Birds, Beer, Beer and Birds)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw a Weeping Willow tree, some very tall trees to the left and low bushes. But Mr. Kite could hear the beginning of the 'Dawn Chorus'. Wood Pigeons, Blackbirds and a Song Thrush were making their presence known with a cheerful Springtime Melody.

Later in the morning Mr. Kite took a trip on The Beast around the local area. Mr. Kite watched two aerials displays on his journey. The first was classic aerial performance of an ascending Skylark. Spiraling upwards with flexed fluttering wings it climbed slowly upwards with a rippling call. At times it's quickly flapping wings allowed it to hover before continuing it's flight towards the clouds.

The second aerial display was of a Sparrowhawk. This bird glided along with broad outstretched wings ending with finger like feathers. The glide was slow and powerful in the gentle breeze heading towards a wooded area. But then the Sparrowhawk folded it's wings into it's body and shaped like a bullet dived into the trees at high speed. Wow.

Now Mr. Kite was on a birding trip around Bath. In the afternoon Mr. Kite and His Lady travelled into Bath to watch birds and see The Roman Bath and visit the Art Gallery. After a very enjoyable time they watched a Bat flitter around over the river. A Bat is not a bird; but is an interesting flying mouse.

To continue the birding nature of the trip Mr. Kite and His Lady went for a tipple in The Raven. Mr. Kite enjoyed a few glasses of Raven and Raven Gold. Now birding is a funny game. Whilst enjoying a tipple of Raven Mr. Kite read about The Cotleigh Brewery in Somerset. Now you might ask what does The Cotleigh Brewery have to do with birding? Well here is the answer.

Cotleigh Brewery sell beers named Tawny Owl, Golden Seahawk, Barn Owl, Buzzard, Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Peregrine, Osprey, Kiwi, Long-eared Owl, Blue Jay, Kookabarra, Snowy, Nutcracker, Albatross and Goshawk. So Mr. Kite on his birding expedition has enjoyed the sound of the Tawny Owl and is now looking forward to the taste of a pint of Tawny Owl. Cheers from Mr. Kite sitting in The Raven where 'life is a hoot'.

Thursday 10th March (Bath, Newton Mill and The Joint)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto his gleaming holiday home and was soon sitting in the driving seat heading along the motorway to Bath. Watching the fuel gauge drop Mr. Kite knew that the House Sparrow's future was being jeopardized by the continual emission of diesel particles and the world warmed up with a further two kilograms of carbon dioxide.

Any way enough of the bad news; and now to the good news. Mr. Kite likes the word Newton because it reminds him of Sir Isaac Newton; one of England's great mathematicians. Just after lunch time Mr. Kite and His Lady arrived at Newton Mill, just off Newton Road and parked his vehicle. on a camp site.

Soon the kettle had boiled and Mr. Kite was enjoying a cup of coffee looking at Wood Pigeons, Magpies and Blackbirds. Enjoying the views and the serenity Mr. Kite had a thought. His camping van was parked amongst vehicles with names such as Mohican, Lexington and Winnebago. Mr. Kite's vehicle is called a Joint and really is a meeting place for eating, drinking and conviviality but not smoking; yet. So Mr. Kite has decided to refer to his vehicle as; The Joint.

The Joint is a Peugeot Boxer based four berth motor home with a two point two diesel engine. It has a four ringed gas cooker complete with grill, a fridge capable of holding lots of beer, central heating and a bathroom with toilet and shower. Mr. Kite and His Lady have lived in The Joint for hundreds and hundreds of nights.

Mr. Kite was on a bird-watching trip and in the early evening when the sun sank behind the trees he listened to the hooting of a Tawny Owl whilst enjoying a tipple of 'Owled Speckled Hen' strong ale. Cheers from a happy Mr. Kite enjoying the sound of Owls and taste of Speckled Hens.

Wednesday 9th March (Walkabout)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw some blue sky and some clouds. He felt a little lazy today so arranged a walkabout with his birding companion. The birding competition begun they met on the birding companion's doorstep.

In the sunshine, and cool breeze, the intrepid pair went walkabout through the village, past the business park and onto the public footpath that led to Sharpstone Quarry. The usual common birds were heard, spotted and ticked off. As they walked up the gentle incline towards the quarry they could see rays of sunshine, squally showers and rain in the local area. The wind speed increased and it became chillier.

To cut a long story short, the Spot of the Day was a Peregrine Falcon. This dark powerful bird appeared just as the intrepid pair came into sight of the working quarry. It glided past them about fifty metres away a little higher than the edge of the stone face. As it flew into the wind it gained height before dropping quickly into the deep hole created by the removal of the stone. Mr. Kite knows that Feral Pigeons and Jackdaws frequent the ragged ledges caused by the quarrying. Now Mr. Kite tries to be kind to Feral Pigeons so he hoped that the Peregrine took a fancy to a plump black Jackdaw not a multi coloured Feral   Pigeon. What happened next Mr. Kite and his Birding Companion will never know because the Peregrine was not seen again.

The birding competition was a draw. Mr. Kite went home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a happy Mr. Kite; who will be traveling again tomorrow.

Tuesday 8th March (Back Home)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a sunny road. Today Mr. Kite was going to enjoy the sunshine. He was going bird-watching on his bike; the biking birder was on the road. Having not ridden the beast since last week Mr. Kite took it easy as he cycled along the country lanes.

The Daffodils were not yet in bloom, the birds were scarce but the smell of spring was in the air. Mr. Kite stopped at a marshy area referred to as Snipe Bog: the bog was there but not the Snipe. Shortly after Mr. Kite arrived at Venus Pool and cycled into the top field. It seemed to Mr. Kite that the birds had also chosen to go to Venus Pool today.

Buzzards soared above a field where a large flock of small birds flitted between feeding on the ground and sitting in the hedge. This flock included Reed Buntings, Chaffinch and Yellowhammers. On the ground the flock was camouflaged but in the hedge individual species could be easily recognised. However every now and again at least twenty Yellowhammers would sit closely together in the hedge looking like a gathering of Canary's; a pretty amazing spectacle in the sunshine.

On days like this Mr. Kite likes to sit on benches, in the sun, and watch the birds. After sitting on a bench at Venus Pool he then sat on one near Cross House and lastly by Atcham Bridge. Mr. Kite watched many common species enjoying a spring day.

Mr. Kite went home to enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite who heard the Chirpy Salop House Sparrows today.

Monday 7th March (Squeals, Meals and Peels)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window because Mrs. Red Fox was squealing in the garden next door but one. Hiding in the shrubbery The Old Gal was squealing to The Old Man  who was not taking any notice. The Hampstead London fox is a real geezer keeping the visitors awake. After about ten minutes The Old Gal shut it and tranquility returned to Canfield Gardens.

Two hours later Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see people walking purposefully towards the tube station. Now Mr. Kite was on a mission to find the Cheeky Chirpy Cockney Sparrer so he made a cup of coffee and sat on a bench within the walled garden in the warm pleasant early morning sunshine. The wooden bench was near a lovely tree. Now Mr. Kite cannot recognise many tree yet; he has some books and is trying hard to put a name to them. So Mr. Kite can only describe this tree. It was fir like; about ten metres tall; and had bunches of small round yellow flowers growing on the outer branches.

Sitting near this tree Mr. Kite listened to Blue Tits, Great Tit and a Song Thrush and watched three Goldfinches flying around; but no Sparrers were seen, or heard. Now with time running out Mr. Kite went on a mission to St. John's Wood Church Ground near Lord's Cricket Ground because he likes sitting in this park, and there was a chance of meeting the Sparrer.

Mr. Kite found a bench in the sun by a wall; a real hot spot. This was more hot than Mr. Kite thought it would be. The birds were few but plenty of young mothers paraded by pushing their off spring to the nearby play park. Mr. Kite watched Long Tailed Tits and Feral Pigeons but the ladies eventually won the day; he watched them rather than the birds. Mr. Kite was comfortable on the bench in the sun and was very content. A young lady then appeared and stopped about ten metres in front of him. She gave her son some bits of bread and they both threw scraps onto the ground as a meal for the birds. Mr. Kite thought that if anything would attract a Cheeky Chirpy Cockney Sparrer it would be The Queen with the Meal. She was radiant, beautiful and generous. After five minutes they had attracted nothing with their Bread from Heaven and they went to the play park. Soon Blackbirds appeared and ate the meal.

Like all good things; they come to an end. Mr. Kite listened to bells, chimes and clocks; this reminded him that he needed to catch Uncle Gus back to Salop. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite did not meet the Cheeky Chirpy Cockney Sparrer.

Mr. Kite and His Lady returned to their rural retreat where he enjoyed a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a cold, clear and frosty Salop.

Sunday 6th March (No Sparrers Guv)

Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see a red double decker Uncle Gus. What he really wanted to see was a Chirpy Cheeky Cockney Sparrer or just a bird to watch. The bare tree outside the window did not have any bird life, the three, four and five storey buildings opposite did not have any bird life on the roofs and aerials and the grey sky was empty. Eventually a Wood Pigeon appeared. Birding in Hampstead is not easy.

A lunch time outing into the walled garden produced Blue Tits and a singing springtime Robin; but no Sparrers. During the afternoon Mr. Kite has kept an eye outside The Residence window, whilst in conversation and drinking tea; but still no Sparrers. Mr. Kite's hypothesis is that Sparrers are scarce in Hampstead.

Now Mr. Kite thought to himself that a Sparrer should be easy to spot. So he perched by The Residence front window and rear window for more than one hour. Mr. Kite noticed Magpies, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Blackbird and Carrion Crows; but no Sparrers.

At six fifteen Mr. Kite called it a day. The air was still, the birds were roosting and Mr. Kite was thirsty. Looking for Sparrers in Hampstead is thirsty work. At six twenty Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Fullers Bengal Lancer brewed at the Griffin Brewery Chiswick. Cheers from a very disappointed Mr. Kite who is eagerly awaiting meeting the Chirpy Cheeky Cockney Sparrer.

Saturday 5th March (Uncle Gus Goes Down the Frog and Toad)

Mr. Kite looked out the 'The Residence' window to see bare trees without any birds. That did not bother him; this is Hampstead near the centre of London.

Soon after Mr. Kite and His Lady walked down Canfield Gardens listening to the loud song of a Wren. This being a Hampstead Wren was very noisy and cocky; not Cockney. It's song was loud and it's tail was cocked up as it sauntered in a low bush from twig to twig. It was not afraid of people.

Mr. Kite and His Lady then went to the Science Museum where they looked at the exhibitions of flight. They examined rockets, aircraft engines and kites. Now whilst walking around the history of flight section Mr. Kite came across some comments made by a Bishop John Wilkins (1614-1672) who was a naturalist and philosopher. The Bishop studied Red Kite's flying and appears to have believed that it was possible for man to fly. As an atheist, bird-watcher and beer drinker Mr. Kite thought that this man of the cloth had the right idea and man would fly; no pun intended about Wilbur and Orville.

Mr. Kite had another good day in the Science Museum looking at flight. In the late afternoon Mr. Kite and His Lady arrived back at Hampstead to watch a Grey Heron fly over Waitrose supermarket. Mr. Kite thought to himself as the Grey Heron gracefully flew over the building 'what a contrast between today and 1944'. In that year three 'doodlebugs' had flown near to where the Heron was and crashed into buildings; destroying them. So Hampstead had seen wonderful flying objects and destructive ones. The gaps are now filled with modern housing.

On that sombre note Mr. Kite is enjoying a tipple of Badgers Blandford Fly: keeping to the flying theme. Cheers to the Chirpy Cockney Sparrer that has yet to be seen. And cheers to anyone who reads the blog. Keep flying and Mr. Kite will treat you to a Giggle and Titter (Bottle of Bitter).

Friday 4th March (The Chirpy Cockney Sparrer)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a dull morning. Today Mr. Kite and his Lady were catching Uncle Gus to Hampstead. So after breakfast they walked to town and met Uncle Gus who transported them to sunny Hampstead.

Before catching Uncle Gus Mr. Kite bought a newspaper to read on the journey. In this newspaper was an article headlined, 'Why do sparrows thrive in America but not here?'; written by Michael McCarthy. Being a bird-watcher Mr. Kite read this article with interest. The article refers to 'a sparrow expert' called Denis Summers- Smith whose hypothesis is that the decline of the House Sparrow is due to air pollution and caused by the soot particles produced by diesel exhausts.

Reading this on the journey Mr. Kite believed that this could be true. Now this made Mr. Kite think carefully about Uncle Gus who was bombing down the Frog and Toad pumping out millions of particles. Is he partly responsible for the decline of the Chirpy Cockney Sparrer?

To make matters worse Mr. Kite's holiday home is a diesel emission particle distributor and travels thousands of miles every year reducing the numbers of 'sparrers'. To cut along story short Mr. Kite arrive in Hampstead and started looking for House Sparrows whilst walking to 'The Residence'. He did not see one or hear one. An late afternoon walk produced the same result although he did see a Blue Tit and Feral Pigeon.

Now Mr. Kite had a good day even though he did not meet 'The Chirpy Cockney Sparrer'. But he did have a tipple and Pig's Ear of Guiness. Cheers from a quiet Mr. Kite and a good health to all House Sparrows and remember; 'turn off that damned diesel'.

Thursday 3rd March (New Sights in Sunny Salop)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw Wood Pigeons flying in a diamond four formation in front of his house. A neat and accurate manoeuvre took them between some trees and out of sight.

With a good weather forecast Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' met up and went for a walk. Today a circular route was planned along public footpaths that they had never explored. Firstly they explored Mousecroft Pools. This provided a mixed habitat of water, trees, bushes and grassland. A good variety of common birds were sighted with the highlight being a Brambling.

From the Mousecroft Reserve the route took them down an old Roman Road in a westerly direction. Now to cut a long story short the birding competition was a draw; more birds were identified than predicted. But Mr. Kite would recommend that any person, with a day to spare, walks a route passing through Newton Farm, Upper Edgebold onto Mytton Oak Road. Turn left over the new A5 then left to Lower, and Upper Woodcote Farm to the impressive Hanwood Bank. Walk through Hanwood to the dismantled railway picking up the Kingfisher Way back to Shrewsbury following the Rea Brook. The trees, the fields and the sky are perfect for birds; hope you can spot them.

Mr. Kite spotted thirty five species of birds on this route. Can you spot more? Mr. Kite has some advice; take a note book and pencil with you.

Cheers from a tired and muddy Mr. Kite who is enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea. Tomorrow Mr. Kite is going traveling to a city for a suburban adventure. Will it equal super, sunny Salop?

Wednesday 2nd March (Super Sunny Salop)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a cool dull March morning. With the cold dark mornings of winter a thing of the past it was now time for Mr. Kite to enter into the spirit of the emerging spring.

Mr. Kite phoned his 'birding companion' and soon they were cycling along towards the Long Mynd. The Snowdrops were in bloom and a few Daffodils appeared in sheltered areas. Song Thrushes sang, House Sparrows chirped and a cooing Collared Dove was tidying up a nest.

The Rookery at Pulverbatch was busy preparing for the forthcoming cacophony, eggs and chicks. The noise had started, the courting displays in full flight and the clamour for nest building material underway. This was a busy purposeful area. Nearby newly born lambs bleated and Easter bunnies not far away.

 Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' stopped and walked around the Motte and Bailey at Castle Pulverbatch. Now Mr. Kite will let you into another secret. Castle Pulverbatch is a great place to have a picnic, drink a cup of tea or just sit. It is a truly wonderful old ruin. Today it was a place to watch birds and listen to the Rooks cawing.

The old men then returned to the beasts and cycled between Huglith Hill and Westcott Hill stopping to watch a Red Kite, Ravens and the views. Todays target was to walk up Paulith Bank and soon Mr. Kite and his birding companion had parked the bikes and were heading towards the summit. They followed a few tracks and walked over dead ferns for a short cut disturbing the odd Pheasant and a Meadow Pipit. With a few rays of sun streaming through some gaps in the cloud the Meadow Pipit took steeply to the air revealing a brown and black streaked back with white edges to it's tail. The burst of flapping wings gave it lift and a bobbing flight before folding in it's wings and returning to the moorland.

Now from the summit of Paulith Bank Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' looked at the Shropshire landscape including the rugged Stiperstones and the Ravens and Buzzards. With the sun warming the earth they slowly returned to the bikes and home along quiet lanes.

Now the birding competition was a draw. Mr. Kite went home to enjoy a Tetley tea. Cheers from a super, sunny Salop.

Tuesday 1st March (Flowers)

Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and watched people walking along the path. Most were lucky school children on their way to another exciting day in the classroom tormenting some unfortunate teacher. After breakfast Mr. Kite stood in his garden and watched two Ravens flying north in the clear blue sky. On this pleasant, almost windless, morning these two large black birds flew slowly in a straight line. Today was Saint David's day so the Raven has to take on the Welsh name, 'Cigfran', 'meat, or, butcher crow'. Cigfran have been spotted at twenty one thousand feet but this pair were about two thousand feet up and enjoying their casual flight. The distinctive black silhouettes moved silently across the sky.

Now today Mr. Kite and His Lady went to Morville to place flowers on a special grave. The avenue leading to the church was lined with white Snowdrops and yellow Crocuses; the Daffodils were not going to make an appearance for Saint David but they will brighten up the avenue in a few days time. As they walked towards the church the sun's warmth could be felt.

The special grave is slightly raised in a gentle curved mound. Ivy, Mistletoe and other greenery lie on the grass. At the head of the grave is a clump of Snowdrops and at the foot is a small tub of dainty small yellow Daffodils. Mr. Kite removed the greenery from the grave and cut the grass. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady were returning a shell, coral and other decorations that were removed prior to the next grave being dug. All these decoration have a special meaning to the Star that rests below them. Fresh flowers and greenery were placed on this special grave and once again it looks loved and cared for. The next grave still has the flowers that were put there two weeks ago after the funeral.

Whenever Mr. Kite visits the special  grave he looks at the birds around. Today Common Buzzards soared over the fields. Mr. Kite then returned home and enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a thoughtful Mr. Kite.