Tuesday 4th September (Home)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window.
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Saturday 1st October (A New Month and a Procession of Gulls)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sunny morning. Soon Mr. Kite and His Lady were perched on top of a cliff in The Wirral Country Park. Mr. Kite looked out of the expanse of water as it grew in size as the tide rose. Flocks of common redshanks flew to the southern end of the estuary to sit on the grass and feed in the muddy ravines that were filling with water. Shelducks flew around in flocks and out of sight.
But most interestingly the gulls just sat on the water and were carried at about five miles per hour past Mr. Kite. This was a procession of gulls sitting in a line and floating past like a carnival. With their heads pointing in the direction of travel Mr. Kite had plenty of time to observe the features of black-headed, common, herring, lesser black-backs and greater black-backs. Sitting still on the water Mr. Kite had the opportunity to study the bills, the shape, the plumage and the different markings of older gulls, younger gulls and difficult to identify gulls. Soon Mr. Kite was picking out the species of gulls easily.
Then it was time to study the gulls that glided past looking at the underside plumage and topside plumage and wing patterns. On this fine sunny day surrounded by Liver Birds Mr. Kite had a fabulous day identifying birds.
After a great day mr. Kite settled down for a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sunny morning. Soon Mr. Kite and His Lady were perched on top of a cliff in The Wirral Country Park. Mr. Kite looked out of the expanse of water as it grew in size as the tide rose. Flocks of common redshanks flew to the southern end of the estuary to sit on the grass and feed in the muddy ravines that were filling with water. Shelducks flew around in flocks and out of sight.
But most interestingly the gulls just sat on the water and were carried at about five miles per hour past Mr. Kite. This was a procession of gulls sitting in a line and floating past like a carnival. With their heads pointing in the direction of travel Mr. Kite had plenty of time to observe the features of black-headed, common, herring, lesser black-backs and greater black-backs. Sitting still on the water Mr. Kite had the opportunity to study the bills, the shape, the plumage and the different markings of older gulls, younger gulls and difficult to identify gulls. Soon Mr. Kite was picking out the species of gulls easily.
Then it was time to study the gulls that glided past looking at the underside plumage and topside plumage and wing patterns. On this fine sunny day surrounded by Liver Birds Mr. Kite had a fabulous day identifying birds.
After a great day mr. Kite settled down for a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red. Cheers.
Friday 30th September (Waders, Watching and Wychwood)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw a bright blue sky that included the great big round currant bun. After a leisurely breakfast Mr. Kite and His Lady walked the short distance to a clifftop in the Wirral Country Park.
With The Superscope in place Mr. Kite scoured the estuary to watch waders, gawp at gulls, contemplate curlews and stare at a swallow. Now this was a lazy day bird-watching that included sun-bathing and coffee and admiring all those liver birds that strutted past.
This was a great day and so was the tipple of Wychwood Brewery Scarecrow. Cheers to each and every bird that made my day great.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw a bright blue sky that included the great big round currant bun. After a leisurely breakfast Mr. Kite and His Lady walked the short distance to a clifftop in the Wirral Country Park.
With The Superscope in place Mr. Kite scoured the estuary to watch waders, gawp at gulls, contemplate curlews and stare at a swallow. Now this was a lazy day bird-watching that included sun-bathing and coffee and admiring all those liver birds that strutted past.
This was a great day and so was the tipple of Wychwood Brewery Scarecrow. Cheers to each and every bird that made my day great.
Thursday 29th September (The Wirral)
Mr. Kite looked out of His Bedroom window into the dying leaves of the lime trees. At nine o'clock Mr. Kite and His Lady were traveling to The Wirral for a few days. Two hours later Mr. Kite and His Lady stopped by The Marina in West Kirby where they strolled along the sea-front looking at turnstones, black-headed gulls and starlings. The tide was rising and the paths were flooding and the temperature was warming up.
To end the day Mr. Kite and His Lady sat on a bench watching the sun disappear over Wales as The Dee Estuary darkened as night replaced day and the birds could be heard but not seen. Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a tipple of Becks. Cheers from The Wirral.
Mr. Kite looked out of His Bedroom window into the dying leaves of the lime trees. At nine o'clock Mr. Kite and His Lady were traveling to The Wirral for a few days. Two hours later Mr. Kite and His Lady stopped by The Marina in West Kirby where they strolled along the sea-front looking at turnstones, black-headed gulls and starlings. The tide was rising and the paths were flooding and the temperature was warming up.
To end the day Mr. Kite and His Lady sat on a bench watching the sun disappear over Wales as The Dee Estuary darkened as night replaced day and the birds could be heard but not seen. Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a tipple of Becks. Cheers from The Wirral.
Wednesday 28th September (Polemere)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. With a trip planned and some grave clearing to do Mr. Kite just looked out of his bedroom window. Polemere was visited and one lonely green sandpiper spotted before Mr. Kite and His Lady arrived at Morville.
St. Gregory's Church is not the best place on earth, but today it was. A bunch of flowers, a piece of fruit and a load of memories were remembered as the sun sank slowly in the west. In the warm air a flock of lesser black-backed gulls flew south.
In the calm tranquil grave yard a star was remembered. A star who laughed, a star who made everyone happy; a star whose infectious joviality was only a memory, but that star still shone.
Mr. Kite went home and had a tipple of Becks. Cheers to memories.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. With a trip planned and some grave clearing to do Mr. Kite just looked out of his bedroom window. Polemere was visited and one lonely green sandpiper spotted before Mr. Kite and His Lady arrived at Morville.
St. Gregory's Church is not the best place on earth, but today it was. A bunch of flowers, a piece of fruit and a load of memories were remembered as the sun sank slowly in the west. In the warm air a flock of lesser black-backed gulls flew south.
In the calm tranquil grave yard a star was remembered. A star who laughed, a star who made everyone happy; a star whose infectious joviality was only a memory, but that star still shone.
Mr. Kite went home and had a tipple of Becks. Cheers to memories.
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Tuesday 27th September (From Norfolk to Salop)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a swirling autumnal mist with a hint that the sun would soon brighten up the sky. In the warm sunshine Mr. Kite and His Lady drove home. In the evening Mr. Kite had a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a swirling autumnal mist with a hint that the sun would soon brighten up the sky. In the warm sunshine Mr. Kite and His Lady drove home. In the evening Mr. Kite had a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Monday 26th September (Four Quid, Four Year Ticks and Feeding Skuas)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a blackbird feeding on the green grass of Fakenham Racecourse. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady were going to Titchwell on a bird-watching expedition with The Superscope.
The sky was cloudy and some drizzle was in the air but the forecast was good. As Mr. Kite drove The Joint through Burnham Market the sun appeared and the clouds disappeared. So in the warm autumn sun Mr. Kite and His Lady strolled in the calm air in Titchwell.
Now the start of the walk was very quiet; more people than birds but a water vole did pop it's head up. Setting up The Superscope Mr. Kite and His Lady watched common redshanks, lapwings, wigeon, shoveler and the usual but also two shiny white little stints with golden backs shining in the sun. Mr. Kite and His Lady enjoyed the spectacle of a flock of brent geese landing and paddling around in a wet area. These chunky dark geese had a shiny black sheen in the sun.
A hobby and a kestrel made a brief rapturous appearance; but then it was time for the sea-side. Mr. Kite focused The Superscope out to sea where gannets dived, gulls fed and common scoters just flew past. The sandwich terns dived and dived and dived. magically this attracted the attention of the passing buccaneers; the notorious arctic skuas. Now these naughty birds are exciting, acrobatic, aerobatic bastards. Fabulous in flight, bad in behaviour and wonderful to watch these pirates of the sky, thieves of the sea ambushed the terns chasing them until they disgorged their food. Accelerating from slow to fast in seconds, turning through three sixty in a flash, climbing from sea level to thirty feet effortlessly the terns had little chance of eating their hard gained food. These honing missiles followed every twist and turn of the sandwich. With intrepid determination nothing escaped the pursuing skuas.
Mr. Kite enjoyed the skuas and His Lady enjoyed the fat grey seal that stalked the shoreline. After many hours it was time to go, but just enough time to watch a friendly reed bunting.
Cheers from Mr. Kite who is enjoying a Holt Humdinger.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a blackbird feeding on the green grass of Fakenham Racecourse. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady were going to Titchwell on a bird-watching expedition with The Superscope.
The sky was cloudy and some drizzle was in the air but the forecast was good. As Mr. Kite drove The Joint through Burnham Market the sun appeared and the clouds disappeared. So in the warm autumn sun Mr. Kite and His Lady strolled in the calm air in Titchwell.
Now the start of the walk was very quiet; more people than birds but a water vole did pop it's head up. Setting up The Superscope Mr. Kite and His Lady watched common redshanks, lapwings, wigeon, shoveler and the usual but also two shiny white little stints with golden backs shining in the sun. Mr. Kite and His Lady enjoyed the spectacle of a flock of brent geese landing and paddling around in a wet area. These chunky dark geese had a shiny black sheen in the sun.
A hobby and a kestrel made a brief rapturous appearance; but then it was time for the sea-side. Mr. Kite focused The Superscope out to sea where gannets dived, gulls fed and common scoters just flew past. The sandwich terns dived and dived and dived. magically this attracted the attention of the passing buccaneers; the notorious arctic skuas. Now these naughty birds are exciting, acrobatic, aerobatic bastards. Fabulous in flight, bad in behaviour and wonderful to watch these pirates of the sky, thieves of the sea ambushed the terns chasing them until they disgorged their food. Accelerating from slow to fast in seconds, turning through three sixty in a flash, climbing from sea level to thirty feet effortlessly the terns had little chance of eating their hard gained food. These honing missiles followed every twist and turn of the sandwich. With intrepid determination nothing escaped the pursuing skuas.
Mr. Kite enjoyed the skuas and His Lady enjoyed the fat grey seal that stalked the shoreline. After many hours it was time to go, but just enough time to watch a friendly reed bunting.
Cheers from Mr. Kite who is enjoying a Holt Humdinger.
Sunday 25th September (The Ostrich)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw a black-headed gull whizz past. On this pleasant day Mr. Kite sat about reading and watching small flocks of pied wagtails feeding on the ground and large flocks of linnets bob along through the air.
Now these small birds were very interesting but Mr. Kite had other plans and decided to find a much larger bird; an Ostrich. So Mr. Kite took The Beast along Norfolk lanes towards North Creake. Surprisingly at South Creake Mr. Kite spotted The Ostrich looking fine and welcoming. So a few minutes later Mr. Kite was enjoying a pint of Woodeford's Wherry. Cheers from The Ostrich.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window and saw a black-headed gull whizz past. On this pleasant day Mr. Kite sat about reading and watching small flocks of pied wagtails feeding on the ground and large flocks of linnets bob along through the air.
Now these small birds were very interesting but Mr. Kite had other plans and decided to find a much larger bird; an Ostrich. So Mr. Kite took The Beast along Norfolk lanes towards North Creake. Surprisingly at South Creake Mr. Kite spotted The Ostrich looking fine and welcoming. So a few minutes later Mr. Kite was enjoying a pint of Woodeford's Wherry. Cheers from The Ostrich.
Saturday 24th September (The Five O'Clock at Fakenham)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a pied wagtail; one of the many that live on Fakenham Racecourse. Mr. Kite had a lazy day sitting in the warm autumn sunshine reading the paper and napping to retain his energy for the five o'clock at Fakenham.
So at five Mr. Kite was on the starting line for the one circuit bird-watching handicap around the course. Mr. Kite had cleaned his binoculars and checked his notebook and pen. On the stroke of five when the church bell in Fakenham struck Mr. Kite was off looking and noting species of birds. Just after the start it was pied wagtail, stock dove, carrion crow and linnet. Passing the one furlong marker it was house sparrow and a running hare. It was a quiet period for the next period with collared dove and rook. The three furlong marker was passed where lesser black-backed gull flew over. Four furlong out revealed black-headed and common gull. After the five furlong marker a jackdaw was feeding amongst a flock of sheep. Six furlongs out a few quacks were heard and then Mr. Kite noticed a pond on the golf course where two mallards bobbed about. At the seven furlong marker a greater spotted woodpecker was heard but not seen and then the final furlong. Scouring the trees, bushes, buildings and the sky Mr. Kite ticked off goldfinch, chaffinch and mistle thrush and a wedding party before crossing the finishing line. So the result of the five o'clock at Fakenham was fifteen birds, one hare, plenty of sheep and drunken revelers at a wedding.
As a reward Mr. Kite returned to The Joint; put his equipment away and had a tipple of Holts Humdinger. Cheers from the course winner at Fakenham.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a pied wagtail; one of the many that live on Fakenham Racecourse. Mr. Kite had a lazy day sitting in the warm autumn sunshine reading the paper and napping to retain his energy for the five o'clock at Fakenham.
So at five Mr. Kite was on the starting line for the one circuit bird-watching handicap around the course. Mr. Kite had cleaned his binoculars and checked his notebook and pen. On the stroke of five when the church bell in Fakenham struck Mr. Kite was off looking and noting species of birds. Just after the start it was pied wagtail, stock dove, carrion crow and linnet. Passing the one furlong marker it was house sparrow and a running hare. It was a quiet period for the next period with collared dove and rook. The three furlong marker was passed where lesser black-backed gull flew over. Four furlong out revealed black-headed and common gull. After the five furlong marker a jackdaw was feeding amongst a flock of sheep. Six furlongs out a few quacks were heard and then Mr. Kite noticed a pond on the golf course where two mallards bobbed about. At the seven furlong marker a greater spotted woodpecker was heard but not seen and then the final furlong. Scouring the trees, bushes, buildings and the sky Mr. Kite ticked off goldfinch, chaffinch and mistle thrush and a wedding party before crossing the finishing line. So the result of the five o'clock at Fakenham was fifteen birds, one hare, plenty of sheep and drunken revelers at a wedding.
As a reward Mr. Kite returned to The Joint; put his equipment away and had a tipple of Holts Humdinger. Cheers from the course winner at Fakenham.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Thursday 22nd September (Titchwell; Wager on a Wader and a Wren in the Fen)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a betting booth. Now Mr. Kite was not going to have a bet today but he was about to wager on a wader at Titchwell. So with The Beast packed Mr. Kite cycled the eighteen miles to Titchwell.
With nearly as many people at Titchwell as birds Mr. Kite started to watch birds. Firstly tree sparrows and greenfinches on the feeders. A solitary wren in The Fen Hide; wren in the fen. From the main hides Mr. Kites wager on the waders paid off and lots of redshank, a few little stints and a lone grey plover waded in the shallow water.
On this pleasant day Mr. Kite headed to the sea at the end of the walkway passing flocks of tieticks and linnets flitting around in the autumnal air. The sea was calm and the tide ebbing; along the waters edge a line of sanderling ran quickly avoiding the lapping water as they fed. In The Wash the feeding sandwich terns and gannets was more dramatic; this was not dainty feeding but head first diving into the water. The terns were enjoying their last days in Blighty before returning to warmer climates and the mixed aged gannets just practiced their trade; diving onto fish.
Now the view out to sea was better than watching an episode of David Attenborough's life on earth on the television. Mr. Kite looked out onto a changing vista where birds flew across the skyline; over the horizon; from left to right skimming over the sea; right to left skimming over the sea; and just flying.
Talking to himself, so as not to appear bonkers to the other birders, Mr. Kite whispered, 'Gannets, sandwich tern, herring gull, dunlin, sanderling; blimey four red-throated divers; wow'. With wings beating quickly showing white diamonds the four divers flew from right to left and out of sight.
With eighteen miles to cycle Mr. Kite packed his bags and set course for Fakenham and The Joint. Two hours later Mr. Kite was celebrating a good day with a few Courage Best Bitters. Cheers from a saddle sore Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a betting booth. Now Mr. Kite was not going to have a bet today but he was about to wager on a wader at Titchwell. So with The Beast packed Mr. Kite cycled the eighteen miles to Titchwell.
With nearly as many people at Titchwell as birds Mr. Kite started to watch birds. Firstly tree sparrows and greenfinches on the feeders. A solitary wren in The Fen Hide; wren in the fen. From the main hides Mr. Kites wager on the waders paid off and lots of redshank, a few little stints and a lone grey plover waded in the shallow water.
On this pleasant day Mr. Kite headed to the sea at the end of the walkway passing flocks of tieticks and linnets flitting around in the autumnal air. The sea was calm and the tide ebbing; along the waters edge a line of sanderling ran quickly avoiding the lapping water as they fed. In The Wash the feeding sandwich terns and gannets was more dramatic; this was not dainty feeding but head first diving into the water. The terns were enjoying their last days in Blighty before returning to warmer climates and the mixed aged gannets just practiced their trade; diving onto fish.
Now the view out to sea was better than watching an episode of David Attenborough's life on earth on the television. Mr. Kite looked out onto a changing vista where birds flew across the skyline; over the horizon; from left to right skimming over the sea; right to left skimming over the sea; and just flying.
Talking to himself, so as not to appear bonkers to the other birders, Mr. Kite whispered, 'Gannets, sandwich tern, herring gull, dunlin, sanderling; blimey four red-throated divers; wow'. With wings beating quickly showing white diamonds the four divers flew from right to left and out of sight.
With eighteen miles to cycle Mr. Kite packed his bags and set course for Fakenham and The Joint. Two hours later Mr. Kite was celebrating a good day with a few Courage Best Bitters. Cheers from a saddle sore Mr. Kite.
Wednesday 21st September (Puddings and a Ploughmans' Lunch)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a racecourse where only linnets and pied wagtails were racing. Today the breeze was from the south-west so Mr. Kite cycled south-west through Pudding Norton to Litcham Common. To cut a long story short the common was bare; hardly a bird fluttered or an animal trotted.
But the surrounding fields were different. Now that the harvest was safe in the silos the local farmers ploughed the field followed by thousands of gulls diving onto creature turned over by the machinery. The gulls could not have had an easier meal; fat juicy worms lying on the earth. A feast of a sight and a gulls' feast. Thousands of white gulls gorging themselves; large white blobs on the shiny brown clean earth. Mr. Kite thought what a 'ploughmans' lunch'.
Mr. Kite then cycled to Hoes Rough to bird-watch. Now here Mr. Kite watched a common buzzard, long-tailed tit and colourful bullfinch. The orchids had long gone and so had the song-birds but Mr. Kite thought it a peaceful place.
In the late afternoon the air was warm so Mr. Kite stopped at North Elmsham Chapel for a bit of history before cycling the last leg of the trip back to Fakenham. Stock doves and a sparrowhawk made the ride more interesting.
This feasting made Mr. Kite thirsty so he returned to The Joint for a Wychwood Scarecrow. Cheers to all those farmers feeding those greedy gulls on a perfect ploughmans' lunch.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto a racecourse where only linnets and pied wagtails were racing. Today the breeze was from the south-west so Mr. Kite cycled south-west through Pudding Norton to Litcham Common. To cut a long story short the common was bare; hardly a bird fluttered or an animal trotted.
But the surrounding fields were different. Now that the harvest was safe in the silos the local farmers ploughed the field followed by thousands of gulls diving onto creature turned over by the machinery. The gulls could not have had an easier meal; fat juicy worms lying on the earth. A feast of a sight and a gulls' feast. Thousands of white gulls gorging themselves; large white blobs on the shiny brown clean earth. Mr. Kite thought what a 'ploughmans' lunch'.
Mr. Kite then cycled to Hoes Rough to bird-watch. Now here Mr. Kite watched a common buzzard, long-tailed tit and colourful bullfinch. The orchids had long gone and so had the song-birds but Mr. Kite thought it a peaceful place.
In the late afternoon the air was warm so Mr. Kite stopped at North Elmsham Chapel for a bit of history before cycling the last leg of the trip back to Fakenham. Stock doves and a sparrowhawk made the ride more interesting.
This feasting made Mr. Kite thirsty so he returned to The Joint for a Wychwood Scarecrow. Cheers to all those farmers feeding those greedy gulls on a perfect ploughmans' lunch.
Tuesday 20th September (Racing to Fakenham)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the fir trees surrounding the camp site. A jay flew over.
Today Mr. Kite and His Lady drove to Fakenham Racecourse and parked on pitch 102 overlooking The Racecourse. Flocks of pied wagtails and linnets flew around. In the warm autumnal air Mr. Kite enjoyed watching common birds and enjoyed a tipple of Becks. Cheers from The Racecourse.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the fir trees surrounding the camp site. A jay flew over.
Today Mr. Kite and His Lady drove to Fakenham Racecourse and parked on pitch 102 overlooking The Racecourse. Flocks of pied wagtails and linnets flew around. In the warm autumnal air Mr. Kite enjoyed watching common birds and enjoyed a tipple of Becks. Cheers from The Racecourse.
Monday 19th September (Waders, Wash and Wow)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the fir trees on The Sandringham Estate. Thankfully no royals appeared to spoil Mr. Kites day. After breakfast Mr. Kite took The Superscope to Snettisham.
The first thing Mr. Kite noticed about this Monday morning at Snettisham was that it was full of birds and no people. So The Superscope was set up and Mr. Kite looked around identifying knots, avocets, etc. Now on this pleasant quiet day Mr. Kite sat down on the foreshore distinguishing black-tailed godwits from bar-tailed godwits; length of legs, straight or slightly up turned bill. shape, tail colour. Soon Mr. Kite was good at identifying each quickly. Then it was the waders turn; could he find a spotted redshank amongst the common redshank; the answer was no. But then it was look carefully at the knots; different plumage shades, length of beaks, leg colour. With birds readily identified on the ground it was then time to study birds in flight. Firstly look for the white patches on the back or the wings; try to see how far the legs protrude from the tail. So Mr. Kite identifying skills improved as morning turned to afternoon.
With eyes tiring Mr. Kite went to a hide overlooking some inland water to identify the ducks and geese. Greenshanks and lapwings waded near the mallard, teal, wigeon, tufted duck, shoveler, barnacle geese and greylags. At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite cycled back through Ingoldisthorpe, Shernbourne and Anmer searching the fields for grey partridge; none were spotted but a hedgerow full of yellowhammers and reed buntings was impressive.
Following a busy day Mr. Kite settled down to enjoy a tipple of Martons Old Empire. Cheers from the bird-watchers Mecca of East Anglia.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into the fir trees on The Sandringham Estate. Thankfully no royals appeared to spoil Mr. Kites day. After breakfast Mr. Kite took The Superscope to Snettisham.
The first thing Mr. Kite noticed about this Monday morning at Snettisham was that it was full of birds and no people. So The Superscope was set up and Mr. Kite looked around identifying knots, avocets, etc. Now on this pleasant quiet day Mr. Kite sat down on the foreshore distinguishing black-tailed godwits from bar-tailed godwits; length of legs, straight or slightly up turned bill. shape, tail colour. Soon Mr. Kite was good at identifying each quickly. Then it was the waders turn; could he find a spotted redshank amongst the common redshank; the answer was no. But then it was look carefully at the knots; different plumage shades, length of beaks, leg colour. With birds readily identified on the ground it was then time to study birds in flight. Firstly look for the white patches on the back or the wings; try to see how far the legs protrude from the tail. So Mr. Kite identifying skills improved as morning turned to afternoon.
With eyes tiring Mr. Kite went to a hide overlooking some inland water to identify the ducks and geese. Greenshanks and lapwings waded near the mallard, teal, wigeon, tufted duck, shoveler, barnacle geese and greylags. At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite cycled back through Ingoldisthorpe, Shernbourne and Anmer searching the fields for grey partridge; none were spotted but a hedgerow full of yellowhammers and reed buntings was impressive.
Following a busy day Mr. Kite settled down to enjoy a tipple of Martons Old Empire. Cheers from the bird-watchers Mecca of East Anglia.
Sunday 18 September 2011
Sunday 18th September (Mud, Birds and Trespass)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the misty autumnal morning hide the fir trees in the forest on the tax payers estate in Sandringham. With geese flying over in v formation and wood pigeons on the ground Mr. Kite packed The Beast with The Superscope and cycled to Snettisham.
When Mr. Kite arrived on the shore of The Wash the tide was just beginning to ebb. Looking up Mr. Kite noticed two swifts flying south; now that was pretty exciting two late swifts. Now on the foreshore Mr. Kite focused on greater black-backed gulls, herring gulls, lesser black-backed gulls and black-headed gulls. A flock of Egytian Geese sat on a grassy mound. Little egrets waded in the shallows eating small fish.
Looking along the shore six curlew sandpipers were located near dunlins, grey plovers and grey herons. Cormorants flew along and a large flock of linnets flew around the grassy edge of The Wash. As the water level dropped a large flock of golden plover landed on a nearly uncovered mudbank. This huge flock changed the texture of the mudbank as it now appeared brown with browny golden lumps evenly spaced over it. A few hours later Mr. Kite trespassed down the private road and back to The Joint.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite sat in the warm sunshine reading the paper watching great tits, blue tits and a goldcrest. Soon it was time to enjoy a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a relaxing Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the misty autumnal morning hide the fir trees in the forest on the tax payers estate in Sandringham. With geese flying over in v formation and wood pigeons on the ground Mr. Kite packed The Beast with The Superscope and cycled to Snettisham.
When Mr. Kite arrived on the shore of The Wash the tide was just beginning to ebb. Looking up Mr. Kite noticed two swifts flying south; now that was pretty exciting two late swifts. Now on the foreshore Mr. Kite focused on greater black-backed gulls, herring gulls, lesser black-backed gulls and black-headed gulls. A flock of Egytian Geese sat on a grassy mound. Little egrets waded in the shallows eating small fish.
Looking along the shore six curlew sandpipers were located near dunlins, grey plovers and grey herons. Cormorants flew along and a large flock of linnets flew around the grassy edge of The Wash. As the water level dropped a large flock of golden plover landed on a nearly uncovered mudbank. This huge flock changed the texture of the mudbank as it now appeared brown with browny golden lumps evenly spaced over it. A few hours later Mr. Kite trespassed down the private road and back to The Joint.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite sat in the warm sunshine reading the paper watching great tits, blue tits and a goldcrest. Soon it was time to enjoy a tipple of Becks. Cheers from a relaxing Mr. Kite.
Saturday 17 September 2011
Saturday 17th September (The Wash and The Manx Missle)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a sunny sky and trees blowing gently in the cool breeze. Soon Mr. Kite was bird-watching on The Sandringham Estate; a vast estate owned by us, the tax payer. Today the birds kept hidden in the trees but in the surrounding fields rooks, curlews and pheasants strutted around with the occasional muntjac deer and hare making an appearance.
At two o'clock Mr. Kite headed to the finishing line of the penultimate stage of The Tour of Britain. As Mr. Kite broke away from the peloton, leaving the line of racing cyclist in the distance, he raced towards the large gantry that marked the finish but his way was barred by a line of pompous officials dressed in high vis. jackets. So just a victory was in sight, it was snatched away from him. So Mr. Kite pushed his way to the front of the crowd on the finishing line to watch The Manx Missile win this stage of the race. Soon the cyclists appeared on the final straight; but where was 'Cav'. He was not at the front; after all Mr. Kite's efforts Cav did not pass by as the winner. But Mr. Kite watched and a few minutes later The Manx Missile passed over the finishing line. Great stuff.
Now after the excitement of the race Mr. Kite returned to bird-watching and headed to Hunstanton to watch the sunset over The Wash. With the sun dropping behind the Boston skyline and curlews, black-tailed godwits and turnstones on the foreshore Mr. Kite sat and enjoyed the view before returning to The Joint for a tipple of Becks. Cheers from the biking bird-watching Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a sunny sky and trees blowing gently in the cool breeze. Soon Mr. Kite was bird-watching on The Sandringham Estate; a vast estate owned by us, the tax payer. Today the birds kept hidden in the trees but in the surrounding fields rooks, curlews and pheasants strutted around with the occasional muntjac deer and hare making an appearance.
At two o'clock Mr. Kite headed to the finishing line of the penultimate stage of The Tour of Britain. As Mr. Kite broke away from the peloton, leaving the line of racing cyclist in the distance, he raced towards the large gantry that marked the finish but his way was barred by a line of pompous officials dressed in high vis. jackets. So just a victory was in sight, it was snatched away from him. So Mr. Kite pushed his way to the front of the crowd on the finishing line to watch The Manx Missile win this stage of the race. Soon the cyclists appeared on the final straight; but where was 'Cav'. He was not at the front; after all Mr. Kite's efforts Cav did not pass by as the winner. But Mr. Kite watched and a few minutes later The Manx Missile passed over the finishing line. Great stuff.
Now after the excitement of the race Mr. Kite returned to bird-watching and headed to Hunstanton to watch the sunset over The Wash. With the sun dropping behind the Boston skyline and curlews, black-tailed godwits and turnstones on the foreshore Mr. Kite sat and enjoyed the view before returning to The Joint for a tipple of Becks. Cheers from the biking bird-watching Mr. Kite.
Friday 16 September 2011
Friday 16th September (Mr. Kite goes to The Bog)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window in The Joint to see tall dark green fir trees and shorter light green silver birch trees. On the sandy ground the grass was short and brown; the green ferns were turning brown on the edges. Autumn was progressing in East Anglia. A black-headed gull flew over.
In the cool morning Mr. Kite set off for The Bog; not the one on the caravan site but Dersingham Bog. So Mr. Kite cycled through the woodlands listening to jays and wood pigeons and eventually reached The Bog. In the top of the fir trees little birds flitted about but Mr. Kite could not identify them but they seemed like coal tits. A noisy muntjac deer passed by trampling over the crisp brown leaves.
After an hour of spotting the usual common birds Mr. Kite walked around a boarded walk over marshy ground that would be lively in spring but the dry summer had turned the marsh into a desert. A common buzzard and kestrel flew over.
Overlooking the marsh and low lying area was a seat on top of a small cliff so Mr. Kite went and sat on it. Now this was not an ordinary bench but one in remembrance of the singer song writer John Denver. So Mr. Kite sang Leaving on a Jet Plane as he looked over the arid plain hoping to spot a nightjar. A marsh harrier was the least common bird that passed by.
Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a brief rest before cycling to West Newton and beyond. Red-legged partridge, pheasants and a mistle thrush were spotted.
At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite sat outside The Joint looking into the sky enjoying a tipple of Wychwood Scarecrow. Cheers from a pleasant East Anglia.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window in The Joint to see tall dark green fir trees and shorter light green silver birch trees. On the sandy ground the grass was short and brown; the green ferns were turning brown on the edges. Autumn was progressing in East Anglia. A black-headed gull flew over.
In the cool morning Mr. Kite set off for The Bog; not the one on the caravan site but Dersingham Bog. So Mr. Kite cycled through the woodlands listening to jays and wood pigeons and eventually reached The Bog. In the top of the fir trees little birds flitted about but Mr. Kite could not identify them but they seemed like coal tits. A noisy muntjac deer passed by trampling over the crisp brown leaves.
After an hour of spotting the usual common birds Mr. Kite walked around a boarded walk over marshy ground that would be lively in spring but the dry summer had turned the marsh into a desert. A common buzzard and kestrel flew over.
Overlooking the marsh and low lying area was a seat on top of a small cliff so Mr. Kite went and sat on it. Now this was not an ordinary bench but one in remembrance of the singer song writer John Denver. So Mr. Kite sang Leaving on a Jet Plane as he looked over the arid plain hoping to spot a nightjar. A marsh harrier was the least common bird that passed by.
Mr. Kite returned to The Joint for a brief rest before cycling to West Newton and beyond. Red-legged partridge, pheasants and a mistle thrush were spotted.
At the end of the afternoon Mr. Kite sat outside The Joint looking into the sky enjoying a tipple of Wychwood Scarecrow. Cheers from a pleasant East Anglia.
Thursday 15th September (To the East)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a blue sunny sky. Today Mr. Kite felt very happy because he was traveling to Sandringham.
So at eight o'clock Mr. Kite and His Lady set course for PE35 6EZ. So in the sunshine The Joint and it's occupants passed Birmingham, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and arrived at the destination at one o'clock. On route Mr. Kite stopped to look at some ponds and across fields.
During the late afternoon Mr. Kite took The Beast along the lanes around Sandringham spotting wood pigeons, jays, house martins and jackdaws. At the end of a good day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Wychwood Goliath. Cheers from a nice area paid for by us tax payers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a blue sunny sky. Today Mr. Kite felt very happy because he was traveling to Sandringham.
So at eight o'clock Mr. Kite and His Lady set course for PE35 6EZ. So in the sunshine The Joint and it's occupants passed Birmingham, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and arrived at the destination at one o'clock. On route Mr. Kite stopped to look at some ponds and across fields.
During the late afternoon Mr. Kite took The Beast along the lanes around Sandringham spotting wood pigeons, jays, house martins and jackdaws. At the end of a good day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Wychwood Goliath. Cheers from a nice area paid for by us tax payers.
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Tuesday 13th September (The Effects of Alcohol Rule the Day)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see that the wind still blew and the leaves continued to darken. The sky was grey and the wildlife hidden. Now after a busy matrimonial Monday Mr. Kite had a tranquil Tuesday drinking Tetley tea and settling down. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see that the wind still blew and the leaves continued to darken. The sky was grey and the wildlife hidden. Now after a busy matrimonial Monday Mr. Kite had a tranquil Tuesday drinking Tetley tea and settling down. Cheers.
Monday 12 September 2011
Monday 12th September (The Wind Blows and the Wedding List Grows)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the lime trees on the verge of becoming airborne. All the branches and leaves were on the left-hand side in a horizontal line with the occasional stream of brown leaves flying off. Today was not the day for flying birds.
During the morning Mr. Kite had a stroll to the recycling On the Bridge over the Rea Brook. In the blustery wind few birds dared to venture so the sky was empty. By the recycling Mr. Kite noticed a wood pigeon perched in a small elder tree picking at elderberries. Now this was not a serene sight because the wood pigeon was moving on a branch as if on a roller-coaster. The bird was moving violently up, down and to the side as if on a bronco, and at the same time trying to eat berries. Mr. Kite watched this bird for a few minutes and was impressed by its tenacity and ability to cling to the moving branch.
Today Mr. Kite was going to make a wedding list. Instantly you might think saucepans, towels and plasma t.v.'s but not today because Mr. Kite is already married with loads of possessions. No this is a wedding list of species of birds spotted walking to and from a wedding. The list was very; just wood pigeon. However Mr. Kite did find time to give away a bride to the groom and returned home for a celebration of curry and beer with speeches and music to entertain the guests.
Late in the evening Mr. Kite, having drunk an immense amount of Becks, fell asleep. Cheers to the bride, groom and guests.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see the lime trees on the verge of becoming airborne. All the branches and leaves were on the left-hand side in a horizontal line with the occasional stream of brown leaves flying off. Today was not the day for flying birds.
During the morning Mr. Kite had a stroll to the recycling On the Bridge over the Rea Brook. In the blustery wind few birds dared to venture so the sky was empty. By the recycling Mr. Kite noticed a wood pigeon perched in a small elder tree picking at elderberries. Now this was not a serene sight because the wood pigeon was moving on a branch as if on a roller-coaster. The bird was moving violently up, down and to the side as if on a bronco, and at the same time trying to eat berries. Mr. Kite watched this bird for a few minutes and was impressed by its tenacity and ability to cling to the moving branch.
Today Mr. Kite was going to make a wedding list. Instantly you might think saucepans, towels and plasma t.v.'s but not today because Mr. Kite is already married with loads of possessions. No this is a wedding list of species of birds spotted walking to and from a wedding. The list was very; just wood pigeon. However Mr. Kite did find time to give away a bride to the groom and returned home for a celebration of curry and beer with speeches and music to entertain the guests.
Late in the evening Mr. Kite, having drunk an immense amount of Becks, fell asleep. Cheers to the bride, groom and guests.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Sunday 11th September (Sunshine and a Gathering Storm)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright blue sky with the sun shining bright over the horizon. With the wind gathering speed the leaves on the trees swayed and the dying ones dropped to the ground. Mr. Kite had planned a short trip to Monkmoor Lagoon to bird a few birds but the rain came and the wind blew so Mr. Kite watched in the garden.
A few swallows and house martins made a change from the pigeons and doves that are always around. Now back inside The Dwelling Mr. Kite saw red kites on The Box at a farm in mid Wales. Here they are fed everyday and come in their hundreds to the meaty morsels that are scattered on the ground.
With The Box covering the 9/11 memorials in New York and London Mr. Kite sat looking out of the living room window. About three thirty Mr. Kite saw two migrants flying across the sky with a low regular beating sound. Now although this is not Pearl Harbour once again two Mitsubishi Zeros flew south under the gathering grey clouds. Mr. Kite was glad to see the back of these migrants knowing what damage can be done by metal objects dropping out of the sky especially on this date with Japanese aircraft.
Once the suicide pilots had flown out of sight and Mr. Kite's dwelling still intact Mr. Kite settled down for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright blue sky with the sun shining bright over the horizon. With the wind gathering speed the leaves on the trees swayed and the dying ones dropped to the ground. Mr. Kite had planned a short trip to Monkmoor Lagoon to bird a few birds but the rain came and the wind blew so Mr. Kite watched in the garden.
A few swallows and house martins made a change from the pigeons and doves that are always around. Now back inside The Dwelling Mr. Kite saw red kites on The Box at a farm in mid Wales. Here they are fed everyday and come in their hundreds to the meaty morsels that are scattered on the ground.
With The Box covering the 9/11 memorials in New York and London Mr. Kite sat looking out of the living room window. About three thirty Mr. Kite saw two migrants flying across the sky with a low regular beating sound. Now although this is not Pearl Harbour once again two Mitsubishi Zeros flew south under the gathering grey clouds. Mr. Kite was glad to see the back of these migrants knowing what damage can be done by metal objects dropping out of the sky especially on this date with Japanese aircraft.
Once the suicide pilots had flown out of sight and Mr. Kite's dwelling still intact Mr. Kite settled down for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Saturday 10 September 2011
Saturday 10th September (Autumn Skies and Heck What That)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sunlight shone through a wisp of thin white cloud; a gentle breeze moved the leaves in the lime trees. Autumn was here.
Now with autumn in the air Mr. Kite had a lazy day looking into the sky hoping to see passing migrants. Sitting on The Throne watching The Box Mr. Kite kept an eye on the brightening blue sky. In recent days Mr. Kite had watched a bar-headed goose and a canadian goose; one escapee from Kathmandu and the other from Ottawa.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite's list included wood pigeon, collared dove and starling. But then out of the blue came two migrants flying in formation. With straight unflapping silvery and red wings these migrants turned to the north. The front outstretched and the tail unmoved these noisy rhythmic migrants moved slowly and noisily across the sky. " Heck", Mr. Kite cried these are real migrants and not the sort that you should want to see. Thinking of Pacific passerines and Pearl Harbour Mr. Kite looked into the sky to see two, thankfully only two, Mitsubishi Zeros flying over.
Now Mr. Kite thought that this was a pretty amazing sight and with the memorials of 'The Twin Towers' due this weekend Mr. Kite was pleased to see that The Nips had not targeted The Dwelling especially now that it was full of booze.
So in the evening Mr. Kite cracked open another immigrant; a can of Romanian Timisoreana Bere. Cheers from Mr. Kite who is not under attack.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window. The sunlight shone through a wisp of thin white cloud; a gentle breeze moved the leaves in the lime trees. Autumn was here.
Now with autumn in the air Mr. Kite had a lazy day looking into the sky hoping to see passing migrants. Sitting on The Throne watching The Box Mr. Kite kept an eye on the brightening blue sky. In recent days Mr. Kite had watched a bar-headed goose and a canadian goose; one escapee from Kathmandu and the other from Ottawa.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite's list included wood pigeon, collared dove and starling. But then out of the blue came two migrants flying in formation. With straight unflapping silvery and red wings these migrants turned to the north. The front outstretched and the tail unmoved these noisy rhythmic migrants moved slowly and noisily across the sky. " Heck", Mr. Kite cried these are real migrants and not the sort that you should want to see. Thinking of Pacific passerines and Pearl Harbour Mr. Kite looked into the sky to see two, thankfully only two, Mitsubishi Zeros flying over.
Now Mr. Kite thought that this was a pretty amazing sight and with the memorials of 'The Twin Towers' due this weekend Mr. Kite was pleased to see that The Nips had not targeted The Dwelling especially now that it was full of booze.
So in the evening Mr. Kite cracked open another immigrant; a can of Romanian Timisoreana Bere. Cheers from Mr. Kite who is not under attack.
Friday 9 September 2011
Friday 9th September (Gaggles, Googles and Giggles)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a brightening grey sky. A gentle breeze blew the aging lime trees and occasionally one would spiral down to earth. After yesterday lazy day Mr. Kite was soon packing the saddlebags and preparing The Beast for a short trip.
In the warm autumn air Mr. Kite pedaled towards Atcham Bridge. With the river in view Mr. Kite slowed down and looked across the river that was higher than recent days. The muddy water now covered the muddy edges that had attracted the ducks and geese. Today the canadian geese and mallards sat on the grassy river banks.
Then Mr. Kite headed towards Venus Pool. Once again the water level had dropped and soon will be called Venus because of the water shortage. A few buckets of water might help but probably not. Soon Mr. Kite was scanning the muddy shoreline looking for the waders. At first Mr. Kite did not see any so he then focused upon the geese and ducks. Greylag, greylag, greylag, greylag, greylag; oh a different goose. This goose had its head resting on its body; but the head had two black bars and a bright orange-yellow beck. The body was light grey and white. If Mr. Kite was on Mount Everest he might see one flying over The Himalayas but this bar-headed goose had decided that Salop in autumn was better then Kathmandu.
Eventually the bar-headed goose stood up and waddled over to the diminishing water to clean it's bright orange legs. After a quick swim, a bit of dunking and a roll or two the clean goose walked over the muddy waters edge back to the green grass.
Mr. Kite saw one more species of goose; a very common one that has a name that makes a great anagram. So here is the anagram; do gas a canoe (6,5).
Mr. Kite then searched Venus to spot green sandpiper, common sandpiper, dunlin, ringed plover and lapwings. After a good morning bird-watching Mr. Kite cycled home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers to the canada goose. Now this makes Mr. Kite think; canada goose in Salop; bar-headed goose in Salop; what next?
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a brightening grey sky. A gentle breeze blew the aging lime trees and occasionally one would spiral down to earth. After yesterday lazy day Mr. Kite was soon packing the saddlebags and preparing The Beast for a short trip.
In the warm autumn air Mr. Kite pedaled towards Atcham Bridge. With the river in view Mr. Kite slowed down and looked across the river that was higher than recent days. The muddy water now covered the muddy edges that had attracted the ducks and geese. Today the canadian geese and mallards sat on the grassy river banks.
Then Mr. Kite headed towards Venus Pool. Once again the water level had dropped and soon will be called Venus because of the water shortage. A few buckets of water might help but probably not. Soon Mr. Kite was scanning the muddy shoreline looking for the waders. At first Mr. Kite did not see any so he then focused upon the geese and ducks. Greylag, greylag, greylag, greylag, greylag; oh a different goose. This goose had its head resting on its body; but the head had two black bars and a bright orange-yellow beck. The body was light grey and white. If Mr. Kite was on Mount Everest he might see one flying over The Himalayas but this bar-headed goose had decided that Salop in autumn was better then Kathmandu.
Eventually the bar-headed goose stood up and waddled over to the diminishing water to clean it's bright orange legs. After a quick swim, a bit of dunking and a roll or two the clean goose walked over the muddy waters edge back to the green grass.
Mr. Kite saw one more species of goose; a very common one that has a name that makes a great anagram. So here is the anagram; do gas a canoe (6,5).
Mr. Kite then searched Venus to spot green sandpiper, common sandpiper, dunlin, ringed plover and lapwings. After a good morning bird-watching Mr. Kite cycled home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers to the canada goose. Now this makes Mr. Kite think; canada goose in Salop; bar-headed goose in Salop; what next?
Thursday 8 September 2011
Thursday 8th September (Lazy Bones)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy sky where there was not any sign that beyond the murk there was a large round warm sun. The leaves on the trees moved backwards, forwards, up and down as the breeze varied in its speed. More leaves had turned brown and the green leaves were continually darkening. The ground surrounding the trees had piles of golden-brown leaves. Autumn was progressing and moving towards winter but Mr. Kite was inert, lethargic, comatosed and plain lazy.
With birds migrating and moving from north to south and east to west Mr. Kite knew that to watch them he needed to be outside searching but laziness was 'the order of the day'. Mr. Kite sat around reading and gradually returning to normal. Later Mr. Kite sat in the garden looking at the sky searching for birds. Wood pigeons, starlings and house sparrows flew over.
However late in the afternoon Mr. Kite went for a short walk to the recycling centre. Now this recycling centre is better than most recycling centres because the Rea Brook flows underneath it. Nearby are trees and shrubs providing a habitat for birds. Today blackbirds, blue tits and jackdaws flew over. Then Mr. Kite looked up to see a medium-large powerful raptor with sharp wings and broad shoulder heading towards The Abbey where feral pigeons and collared doves perch.
Now Mr. Kite will leave you to identify this magnificent bird but will leave you an anagram in italics that will spell its name.
The Clue: Mr. Kite saw a green pencil for drawing birds of prey; (two words, the first nine letters and the second six letters (9,6)).
Mr. Kite watched hoping to see Mr. Raptor catch an unfortunate bird but the Columbidae Family must have seen him flying towards them and skedaddled. But for a green pencil to catch a dinner would have made Mr. Kite's day but that is bird-watching; sometimes the bird is fabulous but it behaving adds another dimension.
Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Becks. Cheers to the Peregrine Falcon.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy sky where there was not any sign that beyond the murk there was a large round warm sun. The leaves on the trees moved backwards, forwards, up and down as the breeze varied in its speed. More leaves had turned brown and the green leaves were continually darkening. The ground surrounding the trees had piles of golden-brown leaves. Autumn was progressing and moving towards winter but Mr. Kite was inert, lethargic, comatosed and plain lazy.
With birds migrating and moving from north to south and east to west Mr. Kite knew that to watch them he needed to be outside searching but laziness was 'the order of the day'. Mr. Kite sat around reading and gradually returning to normal. Later Mr. Kite sat in the garden looking at the sky searching for birds. Wood pigeons, starlings and house sparrows flew over.
However late in the afternoon Mr. Kite went for a short walk to the recycling centre. Now this recycling centre is better than most recycling centres because the Rea Brook flows underneath it. Nearby are trees and shrubs providing a habitat for birds. Today blackbirds, blue tits and jackdaws flew over. Then Mr. Kite looked up to see a medium-large powerful raptor with sharp wings and broad shoulder heading towards The Abbey where feral pigeons and collared doves perch.
Now Mr. Kite will leave you to identify this magnificent bird but will leave you an anagram in italics that will spell its name.
The Clue: Mr. Kite saw a green pencil for drawing birds of prey; (two words, the first nine letters and the second six letters (9,6)).
Mr. Kite watched hoping to see Mr. Raptor catch an unfortunate bird but the Columbidae Family must have seen him flying towards them and skedaddled. But for a green pencil to catch a dinner would have made Mr. Kite's day but that is bird-watching; sometimes the bird is fabulous but it behaving adds another dimension.
Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Becks. Cheers to the Peregrine Falcon.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Wednesday 7th September (Autumn and the Leaves are Dropping and so are Bird Numbers)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky with some lighter patches in the east. Agentle breeze shook the dying leaves on the lime tree. On the ground more golden brown leaves were collecting by obstacles that the wind blew them against. The surviving leaves on the shrubs and trees looked sombre; darkening as they held on to the final stages of their existence. Soon they would be at the mercy of the wind as it blew them into oblivion.
Now on this autumnal day Mr. Kite did some bird-watching on the internet via Google. This was not by web-cam, or video link but still pictures posted in news articles. Mr. Kite has watched swifts this year, recorded when he first saw them and the sightings as they dwindled away as they returned to warmer climates. However in London the swift is now in the amber category with respect to their status; that is a concern that their numbers are declining and approaching red; when they could face extinction over The Capital joining wrynecks and red-backed shrike.
Also today willow tits and lesser-spotted woodpeckers joined the amber category as their numbers have declined by 91% and 76% respectively. So that was the bad news; now for the good news. After strong winds in South Wales the Manx Shearwaters swept onto the shore were collected up and dried out prior to being released on a good day when they will stand a good chance of reaching the South Atlantic.
On that positive note Mr. Kite will toast of those good-hearted volunteers who helped the manx shearwaters. Cheers with a tipple of Tetley tea.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky with some lighter patches in the east. Agentle breeze shook the dying leaves on the lime tree. On the ground more golden brown leaves were collecting by obstacles that the wind blew them against. The surviving leaves on the shrubs and trees looked sombre; darkening as they held on to the final stages of their existence. Soon they would be at the mercy of the wind as it blew them into oblivion.
Now on this autumnal day Mr. Kite did some bird-watching on the internet via Google. This was not by web-cam, or video link but still pictures posted in news articles. Mr. Kite has watched swifts this year, recorded when he first saw them and the sightings as they dwindled away as they returned to warmer climates. However in London the swift is now in the amber category with respect to their status; that is a concern that their numbers are declining and approaching red; when they could face extinction over The Capital joining wrynecks and red-backed shrike.
Also today willow tits and lesser-spotted woodpeckers joined the amber category as their numbers have declined by 91% and 76% respectively. So that was the bad news; now for the good news. After strong winds in South Wales the Manx Shearwaters swept onto the shore were collected up and dried out prior to being released on a good day when they will stand a good chance of reaching the South Atlantic.
On that positive note Mr. Kite will toast of those good-hearted volunteers who helped the manx shearwaters. Cheers with a tipple of Tetley tea.
Tuesday 6th September (Rain, Wind and Autumn)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto the brown and green leaves that were being blown around in the blustery wind. The sky was grey, the drizzle heavier and the wind speed increasing. But today Mr. Kite decided he must not be lazy and planned a short bird-watching trip.
As Mr. Kite prepared The Beast the leaves from the trees swirled around in the wind forming dried brown piles. A few birds flew overhead trimming wings and tails to keep control but Mr. Kite rode off into the wind. Reaching the river at Atcham Mr. Kite watched Canadian Geese swimming downstream then a Little Egret took to the air. Now this made Mr. Kite thing about when the first Little Egret was recorded in Shropshire.
Then Mr. Kite cycled slowly towards Venus Pool scouring the hedgerows, fields and sky as he traveled. Once again Venus Pool was lower as the water disappeared but this only concentrated the Cormorants, Greylag Geese, Canadian Geese and Mallard. Three Ruff, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper fed on the muddy edges.
Flocks of geese come and went, families of duck come and went, pairs of ornithologists come and went; it fact it was a day when it best not to spend too long at Venus Pool. With a few hours to spare Mr. Kite then cycled to Berrington Pool to find it empty and Monkmoor Lagoon to find Mute Swans, a Grey Heron and two Stock Doves.
Now Mr. Kite had planned a trip to Polemere but was dissuaded by the howling wind and then a hissing puncture. So it was time for Mr. Kite to have an early bath and a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window onto the brown and green leaves that were being blown around in the blustery wind. The sky was grey, the drizzle heavier and the wind speed increasing. But today Mr. Kite decided he must not be lazy and planned a short bird-watching trip.
As Mr. Kite prepared The Beast the leaves from the trees swirled around in the wind forming dried brown piles. A few birds flew overhead trimming wings and tails to keep control but Mr. Kite rode off into the wind. Reaching the river at Atcham Mr. Kite watched Canadian Geese swimming downstream then a Little Egret took to the air. Now this made Mr. Kite thing about when the first Little Egret was recorded in Shropshire.
Then Mr. Kite cycled slowly towards Venus Pool scouring the hedgerows, fields and sky as he traveled. Once again Venus Pool was lower as the water disappeared but this only concentrated the Cormorants, Greylag Geese, Canadian Geese and Mallard. Three Ruff, two Green Sandpipers and a Common Sandpiper fed on the muddy edges.
Flocks of geese come and went, families of duck come and went, pairs of ornithologists come and went; it fact it was a day when it best not to spend too long at Venus Pool. With a few hours to spare Mr. Kite then cycled to Berrington Pool to find it empty and Monkmoor Lagoon to find Mute Swans, a Grey Heron and two Stock Doves.
Now Mr. Kite had planned a trip to Polemere but was dissuaded by the howling wind and then a hissing puncture. So it was time for Mr. Kite to have an early bath and a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Monday 5 September 2011
Monday 5th September (Grey, Gloom and Wind)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey breezy autumnal morning. With drizzle in the air and an increasing wind Mr. Kite sat around waiting for the sun to appear; but it did not. So Mr. Kite filled in the crossword.
Now one of the clues was: 'Mongrel called outside with duck, Australian bird; (9 letters).
So Mr. Kite thought about a few names of Australian birds; Black Swan, Cassowary and Cockatoo. None of these fitted so it was time to peruse the books. Now 'a mongrel is a cur'; so did the bird start with Cur. Looking further Mr. Kite found the answer: Currawong.
Mr. Kite believes that we learn something every day and today he learned a new name of bird from Australia. Here are a few facts. The Currawong is a passerine belonging to the genus Strepera in the family Artamidae. The most well know are the grey, pied and black.
After such brain-teasing Mr. Kite settled for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from the gloom of autumnal Salop.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey breezy autumnal morning. With drizzle in the air and an increasing wind Mr. Kite sat around waiting for the sun to appear; but it did not. So Mr. Kite filled in the crossword.
Now one of the clues was: 'Mongrel called outside with duck, Australian bird; (9 letters).
So Mr. Kite thought about a few names of Australian birds; Black Swan, Cassowary and Cockatoo. None of these fitted so it was time to peruse the books. Now 'a mongrel is a cur'; so did the bird start with Cur. Looking further Mr. Kite found the answer: Currawong.
Mr. Kite believes that we learn something every day and today he learned a new name of bird from Australia. Here are a few facts. The Currawong is a passerine belonging to the genus Strepera in the family Artamidae. The most well know are the grey, pied and black.
After such brain-teasing Mr. Kite settled for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from the gloom of autumnal Salop.
Sunday 4 September 2011
Sunday 4th September (Sun on Sunday)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sun. The leaves on the lime trees were turning browner as the number of green ones are reduced. In the dry weather autumn seems earlier and the autumn colours appearing.
In the morning Mr. Kite cycled to Venus Pool via Atcham Bridge. A large flock of Canadian Geese sat on the banks of the River Severn and more sailed down the river at a leisurely speed. Now Mr. Kite cycled over one bridge and walked over the other. Below the parapets fisherman were Salmon fishing without any success.
Heading towards Cross Houses Mr. Kite disturbed a covey of about ten Red-legged Partridge scattering them across fields, towards trees and crashing through hedgerows. However Mr. Kite would rather find a covey of Grey Partridge but these are becoming rarer. Once again Venus Pool was lower than the previous visit. Three Ruff, three Green Sandpipers and the usual mob of Cormorants, gaggle of Greylags and Mallards were on the pool.
In the dried grass and thistles to the right of the hide attracted a large charm of Goldfinches that fed on the seeds and then flew to the waters edge for a bath and drink. These colourful and lively birds soon attracted the attention of a Sparrowhawk that swooped onto the charm but having a charmed life they all escaped being a morning meal. But Mr. Kite thought the hawk would probably return later.
The warming sun made Mr. Kite thirsty so he returned home for a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red Autumn Hop Ale. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sun. The leaves on the lime trees were turning browner as the number of green ones are reduced. In the dry weather autumn seems earlier and the autumn colours appearing.
In the morning Mr. Kite cycled to Venus Pool via Atcham Bridge. A large flock of Canadian Geese sat on the banks of the River Severn and more sailed down the river at a leisurely speed. Now Mr. Kite cycled over one bridge and walked over the other. Below the parapets fisherman were Salmon fishing without any success.
Heading towards Cross Houses Mr. Kite disturbed a covey of about ten Red-legged Partridge scattering them across fields, towards trees and crashing through hedgerows. However Mr. Kite would rather find a covey of Grey Partridge but these are becoming rarer. Once again Venus Pool was lower than the previous visit. Three Ruff, three Green Sandpipers and the usual mob of Cormorants, gaggle of Greylags and Mallards were on the pool.
In the dried grass and thistles to the right of the hide attracted a large charm of Goldfinches that fed on the seeds and then flew to the waters edge for a bath and drink. These colourful and lively birds soon attracted the attention of a Sparrowhawk that swooped onto the charm but having a charmed life they all escaped being a morning meal. But Mr. Kite thought the hawk would probably return later.
The warming sun made Mr. Kite thirsty so he returned home for a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red Autumn Hop Ale. Cheers.
Saturday 3 September 2011
Saturday 3rd September (Two of Everything)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see twice as many trees as usual and a grey sky twice its normal size. Mr. Kite concluded that this must be the effect of a party, a football match and some beer.
Mr. Kite decided that counting and watching birds today would not be a good thing because twice as many would be an exaggeration. So Mr. Kite decided that he would not watch any birds today; not one. Double zero is zero. To celebrate a birdless day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see twice as many trees as usual and a grey sky twice its normal size. Mr. Kite concluded that this must be the effect of a party, a football match and some beer.
Mr. Kite decided that counting and watching birds today would not be a good thing because twice as many would be an exaggeration. So Mr. Kite decided that he would not watch any birds today; not one. Double zero is zero. To celebrate a birdless day Mr. Kite had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cha.
Friday 2nd September (Party, Football and Beer)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a light grey sky. A day of celebration was planned with a party, a football match and beer. But before that Mr. Kite had a quick trip to see a splendid eagle sculpted by Mr. Peacock at Salop Leisure. Now this splendid metallic bird is worth a visit.
Soon after Mr. Kite was eating, drinking and socialising in excess. Cheers; as Mr. Kite downs another Becks.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a light grey sky. A day of celebration was planned with a party, a football match and beer. But before that Mr. Kite had a quick trip to see a splendid eagle sculpted by Mr. Peacock at Salop Leisure. Now this splendid metallic bird is worth a visit.
Soon after Mr. Kite was eating, drinking and socialising in excess. Cheers; as Mr. Kite downs another Becks.
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