Sunday 31st July (A Trip along Country Lanes)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The yellow buds of the lime trees were beginning to carpet the ground. Summer was now more than one month old but autumn was on the horizon. Swifts still screeched across the sky.
At nine o'clock Mr. Kite set off on The Beast to watch birds. To cut a long story short it was a very quiet day. But Mr. Kite cycled past Bayston Hill, Condover, Ryton, along the back of The Lawley and then to Acton Burnell returning via Venus Pool.
More than thirty species were spotted. Mr. Kite returned home for a few bottles of "Old Speckled Hen". Cheers
Saturday 30 July 2011
Saturday 30th July (The B-B-Q Summer Continues)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was light grey and empty of birds. Now on this summers day Mr. Kite did very little besides eating, drinking and watching Swifts.
Anyway after a strenuous day Mr. Kite sat in the garden watching Swifts anddrinking Becks.
Cheers from a B-B-Q summerland.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was light grey and empty of birds. Now on this summers day Mr. Kite did very little besides eating, drinking and watching Swifts.
Anyway after a strenuous day Mr. Kite sat in the garden watching Swifts anddrinking Becks.
Cheers from a B-B-Q summerland.
Thursday 28 July 2011
Friday 29th July (Just another Day)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was grey without any sign that the sun should be showing. This was a thick even layer of cloud. In the dull light the leaves of the Lime tree were dark green and clusters of white-yellow nuts stood out on the end of the branches.
Recently Mr. Kite has looked out in the mornings to see the Swifts flying and feeding in flocks. Today the sky was empty. So for a few minutes Mr. Kite searched the sky for a Swift but did not see one. Was it because the cloud was low; have the Swifts started to return to Africa or were they elsewhere?
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite sat in the garden looking for Swifts. Now they were 'few and far between' but some Swifts did fly around the sky; so Mr. Kite is wondering are they beginning to head south?
However Mr. Kite did see one large bird flying slowly across the sky heading south. This bird was flapping it's wings slowly and then gliding looking as if it was 'pacing itself' as it travelled on a long journey. Often Mr. Kite watches Common Buzzards over his garden but today this bird looked larger than a Buzzard and flew differently.
The question is will Mr. Kite find out what this bird could have been? The answer is maybe. Mr. Kite will look at local bird reports and see if anything unusual was seen. If so, then perhaps, only perhaps of course, Mr. Kite might put a name to this bird.
Although Mr. Kite could not identify one bird he definitely can recognise one tasty hen. So cheers from Mr. Kite as he enjoys a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen".
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was grey without any sign that the sun should be showing. This was a thick even layer of cloud. In the dull light the leaves of the Lime tree were dark green and clusters of white-yellow nuts stood out on the end of the branches.
Recently Mr. Kite has looked out in the mornings to see the Swifts flying and feeding in flocks. Today the sky was empty. So for a few minutes Mr. Kite searched the sky for a Swift but did not see one. Was it because the cloud was low; have the Swifts started to return to Africa or were they elsewhere?
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite sat in the garden looking for Swifts. Now they were 'few and far between' but some Swifts did fly around the sky; so Mr. Kite is wondering are they beginning to head south?
However Mr. Kite did see one large bird flying slowly across the sky heading south. This bird was flapping it's wings slowly and then gliding looking as if it was 'pacing itself' as it travelled on a long journey. Often Mr. Kite watches Common Buzzards over his garden but today this bird looked larger than a Buzzard and flew differently.
The question is will Mr. Kite find out what this bird could have been? The answer is maybe. Mr. Kite will look at local bird reports and see if anything unusual was seen. If so, then perhaps, only perhaps of course, Mr. Kite might put a name to this bird.
Although Mr. Kite could not identify one bird he definitely can recognise one tasty hen. So cheers from Mr. Kite as he enjoys a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen".
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Thursday 28th July (A Quiet Morning and a Lazy Afternoon)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The view was similar to yesterday except that Mr. Kite could not see any Swifts. Now this made Mr. Kite wonder if they had started to return to Africa. A few minutes later some Swifts did appear but not as many as usual.
Now Mr. Kite had thought about the question, "What is wrong with corvids?"
Mr. Kite's answer is that there is nothing wrong with corvids but with the people who are prejudice against them and persecutors of the humble, natural and sometimes brutal corvid. In his defence of the corvid Mr. Kite wrote a letter to the local paper that was published. Now Mr. Kite is waiting for the backlash.
After an easy day Mr. Kite did not deserve a beer so he had a Tetley tea. Cheers from a lazy Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The view was similar to yesterday except that Mr. Kite could not see any Swifts. Now this made Mr. Kite wonder if they had started to return to Africa. A few minutes later some Swifts did appear but not as many as usual.
Now Mr. Kite had thought about the question, "What is wrong with corvids?"
Mr. Kite's answer is that there is nothing wrong with corvids but with the people who are prejudice against them and persecutors of the humble, natural and sometimes brutal corvid. In his defence of the corvid Mr. Kite wrote a letter to the local paper that was published. Now Mr. Kite is waiting for the backlash.
After an easy day Mr. Kite did not deserve a beer so he had a Tetley tea. Cheers from a lazy Mr. Kite.
Wednesday 27th July (Late Start)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was a dull grey. But Mr. Kite had a hangover so he started the day idly.
However in the afternoon Mr. Kite and His Lady went to Polemere to sit in the warm country air and watch the birds. In the fields near the pool Greylag Geese grazed on the short grass. Occasionally they would take to the air and drop into the water. A few flaps and then it was head up, flap wings, increase the angle of attack, stall and then skim across the surface of the water.
On the fence an adult Robin sat with it's youngster. Looking into the field they would land on the grass pick up a morsel and return to the same square on the wire fence. The purple thistle flowers attracted a charm of Goldfinches that picked away near the flower causing white fluff to float away.
On the edge of the pool Mallards lined the muddy banks that were showing as a result of the low water level. These ducks hardly moved during the afternoon. A Sparrowhawk appeared with a following of Swifts. In the warm air the bird soon climbed towards the clouds and became a spot.
At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite returned home for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was a dull grey. But Mr. Kite had a hangover so he started the day idly.
However in the afternoon Mr. Kite and His Lady went to Polemere to sit in the warm country air and watch the birds. In the fields near the pool Greylag Geese grazed on the short grass. Occasionally they would take to the air and drop into the water. A few flaps and then it was head up, flap wings, increase the angle of attack, stall and then skim across the surface of the water.
On the fence an adult Robin sat with it's youngster. Looking into the field they would land on the grass pick up a morsel and return to the same square on the wire fence. The purple thistle flowers attracted a charm of Goldfinches that picked away near the flower causing white fluff to float away.
On the edge of the pool Mallards lined the muddy banks that were showing as a result of the low water level. These ducks hardly moved during the afternoon. A Sparrowhawk appeared with a following of Swifts. In the warm air the bird soon climbed towards the clouds and became a spot.
At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite returned home for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Tuesday 26th July (A Trip)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Once again there was a hint of summer; sun, Swifts and the sun.
So Mr. Kite and his birding companion went for a short bird-watching trip. At ten o'clock The Incapacitants were in competition and spotting birds. It was a quiet day and the birds were scarce. But the numbers rose along the Old Canal, then onto Atcham and Venus Pool. To cut a long story short thirty two species of bird were spotted including a good view of a Common Whitethroat.
Mr. Kite returned home for a few tipples of Becks. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Once again there was a hint of summer; sun, Swifts and the sun.
So Mr. Kite and his birding companion went for a short bird-watching trip. At ten o'clock The Incapacitants were in competition and spotting birds. It was a quiet day and the birds were scarce. But the numbers rose along the Old Canal, then onto Atcham and Venus Pool. To cut a long story short thirty two species of bird were spotted including a good view of a Common Whitethroat.
Mr. Kite returned home for a few tipples of Becks. Cheers.
Sunday 24 July 2011
Monday 25th July (Is it still Summer?)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was blue; the sun was shining and the Lime trees had dappled green leaves. Pigeons 'cooed'; so this must still be summer.
Now Mr. Kite renovated work-tops in the sunshine watching Swifts, Wood Pigeons and Black-headed Gulls. During the late afternoon a family of Carrion Crows came to visit a neighbouring garden. Once evening arrived Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was blue; the sun was shining and the Lime trees had dappled green leaves. Pigeons 'cooed'; so this must still be summer.
Now Mr. Kite renovated work-tops in the sunshine watching Swifts, Wood Pigeons and Black-headed Gulls. During the late afternoon a family of Carrion Crows came to visit a neighbouring garden. Once evening arrived Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Saturday 23 July 2011
Sunday 24th July (Summer, Sunshine and the Odd Beer)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was blue and sunshine light up some of the leaves on the Lime trees giving them a dappled green colour. In the trees birds stirred moving the leaves as they moved through the foliage. Between two trees the round shape of the sun could be seen. Having the sun on view might seem a trivial mundane event but recently Mr. Kite had forgotten what the sun looks like and how pleasant it can be to feel in it's warm rays. Today looked like summer.
Last week Mr. Kite read an article in a local newspaper about an injured Carrion Crow that 'local professional' animal and bird caring societies refused to treat but offered to 'put it down' raising the question, "What's wrong with corvids?"
So Mr. Kite is thinking about an answer to that question. But before that Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' were going for a short bird-watching trip. So at nine o'clock The Incapacitants were in competition as they spotted birds. They set out to Well Meadow along the slow country lanes of Shropshire. The usual bird were spotted Greenfinch, Goldfinch etc. as they cycled along. In the clear blue sky Common Buzzards soared as they took advantage of the warm air.
Arriving at Well Meadow The Incapacitants surveyed the uncut meadow with grasses and flowers supporting a number of butterflies. Real meadows are a rarity and this one, although small, is indication of what a meadow could be.
Heading towards Ratlinghope The Incapacitants stopped to watch a family of Common Redstarts moving around between bushes and trees as the parents kept them moving and feeding preparing them for the adult world of the bird and the migratory trip to Africa. Further along the road a family of Ravens took to the air. This family would not have the same dangers as the Redstarts but learning to fly in search of food must be a staring point.
After Ratlinghope The Incapacitants rode over the hills towards Pulverbatch where Kestrels, Stock Doves and Meadow Pipits were common and on a pond a family of Mallards fed. The sunshine and hills had became an attraction for many people and the area had plenty of people sitting and enjoying the warm summers day.
From the top of the hills to Pulverbatch was mostly a good downhill cycle. Soon The Incapacitants were back in Shrewsbury. Mr. Kite had won the birding competition and the sun was still shining.
Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling and sat in the garden with his tipple of TEA. The Traditional English Ale is brewed in Tongham Surrey by Hogs Back Brewery. If every summer day was like this in England Mr. Kite would be a very happy bird-watcher. What is better than summer, sunshine and the odd beer? Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sky was blue and sunshine light up some of the leaves on the Lime trees giving them a dappled green colour. In the trees birds stirred moving the leaves as they moved through the foliage. Between two trees the round shape of the sun could be seen. Having the sun on view might seem a trivial mundane event but recently Mr. Kite had forgotten what the sun looks like and how pleasant it can be to feel in it's warm rays. Today looked like summer.
Last week Mr. Kite read an article in a local newspaper about an injured Carrion Crow that 'local professional' animal and bird caring societies refused to treat but offered to 'put it down' raising the question, "What's wrong with corvids?"
So Mr. Kite is thinking about an answer to that question. But before that Mr. Kite and his 'birding companion' were going for a short bird-watching trip. So at nine o'clock The Incapacitants were in competition as they spotted birds. They set out to Well Meadow along the slow country lanes of Shropshire. The usual bird were spotted Greenfinch, Goldfinch etc. as they cycled along. In the clear blue sky Common Buzzards soared as they took advantage of the warm air.
Arriving at Well Meadow The Incapacitants surveyed the uncut meadow with grasses and flowers supporting a number of butterflies. Real meadows are a rarity and this one, although small, is indication of what a meadow could be.
Heading towards Ratlinghope The Incapacitants stopped to watch a family of Common Redstarts moving around between bushes and trees as the parents kept them moving and feeding preparing them for the adult world of the bird and the migratory trip to Africa. Further along the road a family of Ravens took to the air. This family would not have the same dangers as the Redstarts but learning to fly in search of food must be a staring point.
After Ratlinghope The Incapacitants rode over the hills towards Pulverbatch where Kestrels, Stock Doves and Meadow Pipits were common and on a pond a family of Mallards fed. The sunshine and hills had became an attraction for many people and the area had plenty of people sitting and enjoying the warm summers day.
From the top of the hills to Pulverbatch was mostly a good downhill cycle. Soon The Incapacitants were back in Shrewsbury. Mr. Kite had won the birding competition and the sun was still shining.
Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling and sat in the garden with his tipple of TEA. The Traditional English Ale is brewed in Tongham Surrey by Hogs Back Brewery. If every summer day was like this in England Mr. Kite would be a very happy bird-watcher. What is better than summer, sunshine and the odd beer? Cheers.
Saturday 23rd July (Bird Songs)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see some blue sky and the first signs of the sun. Now the rising sun has not been on view recently in the gloomy English summer. So Mr. Kite took advantage of this brighter morning and walked to the recycling.
As usual the Swifts were flying but Mr. Kite could hear the calls of a Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon. So as Mr. Kite walked along he tried to describe in words the differences between the three calls.
Although Mr. Kite could tell the difference between the Wood Pigeon and the Collared Dove they made the same sort of coo-coo-coo but the Wood Pigeon seemed to have a softer tone compared with the harsher louder Collared Dove. Sitting on The Christadelphian Church two Feral Pigeons called to each other. This pairs call was only two syllables and was a courser and harsher version of the the pigeons soft coo; more a 'cur cur'.
So Mr. Kite thought about bird sounds and how little people think about them. On this pleasant day Mr. Kite listened to birds and had a tipple of Becks. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see some blue sky and the first signs of the sun. Now the rising sun has not been on view recently in the gloomy English summer. So Mr. Kite took advantage of this brighter morning and walked to the recycling.
As usual the Swifts were flying but Mr. Kite could hear the calls of a Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove and Feral Pigeon. So as Mr. Kite walked along he tried to describe in words the differences between the three calls.
Although Mr. Kite could tell the difference between the Wood Pigeon and the Collared Dove they made the same sort of coo-coo-coo but the Wood Pigeon seemed to have a softer tone compared with the harsher louder Collared Dove. Sitting on The Christadelphian Church two Feral Pigeons called to each other. This pairs call was only two syllables and was a courser and harsher version of the the pigeons soft coo; more a 'cur cur'.
So Mr. Kite thought about bird sounds and how little people think about them. On this pleasant day Mr. Kite listened to birds and had a tipple of Becks. Cheers.
Friday 22 July 2011
Friday 22nd July (Drizzle, Gloom and Renovations)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. It was not a sunny summers morning but overcast. The drizzle had started and the outlook was gloomy. Now today Mr. Kite has promised himself that he will watch some birds. However there is the little matter of the kitchen sink to install.
To cut a long story short Mr. Kite really had very little to write about today. Now tomorrow is another day and hopefully birds will be watched until then Mr. Kite will enjoy a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a drab dull summer.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. It was not a sunny summers morning but overcast. The drizzle had started and the outlook was gloomy. Now today Mr. Kite has promised himself that he will watch some birds. However there is the little matter of the kitchen sink to install.
To cut a long story short Mr. Kite really had very little to write about today. Now tomorrow is another day and hopefully birds will be watched until then Mr. Kite will enjoy a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a drab dull summer.
Thursday 21 July 2011
Thursday 21st July (A Day of Rest)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Once again the sky was grey and threatened rain. But the Swifts were flying around as usual in large numbers. It seems to Mr. Kite that they are flying day and night. So today the family Apodidae and species Apus apus were on display for the bird-watcher to observe. Soon flock of Swifts will be heading to Africa so Mr. Kite will keep a note of when they disappear.
With more renovation to be completed Mr. Kite's bird-watching for the day will be very local; in the garden, in the sky above the garden and nearby. Now as the day progressed Mr. Kites bird-watching became less and less. Renovations, the tour and visitors conspired to curtail the best made plans.
So Mr. Kite eventually had a rest day and enjoyed a tipple of Becks. Cheers until the next time.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Once again the sky was grey and threatened rain. But the Swifts were flying around as usual in large numbers. It seems to Mr. Kite that they are flying day and night. So today the family Apodidae and species Apus apus were on display for the bird-watcher to observe. Soon flock of Swifts will be heading to Africa so Mr. Kite will keep a note of when they disappear.
With more renovation to be completed Mr. Kite's bird-watching for the day will be very local; in the garden, in the sky above the garden and nearby. Now as the day progressed Mr. Kites bird-watching became less and less. Renovations, the tour and visitors conspired to curtail the best made plans.
So Mr. Kite eventually had a rest day and enjoyed a tipple of Becks. Cheers until the next time.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Wednesday 20th July (A Silent and Calm Morning)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Nothing stirred the morning air. The leaves were unusually still and the road was silent. With the Lime tree leaves darkening gradually everyday Mr. Kite knew that summer was progressing. After five minutes a lone and unenthusiastic Wood Pigeon gave a few 'coos' but soon gave up.
Now Mr. Kite had great plans to go bird-watching but just after midday his 'bird-watching companion' arrived on his bicycle. So Mr. Kite offered him a small beer that was gratefully accepted and they watched 'the tour'. Soon one beer turned to two, then three, a few more then seven. At this stage bird-watching seemed pointless but Mr. Kite did study a Victorian engraving of a Grasshopper Warbler. This is a bird that Mr. Kite would like to watch, listen to and study. So late in the afternoon Mr. Kite listened to a recording of a Grasshopper Warbler and then retreated to his garden hoping to hear one.
As you would expect Mr. Kite was unsuccessful; so he had another beer. Cheers from a lazy Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Nothing stirred the morning air. The leaves were unusually still and the road was silent. With the Lime tree leaves darkening gradually everyday Mr. Kite knew that summer was progressing. After five minutes a lone and unenthusiastic Wood Pigeon gave a few 'coos' but soon gave up.
Now Mr. Kite had great plans to go bird-watching but just after midday his 'bird-watching companion' arrived on his bicycle. So Mr. Kite offered him a small beer that was gratefully accepted and they watched 'the tour'. Soon one beer turned to two, then three, a few more then seven. At this stage bird-watching seemed pointless but Mr. Kite did study a Victorian engraving of a Grasshopper Warbler. This is a bird that Mr. Kite would like to watch, listen to and study. So late in the afternoon Mr. Kite listened to a recording of a Grasshopper Warbler and then retreated to his garden hoping to hear one.
As you would expect Mr. Kite was unsuccessful; so he had another beer. Cheers from a lazy Mr. Kite.
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Tuesday 19th July (Sadness, Memories and Remembrance)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Today the sights and sounds of the natural world were not foremost in Mr. Kite's thoughts. Sadness was the mood of Mr. Kite as he remembered that Sunday morning two years ago when one of his little boys said his farewells to his brothers, his favourite cat, his belongings and the world. Closing the front door and walking towards his final act this solitary figure purchased a railway ticket to Church Stretton. The last images of this young man of twenty-four with a whole life time ahead of him is as he walked onto the station platform and sat on a bench awaiting the train that would transport him to the end of his life.
A thoughtful, witty, humorous, guitar playing, song writing and a young man full of vitality, courage and compassion had decided that he could not live his life anymore. Within one hour of catching the train this young man had extinguished a life full of promise for himself leaving his family in utter sadness because he was a shining star and a fun person to be with. Today his family remember him with sadness when they think of the loss, laughter when they think of his humuor and how he made us happy and despair when they think of 'what could have been'.
Just before midday Mr. Kite and His Lady walked on this young mans last walk to a reservoir where the end happened. Today it was quiet. In the drizzle a few birds moved in the gorse and between the ferns; but it did not matter what they were.
In the evening Mr. Kite and His Lady put red, white, pink and purple flowers on his and lit candles on his grave. Overhead Swifts, flew and a young Green Woodpecker flew onto the top of a tree where it cried out as it attracted the attention of it's parents. Long Tailed Tits traveled along the hedge. As darkness replaced the light the lamb's in the adjacent fields bleated and Morville settled down to another night. With Laurie's grave shining with light and colourful with flowers it was time to go.
Mr. Kite returned home for a day of reflection and remembrance.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Today the sights and sounds of the natural world were not foremost in Mr. Kite's thoughts. Sadness was the mood of Mr. Kite as he remembered that Sunday morning two years ago when one of his little boys said his farewells to his brothers, his favourite cat, his belongings and the world. Closing the front door and walking towards his final act this solitary figure purchased a railway ticket to Church Stretton. The last images of this young man of twenty-four with a whole life time ahead of him is as he walked onto the station platform and sat on a bench awaiting the train that would transport him to the end of his life.
A thoughtful, witty, humorous, guitar playing, song writing and a young man full of vitality, courage and compassion had decided that he could not live his life anymore. Within one hour of catching the train this young man had extinguished a life full of promise for himself leaving his family in utter sadness because he was a shining star and a fun person to be with. Today his family remember him with sadness when they think of the loss, laughter when they think of his humuor and how he made us happy and despair when they think of 'what could have been'.
Just before midday Mr. Kite and His Lady walked on this young mans last walk to a reservoir where the end happened. Today it was quiet. In the drizzle a few birds moved in the gorse and between the ferns; but it did not matter what they were.
In the evening Mr. Kite and His Lady put red, white, pink and purple flowers on his and lit candles on his grave. Overhead Swifts, flew and a young Green Woodpecker flew onto the top of a tree where it cried out as it attracted the attention of it's parents. Long Tailed Tits traveled along the hedge. As darkness replaced the light the lamb's in the adjacent fields bleated and Morville settled down to another night. With Laurie's grave shining with light and colourful with flowers it was time to go.
Mr. Kite returned home for a day of reflection and remembrance.
Monday 18 July 2011
Monday 18th July (A White Plastic Chair at the Lagoon)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Surprisingly the sky was grey; the leaves on the Lime trees hung on to the twigs as the wind buffeted them backward and forward. The forecast was wind and rain but Mr. Kite would watch a few birds. An English summer is often grey, gloomy and wet but in the true English spirit this is something that does not prevent a determined Mr. Kite going bird-watching.
Following a leisurely morning Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon. Under a grey sky the green trees stood out clearly against the skyline. Surrounding The Lagoon tall reed lined the water with pink and purple flowers showing interspersed with blue forget-me-nots. White Water lilies bobbed up and down as the breeze whipped up the waves that traveled from west to east.
Sand Martins flitted over the water before climbing steeply to clear the reeds, bushes and trees or dropped back down to return low over the surface. A Grey Heron flew over followed by Carrion Crows, Jackdaws and a Common Buzzard.
Scouring the reeds Mr. Kite noticed a white plastic chair on the edge of the water. Now after a visit to Italy, and the town of Pisa, Mr. Kite associates white plastic chairs with ladies that provide a service to male clients prepared to drop their trousers. In Italy young ladies sat on white plastic chairs by the roadside plying their trade. So Mr. Kite did not search the reed too thoroughly as he did not want to be labeled as a 'peeping Tom' if the occupant of the chair was engaged nearby with a male client.
However Mr. Kite was impressed by the camouflaged Mallards that were sheltering against the reeds from the cool breeze. At first they could not be spotted but looking more closely Mr. Kite counted more than thirty brownish blackish Mallards in eclipse.
With the sky looking more gloomy Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling to enjoy a a warm tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite; beware the white plastic chair.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. Surprisingly the sky was grey; the leaves on the Lime trees hung on to the twigs as the wind buffeted them backward and forward. The forecast was wind and rain but Mr. Kite would watch a few birds. An English summer is often grey, gloomy and wet but in the true English spirit this is something that does not prevent a determined Mr. Kite going bird-watching.
Following a leisurely morning Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon. Under a grey sky the green trees stood out clearly against the skyline. Surrounding The Lagoon tall reed lined the water with pink and purple flowers showing interspersed with blue forget-me-nots. White Water lilies bobbed up and down as the breeze whipped up the waves that traveled from west to east.
Sand Martins flitted over the water before climbing steeply to clear the reeds, bushes and trees or dropped back down to return low over the surface. A Grey Heron flew over followed by Carrion Crows, Jackdaws and a Common Buzzard.
Scouring the reeds Mr. Kite noticed a white plastic chair on the edge of the water. Now after a visit to Italy, and the town of Pisa, Mr. Kite associates white plastic chairs with ladies that provide a service to male clients prepared to drop their trousers. In Italy young ladies sat on white plastic chairs by the roadside plying their trade. So Mr. Kite did not search the reed too thoroughly as he did not want to be labeled as a 'peeping Tom' if the occupant of the chair was engaged nearby with a male client.
However Mr. Kite was impressed by the camouflaged Mallards that were sheltering against the reeds from the cool breeze. At first they could not be spotted but looking more closely Mr. Kite counted more than thirty brownish blackish Mallards in eclipse.
With the sky looking more gloomy Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling to enjoy a a warm tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite; beware the white plastic chair.
Sunday 17 July 2011
Sunday 17th July (The Biking Birder Rides Again)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. It was raining and the weather forecast was gloomy but today Mr. Kite was taking The Beast to Polemere.
So dressed in shorts and sandals Mr. Kite set off to Polemere. Along the roads he noticed the usual common birds; Wood Pigeons, Starlings, Blackbird etc. Occasionally the drizzle turned to rain but that did not deter Mr. Kite as he pedaled through Hook-a-Gate, Annscroft and Lea Cross before reaching Polemere. Now the water level in Polemere was much lower than usual and the birds did not need to swim; they walked around upto their bellies in water.
In the grey light the birds were dull in colour but a pair of Common Buzzards kept harassing a pair of Grey Herons that dropped in. With less water the birds were concentrated in a smaller area and now that the young fledglings were growing feeding seemed more desperate and crucial.
Mr. Kite then returned to The Dwelling via Pontesbury and country lanes stopping to watch a family of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and listen to a Willow Tit. So Mr. Kite had an enjoyable time cycling and bird-watching and deserved his tipple of Leffe Brun. Cheers from The Bikingbirder.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. It was raining and the weather forecast was gloomy but today Mr. Kite was taking The Beast to Polemere.
So dressed in shorts and sandals Mr. Kite set off to Polemere. Along the roads he noticed the usual common birds; Wood Pigeons, Starlings, Blackbird etc. Occasionally the drizzle turned to rain but that did not deter Mr. Kite as he pedaled through Hook-a-Gate, Annscroft and Lea Cross before reaching Polemere. Now the water level in Polemere was much lower than usual and the birds did not need to swim; they walked around upto their bellies in water.
In the grey light the birds were dull in colour but a pair of Common Buzzards kept harassing a pair of Grey Herons that dropped in. With less water the birds were concentrated in a smaller area and now that the young fledglings were growing feeding seemed more desperate and crucial.
Mr. Kite then returned to The Dwelling via Pontesbury and country lanes stopping to watch a family of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and listen to a Willow Tit. So Mr. Kite had an enjoyable time cycling and bird-watching and deserved his tipple of Leffe Brun. Cheers from The Bikingbirder.
Friday 15 July 2011
Saturday 16th July (Pharoah's Chicken)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a dark grey sky. Two Wood Pigeons cooed from inside the thick green foliage of the Lime trees. The leaves moved slowly in the gentle breeze and rain looked likely.
Today Mr. Kite had a few plans that included a small time to watch birds. With rain bouncing off the window-sill Mr. Kite saw two Egyptian Vultures sitting near the bathroom. Now these were not real live vultures but a print mounted in a frame.
Many years ago Mr. Kite purchased Victorian engraved prints of birds that he wanted to see; these included Hoopoe, Bittern, Purple Heron and Egyptian Vulture. So that is the reason why Mr. Kite could see 'vultures on the landing'.
Now real live birds are pretty amazing to watch but real engravings and prints are pretty amazing because before the days of scopes, bins and photographs people watched, sketched and recorded birds in great detail. So Mr. Kite will describe the Egyptian Vultures on his print.
Two vultures sit on a forked branch; a white male with dark brown quills sits in the foreground. In the background a black/brown female sits facing the right. The male has yellow legs and bill. The fork that the male sits upon is pinky/brown whilst the females perch is tinged with green; probably a moss or lichen; a sign of the good quality of the air. The engraver of this fabulous picture is unknown but he was a real bird-watcher; a person who looked carefully and recorded detail.
Mr. Kite likes to learn and so should everyone. Dutch colonists called the Egyptian Vulture the ' White Crow'; Turks referred to it as 'Akbobas or White Father. These names are fun but Pharoah's Chicken beats them all. What a fabulous name; full of history, full of simple language and showing some affinity to the bird. Birds, bird-watching and bird history is fun; so enjoy.
Now Mr. Kite considers that we should acknowledge the feats of previous bird-watchers and naturalists. So Mr. Kite sipped a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen" and raised his glass to the Scottish engraver William Home Lizars and the editor of the Naturalists Library, Sir William Jardine, and of course you; anyone reading about birds and bird-watching; cheers. A good health to all 'Pharaoah's Chickens and Mr. Kite's tipple of 'Mr. Kite's Chicked', or 'Old Speckled Hen'.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a dark grey sky. Two Wood Pigeons cooed from inside the thick green foliage of the Lime trees. The leaves moved slowly in the gentle breeze and rain looked likely.
Today Mr. Kite had a few plans that included a small time to watch birds. With rain bouncing off the window-sill Mr. Kite saw two Egyptian Vultures sitting near the bathroom. Now these were not real live vultures but a print mounted in a frame.
Many years ago Mr. Kite purchased Victorian engraved prints of birds that he wanted to see; these included Hoopoe, Bittern, Purple Heron and Egyptian Vulture. So that is the reason why Mr. Kite could see 'vultures on the landing'.
Now real live birds are pretty amazing to watch but real engravings and prints are pretty amazing because before the days of scopes, bins and photographs people watched, sketched and recorded birds in great detail. So Mr. Kite will describe the Egyptian Vultures on his print.
Two vultures sit on a forked branch; a white male with dark brown quills sits in the foreground. In the background a black/brown female sits facing the right. The male has yellow legs and bill. The fork that the male sits upon is pinky/brown whilst the females perch is tinged with green; probably a moss or lichen; a sign of the good quality of the air. The engraver of this fabulous picture is unknown but he was a real bird-watcher; a person who looked carefully and recorded detail.
Mr. Kite likes to learn and so should everyone. Dutch colonists called the Egyptian Vulture the ' White Crow'; Turks referred to it as 'Akbobas or White Father. These names are fun but Pharoah's Chicken beats them all. What a fabulous name; full of history, full of simple language and showing some affinity to the bird. Birds, bird-watching and bird history is fun; so enjoy.
Now Mr. Kite considers that we should acknowledge the feats of previous bird-watchers and naturalists. So Mr. Kite sipped a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen" and raised his glass to the Scottish engraver William Home Lizars and the editor of the Naturalists Library, Sir William Jardine, and of course you; anyone reading about birds and bird-watching; cheers. A good health to all 'Pharaoah's Chickens and Mr. Kite's tipple of 'Mr. Kite's Chicked', or 'Old Speckled Hen'.
Friday 15th July (Bird-watching from an Armchair)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window as dawn was breaking. Grey clouds made the gloomy morning more gloomy. The road was silent and the birds were still sleeping although after a few minutes later two Swifts flew between some houses.
As Mr. Kite had repairs to be completed he worked all morning and then settled in his armchair to watch Etape 13 of Le Tour de France from Pau to Lourdes. Now Mr. Kite knows this area of The Pyrenees and it is spectacular. So settled in his armchair Mr. Kite watched 'the tour'. After one hour an interesting thing happened; the camera turned away from the cyclists and focused on a large group of Griffon Vultures feeding on a carcass. These large brown creatures were on a hillside and looked magnificent against the lush green grass. They bounded around the hill as they competed for flesh, guts and organs.
Then something more interesting happened the commentator said that he wanted to see an Egyptian Vulture. This made Mr. Kite more keen so he scanned the vultures looking for the 'smaller black and white bird'. Mr. Kite did not spot one before the camera returned to the race. Now that was a great moment.
So to celebrate the sighting of a Griffon Vulture and not spotting an Egyptian Vulture Mr. Kite had a dark tipple of Sadler's Mud City Stout. Cheers from Mr. Kite; a lover of The Pyrenees.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window as dawn was breaking. Grey clouds made the gloomy morning more gloomy. The road was silent and the birds were still sleeping although after a few minutes later two Swifts flew between some houses.
As Mr. Kite had repairs to be completed he worked all morning and then settled in his armchair to watch Etape 13 of Le Tour de France from Pau to Lourdes. Now Mr. Kite knows this area of The Pyrenees and it is spectacular. So settled in his armchair Mr. Kite watched 'the tour'. After one hour an interesting thing happened; the camera turned away from the cyclists and focused on a large group of Griffon Vultures feeding on a carcass. These large brown creatures were on a hillside and looked magnificent against the lush green grass. They bounded around the hill as they competed for flesh, guts and organs.
Then something more interesting happened the commentator said that he wanted to see an Egyptian Vulture. This made Mr. Kite more keen so he scanned the vultures looking for the 'smaller black and white bird'. Mr. Kite did not spot one before the camera returned to the race. Now that was a great moment.
So to celebrate the sighting of a Griffon Vulture and not spotting an Egyptian Vulture Mr. Kite had a dark tipple of Sadler's Mud City Stout. Cheers from Mr. Kite; a lover of The Pyrenees.
Thursday 14 July 2011
Thursday 14th July (Bastille Day, Swifts and The Tour)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a blue sunny sky. This was unusual in an English Summer. With a busy day ahead Mr. Kite could only bird-watch in his garden.
Enjoying a coffee in the back-garden Mr. Kite watched hundreds of Swifts flying quickly around the sky. Some Swifts were high, some low and some in groups. All the birds flew in a confined area of the sky. Now this lead Mr. Kite to wonder; how many Swifts are there over Shrewsbury, and how many Swifts migrated to Britain this year?
After working throughout the morning Mr. Kite settled in his chair to watch The Tour on Bastille Day. Two years ago Mr. Kite watched The Tour on Bastille Day outside Lourdes when the competitors also rode up the Col de Tourmelet. Now Bastille Day is a great day to watch The Tour because the spectators eat, drink and party before and after the race. So as a second best Mr. Kite sat in his living room and enjoyed The Stage.
In the evening Mr. Kite watched the Swifts flying over his back-garden and still had the same questions as he pondered over his cup of Tetley tea. Cheers to all those Swifts; soon to be returning back to where they came from.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a blue sunny sky. This was unusual in an English Summer. With a busy day ahead Mr. Kite could only bird-watch in his garden.
Enjoying a coffee in the back-garden Mr. Kite watched hundreds of Swifts flying quickly around the sky. Some Swifts were high, some low and some in groups. All the birds flew in a confined area of the sky. Now this lead Mr. Kite to wonder; how many Swifts are there over Shrewsbury, and how many Swifts migrated to Britain this year?
After working throughout the morning Mr. Kite settled in his chair to watch The Tour on Bastille Day. Two years ago Mr. Kite watched The Tour on Bastille Day outside Lourdes when the competitors also rode up the Col de Tourmelet. Now Bastille Day is a great day to watch The Tour because the spectators eat, drink and party before and after the race. So as a second best Mr. Kite sat in his living room and enjoyed The Stage.
In the evening Mr. Kite watched the Swifts flying over his back-garden and still had the same questions as he pondered over his cup of Tetley tea. Cheers to all those Swifts; soon to be returning back to where they came from.
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Wednesday 13th July (Less Work and More Bird-watching)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a dappled grey sky. It was neither rain nor shine but today Mr. Kite was having a few hours bird-watching with his 'birding companion'.
So at ten o'clock The Incapacitants started a birding competition. The guestimates were 'Mr. Kite's birding companion; forty two: Mr. Kite; forty five'. With Blackbird, Wood Pigeon and House Sparrow soon counted The Incapacitants reached The Rea Brook in Meole Village and a few more birds ticked off; then onto Sharpstone Quarry, Berrington Pool and Venus Pool.
To cut a long story short The Incapacitants had a good bike ride, watched some colourful birds including Common Whitethroats and Yellowhammer. The tally for the trip was thirty-one; so the competition was a draw.
Luckily The Incapacitants were responsible today and did not end up having a few pints. Mr. Kite went home and watched 'Etape 11 of Le Tour de France' before working on the kitchen sink.
After a good day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a dappled grey sky. It was neither rain nor shine but today Mr. Kite was having a few hours bird-watching with his 'birding companion'.
So at ten o'clock The Incapacitants started a birding competition. The guestimates were 'Mr. Kite's birding companion; forty two: Mr. Kite; forty five'. With Blackbird, Wood Pigeon and House Sparrow soon counted The Incapacitants reached The Rea Brook in Meole Village and a few more birds ticked off; then onto Sharpstone Quarry, Berrington Pool and Venus Pool.
To cut a long story short The Incapacitants had a good bike ride, watched some colourful birds including Common Whitethroats and Yellowhammer. The tally for the trip was thirty-one; so the competition was a draw.
Luckily The Incapacitants were responsible today and did not end up having a few pints. Mr. Kite went home and watched 'Etape 11 of Le Tour de France' before working on the kitchen sink.
After a good day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Monday 11 July 2011
Tuesday 12th July (More Work and Less Bird-watching)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky where there was no sign of the sun. The leaves on the Lime trees were still and they showed their age as they darkened every day and some fell off. Time was passing quickly this summer. But once again today Mr. Kite had work to do rather than cycle and bird-watch.
Now some bird-watchers have lists for the species they spot. These can be in the garden, a garden list; so Mr. Kite decided to have a list called, varnishing the kitchen sink list. So Mr. Kite kept one eye on the brush as he varnished the wooden structure and one eye on the bird life. The list was there; Wood Pigeon, Blackbird and Swift.
So to end the day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea as he watched a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew slowly across the sky. Cheers from a working man; not the usual bird-watcher.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky where there was no sign of the sun. The leaves on the Lime trees were still and they showed their age as they darkened every day and some fell off. Time was passing quickly this summer. But once again today Mr. Kite had work to do rather than cycle and bird-watch.
Now some bird-watchers have lists for the species they spot. These can be in the garden, a garden list; so Mr. Kite decided to have a list called, varnishing the kitchen sink list. So Mr. Kite kept one eye on the brush as he varnished the wooden structure and one eye on the bird life. The list was there; Wood Pigeon, Blackbird and Swift.
So to end the day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea as he watched a Lesser Black-backed Gull flew slowly across the sky. Cheers from a working man; not the usual bird-watcher.
Monday 11th July (Not Much Time for Birding)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a dull morning. Not even a Wood Pigeon made a noise this morning.
With work to be done Mr. Kite put the work-bench in the garden and spent the day repairing, varnishing and cleaning kitchen furniture. Today a Common Buzzard flew over Mr. Kite's garden with a mob of Swifts in tow. Blackbirds, a Mistle Thrush and a Collared Dove also made an appearance.
After a day of work Mr. Kite settled down to a Tetley's tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a dull morning. Not even a Wood Pigeon made a noise this morning.
With work to be done Mr. Kite put the work-bench in the garden and spent the day repairing, varnishing and cleaning kitchen furniture. Today a Common Buzzard flew over Mr. Kite's garden with a mob of Swifts in tow. Blackbirds, a Mistle Thrush and a Collared Dove also made an appearance.
After a day of work Mr. Kite settled down to a Tetley's tea. Cheers.
Saturday 9 July 2011
Sunday 10th July (Birds, Congregations and Churches)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and was mildly surprised to see some blue sky and leaves on the trees that were not moving. The air was still and two Wood Pigeons cooed, a Swift was flying overhead and a Goldfinch sat on the telephone wire.
In the calm early morning air Mr. Kite took the three bags of empty beer bottles to the recycling. Overhead groups of Swifts screeched as they flew between the buildings. Being aerodynamic they resembled jet fighters; dark, slim, short curved wings, fast and manoeuvrable in flight.
Near the recycling two young birds followed their parents. One was a Wood Pigeon; the youngster was more grey, although it's breast was a warmer pink, and it did not have the white flashes on it's neck. The other bird was a Robin; identified by it's shape and the spotted chest that has not yet turned red. A family of Blackbirds fed in the bushes.
Now being Sunday some birds seemed to congregate on religious buildings. Jackdaws sat on The Abbey Church and sixteen Black-headed Gulls were perched on the roof of The Congregational Church in Coleham. This made Mr. Kite think about what birds would be seen on The Christadelphian Church? So Mr. Kite walked along the road back to The Dwelling stopping to see if there were any birds on The Christadelphian Church and there was. One Feral Pigeon was sitting on the roof. Mr. Kite wondered if birds preferred to perch on a church on a Sunday. Talking of congregations; that is the collective noun for a number of plovers; a congregation of plovers.
Today Mr. Kite was very lazy and sat in the chair watching the television. But he did do some bird-watching while he watched stage 9 of 'le Tour de France' from Issoire to Saint Flour. On the road from Paulhac to Neuveglise Mr. Kite had watched Short-toed Eagles this year; so as the race went along these great roads Mr. Kite looked for those eagles. But he did not see them.
Not to be disappointed Mr. Kite had a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen"; Cheers from the lazy Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and was mildly surprised to see some blue sky and leaves on the trees that were not moving. The air was still and two Wood Pigeons cooed, a Swift was flying overhead and a Goldfinch sat on the telephone wire.
In the calm early morning air Mr. Kite took the three bags of empty beer bottles to the recycling. Overhead groups of Swifts screeched as they flew between the buildings. Being aerodynamic they resembled jet fighters; dark, slim, short curved wings, fast and manoeuvrable in flight.
Near the recycling two young birds followed their parents. One was a Wood Pigeon; the youngster was more grey, although it's breast was a warmer pink, and it did not have the white flashes on it's neck. The other bird was a Robin; identified by it's shape and the spotted chest that has not yet turned red. A family of Blackbirds fed in the bushes.
Now being Sunday some birds seemed to congregate on religious buildings. Jackdaws sat on The Abbey Church and sixteen Black-headed Gulls were perched on the roof of The Congregational Church in Coleham. This made Mr. Kite think about what birds would be seen on The Christadelphian Church? So Mr. Kite walked along the road back to The Dwelling stopping to see if there were any birds on The Christadelphian Church and there was. One Feral Pigeon was sitting on the roof. Mr. Kite wondered if birds preferred to perch on a church on a Sunday. Talking of congregations; that is the collective noun for a number of plovers; a congregation of plovers.
Today Mr. Kite was very lazy and sat in the chair watching the television. But he did do some bird-watching while he watched stage 9 of 'le Tour de France' from Issoire to Saint Flour. On the road from Paulhac to Neuveglise Mr. Kite had watched Short-toed Eagles this year; so as the race went along these great roads Mr. Kite looked for those eagles. But he did not see them.
Not to be disappointed Mr. Kite had a tipple of Morland "Old Speckled Hen"; Cheers from the lazy Mr. Kite.
Saturday 9th July (On the Finch)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto the Large-leaved Lime trees that swayed in the gentle breeze. The sun shone through a thin layer of cloud. Today the birds were silent.
Today Mr. Kite decided to be Mr. Lazy, Mr. Book-Worm, Mr. Bird-Watcher and Mr. Beer-Drinker; so that should make a good day. Mr. Lazy decided not to take The Beast for a trip in Sunny Salopia. Now Mr. Book-Worm read some columns in The Times including Simon Barnes writing about Terns. In this article Barnes refers to Terns as sea-swallows and Mr. Kite found this very interesting because Thomas Bewick, writing in the eighteenth century, referred to them as La Grande Hirondelle de Mer. In France the Swallow is called 'Hirondelle'; so there we have it a 'large sea-swallow'.
Mr. Book-Worm was very busy reading books, newspapers and reference books. Now Mr. Book-Worm read extracts from a book that was published in 1963 that mentioned Mr. Kite's garden and described identifying birds in the local area many years ago in 1911 when the author lived in The Dwelling with his parents and brothers; one of whom became a poet and soldier.
Now Mr. Kite likes stories, coincidence and associations; being a mathematical sort of person he may describe these as 'intersections'. Anyway Mr. Kite walked into the garden to find a bird to describe and write about it.
So one hundred years later Mr. Kite went into the garden to identify, and watch, birds. Instantly a species of bird flew into the garden and went into the small Pear tree. Now this was the first time that Mr. Kite had seen this species of bird in his garden although he had lived there was eighteen years. Thomas Bewick wrote, about this species of bird, 'they are always seen in pairs'. So in the the Pear tree were two Bullfinches in; not a Partridge in a Pear tree.
Thomas Bewick wrote, 'The bill is dusky; eyes black; the upper part of the head, the ring round the bill, and the origin of the neck fine glossy black; the back ash grey; breast an belly red; wings and tail black; the upper tail coverts and vent are white; legs dark brown. The female is very like the male, but the colours are less bright. What stood out today as Mr. Kite watched these birds in the Pear tree was the warm red colours on the breast and the white patch on the back. Having watched Bullfinches in his garden Mr. Kite felt satisfied with his short spell of being Mr. Bird-Watching.
So now it was time, it was past midday, to be Mr. Beer-Drinker. With a long day ahead Mr. Kite had filled the fridge with beer. Mr. Kites first tipple was a cool Theakston Old Peculier followed by another Old Peculiar. Cheers from Mr. Beer-Drinker who does not have to time to write anymore; only drink cool beer.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto the Large-leaved Lime trees that swayed in the gentle breeze. The sun shone through a thin layer of cloud. Today the birds were silent.
Today Mr. Kite decided to be Mr. Lazy, Mr. Book-Worm, Mr. Bird-Watcher and Mr. Beer-Drinker; so that should make a good day. Mr. Lazy decided not to take The Beast for a trip in Sunny Salopia. Now Mr. Book-Worm read some columns in The Times including Simon Barnes writing about Terns. In this article Barnes refers to Terns as sea-swallows and Mr. Kite found this very interesting because Thomas Bewick, writing in the eighteenth century, referred to them as La Grande Hirondelle de Mer. In France the Swallow is called 'Hirondelle'; so there we have it a 'large sea-swallow'.
Mr. Book-Worm was very busy reading books, newspapers and reference books. Now Mr. Book-Worm read extracts from a book that was published in 1963 that mentioned Mr. Kite's garden and described identifying birds in the local area many years ago in 1911 when the author lived in The Dwelling with his parents and brothers; one of whom became a poet and soldier.
Now Mr. Kite likes stories, coincidence and associations; being a mathematical sort of person he may describe these as 'intersections'. Anyway Mr. Kite walked into the garden to find a bird to describe and write about it.
So one hundred years later Mr. Kite went into the garden to identify, and watch, birds. Instantly a species of bird flew into the garden and went into the small Pear tree. Now this was the first time that Mr. Kite had seen this species of bird in his garden although he had lived there was eighteen years. Thomas Bewick wrote, about this species of bird, 'they are always seen in pairs'. So in the the Pear tree were two Bullfinches in; not a Partridge in a Pear tree.
Thomas Bewick wrote, 'The bill is dusky; eyes black; the upper part of the head, the ring round the bill, and the origin of the neck fine glossy black; the back ash grey; breast an belly red; wings and tail black; the upper tail coverts and vent are white; legs dark brown. The female is very like the male, but the colours are less bright. What stood out today as Mr. Kite watched these birds in the Pear tree was the warm red colours on the breast and the white patch on the back. Having watched Bullfinches in his garden Mr. Kite felt satisfied with his short spell of being Mr. Bird-Watching.
So now it was time, it was past midday, to be Mr. Beer-Drinker. With a long day ahead Mr. Kite had filled the fridge with beer. Mr. Kites first tipple was a cool Theakston Old Peculier followed by another Old Peculiar. Cheers from Mr. Beer-Drinker who does not have to time to write anymore; only drink cool beer.
Friday 8 July 2011
Friday 8th July (A Summer Morning in England)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw that the sky was grey and rain drops clung to the pane. This is England and summer. Looking into the Lime trees that line the road Mr. Kite was trying to decide whether they were Large-leaved Lime of Short-leaved Lime; both had remnants of yellow flowers.
With some bright spells forecast Mr. Kite planned a gentle cycle ride around lanes that he has not ridden down since the end of March. In the murk and gloom of a typical English summers day Mr. Kite cycled through Berrington and Eaton Mascot to Venus Pool. Only a few common birds were seen as they did not want to pop their heads up on this drizzly day.
On arriving at Venus Pool Mr. Kite saw three young birds on the water that he did not recognise. They were white underneath with a black/brown back and a unfinished dark cap. By elimination Mr. Kite knew these ducklings were not Mallards, Teals, Pochards etc.; partly because they were about the size of a slender Mallard. Just as Mr. Kite was thinking their parents appeared from around an isle; these ducklings were Shelduck. This is the first time Mr. Kite has ever seen a family of Shelduck at Venus Pool. When they all appeared there were five duckling or are they goslings. Whatever they were hungry and feeding.
This made Mr. Kite think about what other young birds he could see. Two young Great-cested Grebes swam in the middle of the pool and two Coots walked on an isle. Looking out of the hide window a young 'little brown thing' appeared that was impossible in that short time to identify. So Mr. Kite considers identifying fledglings, ducklings and goslings as something that can be difficult.
With the rain pouring down Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling along roads through Acton Burnell and Condover. The most colourful spot was a Yellowhammer that added colour to a drab day. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetleys tea. Cheers from a wet Saolpia on a summers day.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw that the sky was grey and rain drops clung to the pane. This is England and summer. Looking into the Lime trees that line the road Mr. Kite was trying to decide whether they were Large-leaved Lime of Short-leaved Lime; both had remnants of yellow flowers.
With some bright spells forecast Mr. Kite planned a gentle cycle ride around lanes that he has not ridden down since the end of March. In the murk and gloom of a typical English summers day Mr. Kite cycled through Berrington and Eaton Mascot to Venus Pool. Only a few common birds were seen as they did not want to pop their heads up on this drizzly day.
On arriving at Venus Pool Mr. Kite saw three young birds on the water that he did not recognise. They were white underneath with a black/brown back and a unfinished dark cap. By elimination Mr. Kite knew these ducklings were not Mallards, Teals, Pochards etc.; partly because they were about the size of a slender Mallard. Just as Mr. Kite was thinking their parents appeared from around an isle; these ducklings were Shelduck. This is the first time Mr. Kite has ever seen a family of Shelduck at Venus Pool. When they all appeared there were five duckling or are they goslings. Whatever they were hungry and feeding.
This made Mr. Kite think about what other young birds he could see. Two young Great-cested Grebes swam in the middle of the pool and two Coots walked on an isle. Looking out of the hide window a young 'little brown thing' appeared that was impossible in that short time to identify. So Mr. Kite considers identifying fledglings, ducklings and goslings as something that can be difficult.
With the rain pouring down Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling along roads through Acton Burnell and Condover. The most colourful spot was a Yellowhammer that added colour to a drab day. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetleys tea. Cheers from a wet Saolpia on a summers day.
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Thursday 7th July (Well and Truly Summer)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy morning. The trees that line the far side of the road were in full bloom and covered in dark leaves that moved this way and that way in the strong breeze. One lone Wood Pigeon cooed.
This was not like spring; the sky was darker and the dawn chorus had reduced to the occasional 'coo, coo, coo' of the Wood Pigeon. Even the Wood Pigeon could not be bothered to keep the song going and would fade out to silence in a most unenthusiastic manner.
This being an English Summer dull with the forecast of rain. A dull day start to the dull was made gloomier because Mr. Kite and His Lady planned to put flowers onto The Special Grave and another one nearby. So Mr. Kite thought about how to make the day brighter and more cheerful; perhaps just a spot of bird-watching.
Mr. Kite and His Lady visited St. Gregory the Great Church at Morville and tidied up The Special Grave and placed a bunch of Sunflowers on it. A Sunflower plant was growing on it and Goldfinches flew overhead whilst a 'gang of House Martins' harassed a Common Buzzard. A peaceful hour passed in quiet solitude.
Now whilst Mr. Kite might be the saddest man on the planet life has to go on. Today Mr. Kite was determined to watch birds so he entered the Church of Saint Gregory to watch two Swifts flying around the chancel, down the aisles and over the nave. Standing at the back of the church was The Verger armed with a 'landing net' trying to catch the flying torpedoes.
Having watched a Camden Council worker capture a Yellow Parakeet Mr. Kite was interested in the method used by a Church Verger to capture a Swift. Whereas The Parakeet Catcher was proactive with enticing orange slices The Swift Catching Church Verger stood still waiting for the Swift to fly near and then raise the 'landing net' and 'Bob's your Uncle'. Now Mr. Kite watched the method carefully looking for hints and tips on 'how to catch a Swift in the nave' but soon realised that this method was unlikely to succeed; so Mr. Kite and His Lady went back to The Dwelling.
Now Mr. Kite is a 'birder on a bike' so at six o'clock Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon for a short bird-watching trip. The last time Mr. Kite visited The Lagoon was March. Since then the reeds had grown tall, the leaves on the trees had hidden the branches and most importantly the bird life was just a few Mallards and a Mute Swan. Watching Mallards in eclipse and a Mute Swan with it's head under the water does not take too long.
Anyway after an interesting hour Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy morning. The trees that line the far side of the road were in full bloom and covered in dark leaves that moved this way and that way in the strong breeze. One lone Wood Pigeon cooed.
This was not like spring; the sky was darker and the dawn chorus had reduced to the occasional 'coo, coo, coo' of the Wood Pigeon. Even the Wood Pigeon could not be bothered to keep the song going and would fade out to silence in a most unenthusiastic manner.
This being an English Summer dull with the forecast of rain. A dull day start to the dull was made gloomier because Mr. Kite and His Lady planned to put flowers onto The Special Grave and another one nearby. So Mr. Kite thought about how to make the day brighter and more cheerful; perhaps just a spot of bird-watching.
Mr. Kite and His Lady visited St. Gregory the Great Church at Morville and tidied up The Special Grave and placed a bunch of Sunflowers on it. A Sunflower plant was growing on it and Goldfinches flew overhead whilst a 'gang of House Martins' harassed a Common Buzzard. A peaceful hour passed in quiet solitude.
Now whilst Mr. Kite might be the saddest man on the planet life has to go on. Today Mr. Kite was determined to watch birds so he entered the Church of Saint Gregory to watch two Swifts flying around the chancel, down the aisles and over the nave. Standing at the back of the church was The Verger armed with a 'landing net' trying to catch the flying torpedoes.
Having watched a Camden Council worker capture a Yellow Parakeet Mr. Kite was interested in the method used by a Church Verger to capture a Swift. Whereas The Parakeet Catcher was proactive with enticing orange slices The Swift Catching Church Verger stood still waiting for the Swift to fly near and then raise the 'landing net' and 'Bob's your Uncle'. Now Mr. Kite watched the method carefully looking for hints and tips on 'how to catch a Swift in the nave' but soon realised that this method was unlikely to succeed; so Mr. Kite and His Lady went back to The Dwelling.
Now Mr. Kite is a 'birder on a bike' so at six o'clock Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon for a short bird-watching trip. The last time Mr. Kite visited The Lagoon was March. Since then the reeds had grown tall, the leaves on the trees had hidden the branches and most importantly the bird life was just a few Mallards and a Mute Swan. Watching Mallards in eclipse and a Mute Swan with it's head under the water does not take too long.
Anyway after an interesting hour Mr. Kite returned to The Dwelling for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Friday 1 July 2011
Wednesday 6th July (Lazy Days)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the leaves on the trees turning more yellow. Mr. Kite was not expecting to see a Yellow Parakeet today although he did disturb a Red Robin that was walking by his front door.
Now today Mr. Kite was exceedingly lazy but he did watch Swifts screeching across the sky. Later Mr. Kite settled down to drink a cup of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the leaves on the trees turning more yellow. Mr. Kite was not expecting to see a Yellow Parakeet today although he did disturb a Red Robin that was walking by his front door.
Now today Mr. Kite was exceedingly lazy but he did watch Swifts screeching across the sky. Later Mr. Kite settled down to drink a cup of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Tuesday 5th July (How to Catch a Yellow Parakeet)
Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see two of everything. Now this was not a mirage or mirror image just the result of drinking too much cider, beer and red wine the previous day. Mr. Kite was very fortunate because it make Hampstead look twice as nice.
This was Mr. Kite's last chance to find a House Sparrow. So full of hope he walked around Hampstead peering into trees, bushes and onto expensive house roofs. Eventually he ended up at Swiss Cottage by a water feature. The sun had encouraged lots of young ladies to bring their children to the watery space. Mr. Kite enjoyed the scenery very much as he searched for a House Sparrow. In the water a Wood Pigeon bathed amongst a group of little children.
Mr. Kite then walked a little way along a path and there in a tree was a Yellow Parakeet. Now that was a great surprise to Mr. Kite. But this fine yellow specimen with a red beak was in full view on the end of a branch. This parakeet attracted quite a bit of attention and people left their work desks to come and view this large budgie. Mr. Kite decided that this must be an escapee and would not be added to his year list. Soon a Camden Council worker appeared and was intent on catching the bird.
So Mr. Kite will describe a method used to capture an escapee parakeet. Put on a high vis Camden Council jacket and put two orange slices on a white plate and place the food under the tree the Yellow Parakeet is perched in. Stand near the plate holding a blue towel. When the parakeet lands on the plate to eat the orange slices throw the blue towel over it. Then wrap the bird in the towel.
The Yellow Parakeet was soon captured and put in the council aviary. After such excitement Mr. Kite went back to Hampstead and caught Uncle Gus back to sunny Salopia. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Leffe Brun. Cheers from Salop where I bet a Yellow Parakeet is not perched in a tree.
Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see two of everything. Now this was not a mirage or mirror image just the result of drinking too much cider, beer and red wine the previous day. Mr. Kite was very fortunate because it make Hampstead look twice as nice.
This was Mr. Kite's last chance to find a House Sparrow. So full of hope he walked around Hampstead peering into trees, bushes and onto expensive house roofs. Eventually he ended up at Swiss Cottage by a water feature. The sun had encouraged lots of young ladies to bring their children to the watery space. Mr. Kite enjoyed the scenery very much as he searched for a House Sparrow. In the water a Wood Pigeon bathed amongst a group of little children.
Mr. Kite then walked a little way along a path and there in a tree was a Yellow Parakeet. Now that was a great surprise to Mr. Kite. But this fine yellow specimen with a red beak was in full view on the end of a branch. This parakeet attracted quite a bit of attention and people left their work desks to come and view this large budgie. Mr. Kite decided that this must be an escapee and would not be added to his year list. Soon a Camden Council worker appeared and was intent on catching the bird.
So Mr. Kite will describe a method used to capture an escapee parakeet. Put on a high vis Camden Council jacket and put two orange slices on a white plate and place the food under the tree the Yellow Parakeet is perched in. Stand near the plate holding a blue towel. When the parakeet lands on the plate to eat the orange slices throw the blue towel over it. Then wrap the bird in the towel.
The Yellow Parakeet was soon captured and put in the council aviary. After such excitement Mr. Kite went back to Hampstead and caught Uncle Gus back to sunny Salopia. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Leffe Brun. Cheers from Salop where I bet a Yellow Parakeet is not perched in a tree.
Monday 4th July (London Calling)
Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see expensive large house in Hampstead with finely pruned trees growing around them. Looking further along the street Mr. Kite could see neatly laid out front gardens with shrubs. This was suburbia; a very pleasant and peaceful suburbia near the centre of London.
Today Mr. Kite would continue his quest to find a House Sparrow in Hampstead. But first, after reading an article by Simon Barnes, Mr. Kite was going for a walk through Wimbledon Park to count the number of species he could spot; and hopefully see a House Sparrow.
So the birding experience started at Finchley Road tube station; notice the word Finchley. Sitting in a carraige traveling towards Westminster Mr. Kite was joined by a former tory chancellor who has a daughter who is often seen eating yummy food on the television. Seeing this person made Mr. Kite think of the latest bird, a jail-bird; a benefit cheat who sat in the same chamber as the ex chancellor.
Traveling over Putney Bridge Mr. Kite noticed a Common Gull sitting by the Thames. Wimbledon was still in tennis mode with tennis gifts and memorabelia everywhere; and surprisingly people playing tennis in the park. Mr. Kite then walked slowly around Wimbledon Park counting the number of species in one lap of the park. Starting at the terraced entrance and returning to the same point Mr. Kite counted eighteen species of bird including Green Woodpecker and Egytian Goose; yes Egyptian Goose in Wimbledon.
This number did not include House Sparrow so Mr. Kite still had plenty of time to spare before 'the tour' was on television so he walked around the park looking and listening more carefully. Now the park was busy with screaming children and sporty adolescents so the birds were not so forthcoming but Mr. Kite did hear Greenfinches and a short burst from what sounded like a Nightingale. Mr. Kite stopped and sat on a bench hoping the bird would sing again but it did not. Anyway did Mr. Kite see a House Sparrow?; the simple answer is not for certain. He heard them in the bushes just outside the park and he saw a bird similar in size to a sparrow fly from the park into the thick shrubbery.
Now after three hours Mr. Kite walked to the tube station at Southfields scouring trees, bushes and house roofs for the scarce House Sparrow without success. One hour later Mr. Kite was perched in front of a huge screen watching 'The Tour' in Walkabout on Finchley Road. To help him enjoy this thirsty past time Mr. Kite downed a few glasses of Strongbow cider. Mr. Kite has watched 'The Tour' live on a number of occasions but sitting in front of the large screen was as exciting. After a great finish to the race Mr. Kite went to Wetherspoons for a tipple of Marstons Old Empire and a London Pride. Cheers from a bird-watching, bike-watching and beer drinking Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of The Residence window to see expensive large house in Hampstead with finely pruned trees growing around them. Looking further along the street Mr. Kite could see neatly laid out front gardens with shrubs. This was suburbia; a very pleasant and peaceful suburbia near the centre of London.
Today Mr. Kite would continue his quest to find a House Sparrow in Hampstead. But first, after reading an article by Simon Barnes, Mr. Kite was going for a walk through Wimbledon Park to count the number of species he could spot; and hopefully see a House Sparrow.
So the birding experience started at Finchley Road tube station; notice the word Finchley. Sitting in a carraige traveling towards Westminster Mr. Kite was joined by a former tory chancellor who has a daughter who is often seen eating yummy food on the television. Seeing this person made Mr. Kite think of the latest bird, a jail-bird; a benefit cheat who sat in the same chamber as the ex chancellor.
Traveling over Putney Bridge Mr. Kite noticed a Common Gull sitting by the Thames. Wimbledon was still in tennis mode with tennis gifts and memorabelia everywhere; and surprisingly people playing tennis in the park. Mr. Kite then walked slowly around Wimbledon Park counting the number of species in one lap of the park. Starting at the terraced entrance and returning to the same point Mr. Kite counted eighteen species of bird including Green Woodpecker and Egytian Goose; yes Egyptian Goose in Wimbledon.
This number did not include House Sparrow so Mr. Kite still had plenty of time to spare before 'the tour' was on television so he walked around the park looking and listening more carefully. Now the park was busy with screaming children and sporty adolescents so the birds were not so forthcoming but Mr. Kite did hear Greenfinches and a short burst from what sounded like a Nightingale. Mr. Kite stopped and sat on a bench hoping the bird would sing again but it did not. Anyway did Mr. Kite see a House Sparrow?; the simple answer is not for certain. He heard them in the bushes just outside the park and he saw a bird similar in size to a sparrow fly from the park into the thick shrubbery.
Now after three hours Mr. Kite walked to the tube station at Southfields scouring trees, bushes and house roofs for the scarce House Sparrow without success. One hour later Mr. Kite was perched in front of a huge screen watching 'The Tour' in Walkabout on Finchley Road. To help him enjoy this thirsty past time Mr. Kite downed a few glasses of Strongbow cider. Mr. Kite has watched 'The Tour' live on a number of occasions but sitting in front of the large screen was as exciting. After a great finish to the race Mr. Kite went to Wetherspoons for a tipple of Marstons Old Empire and a London Pride. Cheers from a bird-watching, bike-watching and beer drinking Mr. Kite.
Sunday 3rd July (The Bus Trip)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a Blackbird ripping up the concrete forecourt of The Dwelling. Looking more closely Mr. Kite could see a square centimetre of soil where the boundary between next door had been damaged. Mr. Kite was pleased to see the broken concrete because it meant that the Blackbird was unlikely to break up the concrete on the front of Mr. Kite's house but you never know. Mr. Kite would not like to return to The Dwelling to find that a Blackbird had behaved like a pneumatic drill and dug up the forecourt.
Today Mr. Kite and His Lady were traveling to Hampstead on the bus for a stay in The Residence. Now after reading about the decline of The House Sparrow in London Mr. Kite was in search of this humble bird. So at one thirty, until five thirty, Mr. Kite sat in a Hampstead garden looking for House Sparrows whilst having the occasional tipple of Peroni, a great Italian lager. In those four hours Mr. Kite watched Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Wood Pigeons, Gold Finches, Robins and Wrens.
Just before five thirty Mr. Kite did spot a Sparrow of some description; however this was not a Sparrow but a Sparrowhawk gliding over Hampstead. Now Mr. Kite has concluded that the lack of House Sparrows is due to the Sparrowhawk eating them. But then Mr. Kite thought if the Sparrowhawk had eaten all the House Sparrows then he would go somewhere else to eat House Sparrows so there must be House Sparrows in Hampstead.
Mr. Kite had a very pleasant afternoon 'House Sparrow searching' and Peroni drinking but Mr. Kite drank more bottles of Peroni than the number of House Sparrows spotted. Now if Mr. Kite had spotted a flock of House Sparrows then that would be good news; 'lots of birds and lots of beer'. But zero House Sparrows and more bottles of Peroni consummed is not too good.
After a pleasant afternoon Mr. Kite went for a tipple in a nearby Wetherspoons pub. Drinking a few pints of Marstons Old Empire and Abbot Ale Mr. Kite felt refreshed and able to continue his quest to find a House Sparrow in Hampstead. Cheers from London.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a Blackbird ripping up the concrete forecourt of The Dwelling. Looking more closely Mr. Kite could see a square centimetre of soil where the boundary between next door had been damaged. Mr. Kite was pleased to see the broken concrete because it meant that the Blackbird was unlikely to break up the concrete on the front of Mr. Kite's house but you never know. Mr. Kite would not like to return to The Dwelling to find that a Blackbird had behaved like a pneumatic drill and dug up the forecourt.
Today Mr. Kite and His Lady were traveling to Hampstead on the bus for a stay in The Residence. Now after reading about the decline of The House Sparrow in London Mr. Kite was in search of this humble bird. So at one thirty, until five thirty, Mr. Kite sat in a Hampstead garden looking for House Sparrows whilst having the occasional tipple of Peroni, a great Italian lager. In those four hours Mr. Kite watched Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Wood Pigeons, Gold Finches, Robins and Wrens.
Just before five thirty Mr. Kite did spot a Sparrow of some description; however this was not a Sparrow but a Sparrowhawk gliding over Hampstead. Now Mr. Kite has concluded that the lack of House Sparrows is due to the Sparrowhawk eating them. But then Mr. Kite thought if the Sparrowhawk had eaten all the House Sparrows then he would go somewhere else to eat House Sparrows so there must be House Sparrows in Hampstead.
Mr. Kite had a very pleasant afternoon 'House Sparrow searching' and Peroni drinking but Mr. Kite drank more bottles of Peroni than the number of House Sparrows spotted. Now if Mr. Kite had spotted a flock of House Sparrows then that would be good news; 'lots of birds and lots of beer'. But zero House Sparrows and more bottles of Peroni consummed is not too good.
After a pleasant afternoon Mr. Kite went for a tipple in a nearby Wetherspoons pub. Drinking a few pints of Marstons Old Empire and Abbot Ale Mr. Kite felt refreshed and able to continue his quest to find a House Sparrow in Hampstead. Cheers from London.
Saturday 2nd July (Dawn: No Dawn Chorus)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a Goldfinch sitting on the top of a conifer in next doors front garden. With the sun rising Mr. Kite could make out the colours on this attractive bird. Now The Dwelling was creaking under the weight of bottles and cans of beer that had been consumed recently; so Mr. Kite packed them into bags and cycled to the local recycling point.
Being a bird-watcher on a bike Mr. Kite noticed a female Mallard sitting near the container for recycling bottles. Two things crossed Mr. Kite's mind; firstly how well camouflaged the female Mallard was against the chippings on the car park and why was she on her own?
Anyway Mr. Kite moved slowly near her because he did not want to disturb her. After Mr. Kite had put the bags of recycling on the ground Mrs. Mallard came over to watch Mr. Kite put empty cans of Tetley Bitter and Carlsberg lager into the container before he then put empty Leffe, Kronenbourg and Abbot Ale bottles into the glass recycling.
Mrs. Mallard was silent throughout this process although a Collared Dove watched and 'cooed' from a nearby lamp-post. When the carrier bags were empty Mrs. Mallard wandered to the middle of the car park and settled down for a snooze.
Now Mr. Kite was left wondering why a Mallard would come and watch someone put cans and bottles into the recycling?
Mr. Kite continued his bird-watching as he slowly cycled towards The Dwelling. Two common birds caught the attention of Mr. Kite: a Blackbird and a Wood Pigeon. Both these birds seemed to be collecting material to build nests. The Blackbird was collecting dried grass and the Wood Pigeon twigs. Mr. Kite hoped that these two birds had not left it too late in the season to rear a family of fledglings.
Today Mr. Kite is excited because it is the start of 'Le Tour de France'. Most years Mr. Kite can be found sitting in a chair on the roadside watching the race and the surrounding birds. Mr. Kite has sat waiting for the riders watching Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Booted Eagles and Golden Orioles. This year however Mr. Kite is going to perch on a chair and watch the race on television.
Mr. Kite likes reading. On a Saturday and Sunday Mr. Kite buys a broadsheet. Today Mr. Kite read an article by Simon Barnes that amongst other things mentioned the scarcity of House Sparrows in London. Now in March this year Mr. Kite read an article by Michael McCarthy, 'Why do sparrows thrive in America but not here?, based on some research by Denis Summers-Smith, the leading sparrow expert. As he was on his way to Hampstead Mr. Kite decided to find 'The Chirpy Cheeky Sparrer'. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite did not spot one House Sparrow in Hampstead during a four day stay.
Now Mr. Kite enjoyed reading this article: 'The Times; Saturday July 2nd 2011; page 24', because Mr. Kite has studied numbers for years and he is going to Hampstead in the morning.
Today was a busy day for Mr. Kite. Watching 'The Tour' from the comfort of an armchair was thirsty work. So Mr. Kite drank Kronenbourg, Abbots Ale and Leffe Brun. Cheers from that armchair.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a Goldfinch sitting on the top of a conifer in next doors front garden. With the sun rising Mr. Kite could make out the colours on this attractive bird. Now The Dwelling was creaking under the weight of bottles and cans of beer that had been consumed recently; so Mr. Kite packed them into bags and cycled to the local recycling point.
Being a bird-watcher on a bike Mr. Kite noticed a female Mallard sitting near the container for recycling bottles. Two things crossed Mr. Kite's mind; firstly how well camouflaged the female Mallard was against the chippings on the car park and why was she on her own?
Anyway Mr. Kite moved slowly near her because he did not want to disturb her. After Mr. Kite had put the bags of recycling on the ground Mrs. Mallard came over to watch Mr. Kite put empty cans of Tetley Bitter and Carlsberg lager into the container before he then put empty Leffe, Kronenbourg and Abbot Ale bottles into the glass recycling.
Mrs. Mallard was silent throughout this process although a Collared Dove watched and 'cooed' from a nearby lamp-post. When the carrier bags were empty Mrs. Mallard wandered to the middle of the car park and settled down for a snooze.
Now Mr. Kite was left wondering why a Mallard would come and watch someone put cans and bottles into the recycling?
Mr. Kite continued his bird-watching as he slowly cycled towards The Dwelling. Two common birds caught the attention of Mr. Kite: a Blackbird and a Wood Pigeon. Both these birds seemed to be collecting material to build nests. The Blackbird was collecting dried grass and the Wood Pigeon twigs. Mr. Kite hoped that these two birds had not left it too late in the season to rear a family of fledglings.
Today Mr. Kite is excited because it is the start of 'Le Tour de France'. Most years Mr. Kite can be found sitting in a chair on the roadside watching the race and the surrounding birds. Mr. Kite has sat waiting for the riders watching Griffon Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Booted Eagles and Golden Orioles. This year however Mr. Kite is going to perch on a chair and watch the race on television.
Mr. Kite likes reading. On a Saturday and Sunday Mr. Kite buys a broadsheet. Today Mr. Kite read an article by Simon Barnes that amongst other things mentioned the scarcity of House Sparrows in London. Now in March this year Mr. Kite read an article by Michael McCarthy, 'Why do sparrows thrive in America but not here?, based on some research by Denis Summers-Smith, the leading sparrow expert. As he was on his way to Hampstead Mr. Kite decided to find 'The Chirpy Cheeky Sparrer'. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite did not spot one House Sparrow in Hampstead during a four day stay.
Now Mr. Kite enjoyed reading this article: 'The Times; Saturday July 2nd 2011; page 24', because Mr. Kite has studied numbers for years and he is going to Hampstead in the morning.
Today was a busy day for Mr. Kite. Watching 'The Tour' from the comfort of an armchair was thirsty work. So Mr. Kite drank Kronenbourg, Abbots Ale and Leffe Brun. Cheers from that armchair.
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