Tuesday 31st January (The Last Day of the Month)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a dark morning. The air was still and Jack Frost had touched the plants outside. On this winters morning a robin was singing in full song from the branch of a tree. This bird kept on singing from the same spot. Its song was a whistle and a warble. On the last day of the month this was a good start to the day.
Late in the morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and set off for a short tour to watch birds. On this cold day the birds were scarce. However in Condover the rooks were renovating their nests. To cut a long story short it was too cold and then The Beast struck another thorn and it was repair time again.
However Mr. Kite did return home via a conversation with a radio reporter where Mr. Kite made his case against the rearing and releasing of common pheasants into the Shropshire countryside. On this cold day Mr. Kite returned to The Residence for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Monday 30 January 2012
Monday 30th January (A Sunny Winters Day)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a bright sunny day. Three starling flew over and a wood pigeon perched happily on a bough. In the rear garden great tits, blue tits and a chaffinch moved through the trees.
Once again Mr. Kite did not feel too well and did not venture far. A tipple of beer was out of the question so Mr. Kite enjoyed Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see a bright sunny day. Three starling flew over and a wood pigeon perched happily on a bough. In the rear garden great tits, blue tits and a chaffinch moved through the trees.
Once again Mr. Kite did not feel too well and did not venture far. A tipple of beer was out of the question so Mr. Kite enjoyed Tetley tea. Cheers.
Sunday 29 January 2012
Sunday 29th January (A Little Bit of Winter)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy sky. Jack Frost had left a hint of winter with a slight tinge of white on the grass. Later in the morning Mr. Kite watched a jay feed in his garden. Now jays are not very common in Mr. Kite's garden so that was very pleasing.
On this still winters day Mr. Kite went for a ride around the lanes of Floreat Salopia looking at all the usual birds. Eventually Mr. Kite reached Polemere where plenty of mallards, teal and wigeon could be seen. Looking around Mr. Kite noticed a flock of birds take to the air from an adjacent field. The flock then split into two with one section flying higher. The lower group then came and landed in the shallow water at Polemere; these were lapwings. The higher group then came to the water and these were golden plover. Today in the fading light they were not as golden but motley brown.
With the light fading and still feeling under the weather Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy sky. Jack Frost had left a hint of winter with a slight tinge of white on the grass. Later in the morning Mr. Kite watched a jay feed in his garden. Now jays are not very common in Mr. Kite's garden so that was very pleasing.
On this still winters day Mr. Kite went for a ride around the lanes of Floreat Salopia looking at all the usual birds. Eventually Mr. Kite reached Polemere where plenty of mallards, teal and wigeon could be seen. Looking around Mr. Kite noticed a flock of birds take to the air from an adjacent field. The flock then split into two with one section flying higher. The lower group then came and landed in the shallow water at Polemere; these were lapwings. The higher group then came to the water and these were golden plover. Today in the fading light they were not as golden but motley brown.
With the light fading and still feeling under the weather Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Saturday 28 January 2012
Saturday 28th January (Feeling a Little Better)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a sunny blue sky. Today he felt a little better and may go and watch some birds.
In the late morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and headed towards Venus Pool in the sunshine. To cut a long story short plenty of teals, mallards and shelduck were enjoying the newly restructured riviera as they sat in the warm sunshine on clean mud banks without vegetation.
One fairly spectacular moment was when about 20 mute swans flew over with the 'whooshing sound of air' as they flapped to keep these large white monsters in flight. Mr. Kite looked carefully for yellow bills but did not spot any.
Still feeling a bit ill Mr. Kite then returned to The Residence stopping on the return leg to hear more 'whooshing sounds of air' from The Beasts rear end. Once home Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Wychwood Hobgoblin. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a sunny blue sky. Today he felt a little better and may go and watch some birds.
In the late morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and headed towards Venus Pool in the sunshine. To cut a long story short plenty of teals, mallards and shelduck were enjoying the newly restructured riviera as they sat in the warm sunshine on clean mud banks without vegetation.
One fairly spectacular moment was when about 20 mute swans flew over with the 'whooshing sound of air' as they flapped to keep these large white monsters in flight. Mr. Kite looked carefully for yellow bills but did not spot any.
Still feeling a bit ill Mr. Kite then returned to The Residence stopping on the return leg to hear more 'whooshing sounds of air' from The Beasts rear end. Once home Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Wychwood Hobgoblin. Cheers.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Thursday 26th January (January is nearing the End)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. The clouds were high. Following a domestic morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast at midday and set out to Venus Pool.
Venus Pool
With the sun peering fro behind the clouds Mr. Kite took the muddy country lanes to Venus Pool. Rooks were cawing in The Rookery as the renovated their nests. On the pool plenty of ducks were enjoying the January sunshine. Six shelduck kept their back end in the air as they fed. Wigeon and teal made a colourful sight as they fed in the shallow water. Mallards were gleaming as they courted the mottled brown females as a male shoveler showed his orangy red legs to anyone looking.
Mr. Kite scanned the duck carefully trying to pick out other species but could not find any. Three mute swans sailed around the pool. Today the pool was a haven for bird-watching duck fans.
Mr. Kite grows wings
On the return trip Mr. Kite cycled along in the sunshine passing hedges, trees and roadside plants. Looking down on one occasion Mr. Kite realised that he had grown wings from his head. A gliding common buzzard was superimposed onto the shadow of Mr. Kite giving him a pair of wings extending from his head. For fifty yards Mr. Kite looked like an ancient warrior with his wings, and was indeed a splendid sight. Eventually the great gliding graceful bird turned away leaving Mr. Kite flapless.
The River Severn
Arriving back in the town Mr. Kite took a little ride along the river to watch mallards, pied wagtails, black-headed gulls, goosander and moorhens. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea following a pleasant afternoon watching birds. Cheers to the common buzzards who made Mr. Kite fly.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. The clouds were high. Following a domestic morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast at midday and set out to Venus Pool.
Venus Pool
With the sun peering fro behind the clouds Mr. Kite took the muddy country lanes to Venus Pool. Rooks were cawing in The Rookery as the renovated their nests. On the pool plenty of ducks were enjoying the January sunshine. Six shelduck kept their back end in the air as they fed. Wigeon and teal made a colourful sight as they fed in the shallow water. Mallards were gleaming as they courted the mottled brown females as a male shoveler showed his orangy red legs to anyone looking.
Mr. Kite scanned the duck carefully trying to pick out other species but could not find any. Three mute swans sailed around the pool. Today the pool was a haven for bird-watching duck fans.
Mr. Kite grows wings
On the return trip Mr. Kite cycled along in the sunshine passing hedges, trees and roadside plants. Looking down on one occasion Mr. Kite realised that he had grown wings from his head. A gliding common buzzard was superimposed onto the shadow of Mr. Kite giving him a pair of wings extending from his head. For fifty yards Mr. Kite looked like an ancient warrior with his wings, and was indeed a splendid sight. Eventually the great gliding graceful bird turned away leaving Mr. Kite flapless.
The River Severn
Arriving back in the town Mr. Kite took a little ride along the river to watch mallards, pied wagtails, black-headed gulls, goosander and moorhens. Soon Mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea following a pleasant afternoon watching birds. Cheers to the common buzzards who made Mr. Kite fly.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Wednesday 25th January (Mild Weather and the Month Moves on)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. The wind was from the south-west and the temperature was mild. The end of the bare branches showed bulbous tips from which leaves would emerge. Today Mr. Kite and his birding companion planned a short trip.
Sharpstone Quarry
At ten in the morning The Incapacitants started the birding competition and a short trip around The Principality. Beginning with wood pigeons the watching and counting began. The Rea brook had plenty of 'little brown things' in the surrounding shrubbery. Gulls and corvids flew overhead. Then it was onto the quarry.
The most colourful sight was about twenty yellowhammers with a few linnets. Included in this flock were some very colourful yellow males that seemed more intent on chasing the females rather than move out of the way of The Incapacitants.
Attingham Park
From Sharpstones Quarry The Incapacitants cycled along to Attingham Park stopping to watch a common buzzard feeding on the ground. The river was higher today at Atcham than normal so only a few geese fed on the banks.
In the park the sun was shining and the bare trees looked a haven for woodpeckers, nuthatch and treecreepers. In the pleasant sunshine The Incapacitants searched the trees for life. With the sun lighting up every hole, every branch and every fork. it seemed only a matter of time before a tree living bird would appear; but nothing was spotted.
The Return Trip
With the afternoon progressing it was time to go home. To cut a long story short the competition was a draw and The Incapacitants had a good day out. Mr. Kite also enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. The wind was from the south-west and the temperature was mild. The end of the bare branches showed bulbous tips from which leaves would emerge. Today Mr. Kite and his birding companion planned a short trip.
Sharpstone Quarry
At ten in the morning The Incapacitants started the birding competition and a short trip around The Principality. Beginning with wood pigeons the watching and counting began. The Rea brook had plenty of 'little brown things' in the surrounding shrubbery. Gulls and corvids flew overhead. Then it was onto the quarry.
The most colourful sight was about twenty yellowhammers with a few linnets. Included in this flock were some very colourful yellow males that seemed more intent on chasing the females rather than move out of the way of The Incapacitants.
Attingham Park
From Sharpstones Quarry The Incapacitants cycled along to Attingham Park stopping to watch a common buzzard feeding on the ground. The river was higher today at Atcham than normal so only a few geese fed on the banks.
In the park the sun was shining and the bare trees looked a haven for woodpeckers, nuthatch and treecreepers. In the pleasant sunshine The Incapacitants searched the trees for life. With the sun lighting up every hole, every branch and every fork. it seemed only a matter of time before a tree living bird would appear; but nothing was spotted.
The Return Trip
With the afternoon progressing it was time to go home. To cut a long story short the competition was a draw and The Incapacitants had a good day out. Mr. Kite also enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Tuesday 24th January (A Mild Day with Rain)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky hiding the Northern Lights that can now be seen further south. Never mind Mr. Kite can see trees and birds from his window. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady went to put some flowers on a special grave.
At midday they placed red and yellow tulips on a grave that was already decorated with holly, ivy and mistle-toe. In a tree in the churchyard a robin sang a cheerful song, a great tit called loudly for a mate and a wood pigeon cooed thinking that the sunshine was a sign of spring.
On the grave white snowdrops pushed through the dark brown earth and new green shoots edged their way into the sunshine. Overhead a large flock of lesser black-backed gulls flew in a 'vee shape' and a greater spotted woodpecker sat on top of a silver birch.
The hedges were showing new shoots and the moles were evident because of the fresh mole hills. In the graveyard was life and death. Today was a quiet day and soon mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky hiding the Northern Lights that can now be seen further south. Never mind Mr. Kite can see trees and birds from his window. Today Mr. Kite and His Lady went to put some flowers on a special grave.
At midday they placed red and yellow tulips on a grave that was already decorated with holly, ivy and mistle-toe. In a tree in the churchyard a robin sang a cheerful song, a great tit called loudly for a mate and a wood pigeon cooed thinking that the sunshine was a sign of spring.
On the grave white snowdrops pushed through the dark brown earth and new green shoots edged their way into the sunshine. Overhead a large flock of lesser black-backed gulls flew in a 'vee shape' and a greater spotted woodpecker sat on top of a silver birch.
The hedges were showing new shoots and the moles were evident because of the fresh mole hills. In the graveyard was life and death. Today was a quiet day and soon mr. Kite was enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea.
Monday 23 January 2012
Monday 23rd January (A Mild Winters Day)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sky. This was the start of another mild winters day. Following a lazy morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and cycled towards Polemere. At intervals the sun shone and at other times spots of rain landed on Mr. Kite.
Polemere
On the pool a colourful company of wigeons swam along a sute of mallards watched by a spring of teal. On the shore sat one lonely male shoveler slept near a desert of lapwings. Then the lapwings lifted off into the sky with silent black and white wings flapping. They flew high in a circling motion before dropping down back to the pool. This stirred the wigeon who then swam to the muddy shoreline and started to feed.
In an adjacent field a flock of greylag geese ate swedes sociably with a flock of sheep. So today Polemere was a busy place.
Back from Polemere.
Mr. Kite then cycled to Condover scanning the fields and hedges. Bullfinches, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, dunnocks, robins and wrens made an appearance. In a field at Boreton a herd of swans were feeding in the grass. Looking carefully Mr. Kite noticed one whooper swan with the mute swans. This whooper had 'one super yellow bill'.
Soon Mr. Kite was back at The Residence enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sky. This was the start of another mild winters day. Following a lazy morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and cycled towards Polemere. At intervals the sun shone and at other times spots of rain landed on Mr. Kite.
Polemere
On the pool a colourful company of wigeons swam along a sute of mallards watched by a spring of teal. On the shore sat one lonely male shoveler slept near a desert of lapwings. Then the lapwings lifted off into the sky with silent black and white wings flapping. They flew high in a circling motion before dropping down back to the pool. This stirred the wigeon who then swam to the muddy shoreline and started to feed.
In an adjacent field a flock of greylag geese ate swedes sociably with a flock of sheep. So today Polemere was a busy place.
Back from Polemere.
Mr. Kite then cycled to Condover scanning the fields and hedges. Bullfinches, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, dunnocks, robins and wrens made an appearance. In a field at Boreton a herd of swans were feeding in the grass. Looking carefully Mr. Kite noticed one whooper swan with the mute swans. This whooper had 'one super yellow bill'.
Soon Mr. Kite was back at The Residence enjoying a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Sunday 22 January 2012
Sunday 22nd January (Not Many Birds on the Hill)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white sky. The wind was gusting and the bare branches on the trees swayed. Mr. Kite and his birding companion were going on a short bird-watching trip to Prior's Holt.
To cut a long story short not too many birds were spotted in the cool strengthening wind. The highlight was a merlin flying across the sky very quickly. The small raptor was in a hurry. The Incapacitants saw far fewer birds than expected.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite was tempted to saddle The Beast and visit the lagoon but the temptation of a bottle of beer was too much. The "Old Speckled Hen" triumphed over "The Flying Pigeon".
So Mr. Kite enjoyed a few tipples. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white sky. The wind was gusting and the bare branches on the trees swayed. Mr. Kite and his birding companion were going on a short bird-watching trip to Prior's Holt.
To cut a long story short not too many birds were spotted in the cool strengthening wind. The highlight was a merlin flying across the sky very quickly. The small raptor was in a hurry. The Incapacitants saw far fewer birds than expected.
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite was tempted to saddle The Beast and visit the lagoon but the temptation of a bottle of beer was too much. The "Old Speckled Hen" triumphed over "The Flying Pigeon".
So Mr. Kite enjoyed a few tipples. Cheers.
Saturday 21 January 2012
Saturday 21st January (A Windy Day and Not Too Many Birds)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom into a blustery day. Two birds were on view. A male blackbird walked down the pavement and a common buzzard soared overhead battling against a strong wind.
Reading a magazine Mr. Kite solved a problem. Amongst the shrubs in the area are splendid dangly green 'lantern shapes' and these are Monty's plant of the week; silk-tassel bush; Garrya elliptica.
Mr. Kite enjoys seeing buzzards flying and circling over The Residence. On this dismal day Mr. Kite looked into his garden for inspiration but did not find it. At three in the afternoon Mr. Kite gave up and opened a tipple of Wychwood Hobgoblin. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom into a blustery day. Two birds were on view. A male blackbird walked down the pavement and a common buzzard soared overhead battling against a strong wind.
Reading a magazine Mr. Kite solved a problem. Amongst the shrubs in the area are splendid dangly green 'lantern shapes' and these are Monty's plant of the week; silk-tassel bush; Garrya elliptica.
Mr. Kite enjoys seeing buzzards flying and circling over The Residence. On this dismal day Mr. Kite looked into his garden for inspiration but did not find it. At three in the afternoon Mr. Kite gave up and opened a tipple of Wychwood Hobgoblin. Cheers from Mr. Kite.
Friday 20 January 2012
Thursday 19 January 2012
Thursday 19th January (Peasants and Pheasants)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky with a hint of drizzle. With a reasonable forecast Mr. Kite and his birding companion planned a gentle ride to watch birds.
Not an Unkindness
The Incapacitants had a delayed start as the drizzle turned to rain. However at eleven o'clock The Incapacitants started watching birds and were in competition. Cycling along the roads through Hook-a-Gate, Annscroft, Plealey and Pontesbury the usual birds were spotted. From Pontesbury The Incapacitants headed towards Habberley where 'an unkindness of ravens' made an appearance. Now these mighty black birds showed 'great kindness' to The Incapacitants as they wheeled, dived and filled the sky with shiny black shapes.
The Unkindness
Further along the road The Incapacitants did come a cross a real unkindness; peasants shooting pheasants. Now Mr. Kite does not agree with pheasants being released into the English countryside as they are non-native and a pest; but Mr. Kite does not believe that 'the beaters' with sticks should scare them into the path of the peasants who then blast from the skies with their shotguns. Cycling past 'The Real Unkindness' The Incapacitants watched as ten peasants blasted ten pheasants into oblivion.
From Ratlinghope to Home
On this mild day many birds had taken to the air. On the Long Mynd and over towards The Stiperstones common buzzards flirted, ravens cavorted and a red kite stole the show as it glided through the air flexing it's tail to control the circling path as it searched for food on the hills below. The trip back towards The Town was an easy downhill run with the wind behind only interrupted to repair mr. Kite's puncture.
The competition was a draw. Mr. Kite arrived home and had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky with a hint of drizzle. With a reasonable forecast Mr. Kite and his birding companion planned a gentle ride to watch birds.
Not an Unkindness
The Incapacitants had a delayed start as the drizzle turned to rain. However at eleven o'clock The Incapacitants started watching birds and were in competition. Cycling along the roads through Hook-a-Gate, Annscroft, Plealey and Pontesbury the usual birds were spotted. From Pontesbury The Incapacitants headed towards Habberley where 'an unkindness of ravens' made an appearance. Now these mighty black birds showed 'great kindness' to The Incapacitants as they wheeled, dived and filled the sky with shiny black shapes.
The Unkindness
Further along the road The Incapacitants did come a cross a real unkindness; peasants shooting pheasants. Now Mr. Kite does not agree with pheasants being released into the English countryside as they are non-native and a pest; but Mr. Kite does not believe that 'the beaters' with sticks should scare them into the path of the peasants who then blast from the skies with their shotguns. Cycling past 'The Real Unkindness' The Incapacitants watched as ten peasants blasted ten pheasants into oblivion.
From Ratlinghope to Home
On this mild day many birds had taken to the air. On the Long Mynd and over towards The Stiperstones common buzzards flirted, ravens cavorted and a red kite stole the show as it glided through the air flexing it's tail to control the circling path as it searched for food on the hills below. The trip back towards The Town was an easy downhill run with the wind behind only interrupted to repair mr. Kite's puncture.
The competition was a draw. Mr. Kite arrived home and had a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Wednesday 18th January (Another Day)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky. Not one bird could be seen.
To the Lagoon
At midday Mr. Kite went to Monkmoor Lagoon. The sun was shining on this pleasant winters day. To cut a long story short. The water had a thin layer of ice on which a pair of shovelers sat by a pair of teal who watched a pair of mallards courting. Eight black-headed gulls sat in a line ignoring everything as they dozed off safely away from any lurking foxes.
Two hours later Mr. Kite returned to The Residence for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a cloudy sky. Not one bird could be seen.
To the Lagoon
At midday Mr. Kite went to Monkmoor Lagoon. The sun was shining on this pleasant winters day. To cut a long story short. The water had a thin layer of ice on which a pair of shovelers sat by a pair of teal who watched a pair of mallards courting. Eight black-headed gulls sat in a line ignoring everything as they dozed off safely away from any lurking foxes.
Two hours later Mr. Kite returned to The Residence for a Tetley tea. Cheers.
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Tuesday 17th January (Winter and a Good Walk)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white mottled sky. Jack Frost was still present in those places that were not touched by yesterdays warm sun. The lime trees stood still on this calm morning full of energy that will gradually emerge in the next few weeks as spring creeps on.
Later in the morning Mr. Kite and his birding companion went for a short cycle ride followed by a walk in the pleasant sunshine and 'the birding competition'. Starting at Hook-a-Gate The Incapacitants walked across fields watching pairs of buzzards, sparrowhawks and plenty of robins. The birds were out in force today singing and flying in the clear blue sky. Near Hanwood The Incapacitants disturbed a bright Red Fox that appeared to have captured a vole.
Large flocks of colourful fieldfares and redwings were the stars of the day as they busily fed in preparation for their return to Scandanavia. Jays, nuthatch, pied wagtail, bullfinch, goldfinch and greater spotted woodpecker were on display. Following the Rea Brook a kingfisher flashed past in a straight bullet like flight. A good day out was enjoyed with thirty species identified and Mr. Kite won the competition. As the evening came The Incapacitants went home and Mr. Kite had a tipple of Green King Abbot Ale. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white mottled sky. Jack Frost was still present in those places that were not touched by yesterdays warm sun. The lime trees stood still on this calm morning full of energy that will gradually emerge in the next few weeks as spring creeps on.
Later in the morning Mr. Kite and his birding companion went for a short cycle ride followed by a walk in the pleasant sunshine and 'the birding competition'. Starting at Hook-a-Gate The Incapacitants walked across fields watching pairs of buzzards, sparrowhawks and plenty of robins. The birds were out in force today singing and flying in the clear blue sky. Near Hanwood The Incapacitants disturbed a bright Red Fox that appeared to have captured a vole.
Large flocks of colourful fieldfares and redwings were the stars of the day as they busily fed in preparation for their return to Scandanavia. Jays, nuthatch, pied wagtail, bullfinch, goldfinch and greater spotted woodpecker were on display. Following the Rea Brook a kingfisher flashed past in a straight bullet like flight. A good day out was enjoyed with thirty species identified and Mr. Kite won the competition. As the evening came The Incapacitants went home and Mr. Kite had a tipple of Green King Abbot Ale. Cheers.
Monday 16 January 2012
Monday 16th January (Winter Continues)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear sky. Jack Frost had left a trail of white crystals on the trees in the road. Four wood pigeons fluttered around in a bare lime tree and a black-headed gull circled overhead. Winter was now in its fourth day and forecast to finish soon with more mild weather by Thursday. So Mr. Kite would try to make the most of this 'cold snap'.
Hunt the Garganey
Just before midday Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and took The Superscope to find the garganey on the Trout Pool. Cycling on the shortest route Mr. Kite followed the main road spotting redwing, fieldfare, blackbirds and the usual. The sun was bright, the berries red and black, plum and apples still on the trees and a pair of hares running around a grassy field.
Mr. Kite set up The Superscope overlooking the Trout Pool and scanned the water to identify the birds. Tufties, coots, mallards, dabchicks, shoveler and great-crested grebe. Then the waters edge; teal, wigeon and a grey heron, No garganey was spotted but with birds leaving, and others arriving, Mr. Kite searched for an hour. Some birds kept their head down so it was not easy.
A flock of swans flew over so Mr. Kite focused on these looking for an 'whooper' but these were 'mute'. In the winter sunshine it was a good day watching ducks, geese and swan in colourful winter plumage. With the sun sinking and Jack Frost making his presence known in the shade it was time to return to The Residence for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a cold Floreat Salopia with a female garganey still hiding.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear sky. Jack Frost had left a trail of white crystals on the trees in the road. Four wood pigeons fluttered around in a bare lime tree and a black-headed gull circled overhead. Winter was now in its fourth day and forecast to finish soon with more mild weather by Thursday. So Mr. Kite would try to make the most of this 'cold snap'.
Hunt the Garganey
Just before midday Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and took The Superscope to find the garganey on the Trout Pool. Cycling on the shortest route Mr. Kite followed the main road spotting redwing, fieldfare, blackbirds and the usual. The sun was bright, the berries red and black, plum and apples still on the trees and a pair of hares running around a grassy field.
Mr. Kite set up The Superscope overlooking the Trout Pool and scanned the water to identify the birds. Tufties, coots, mallards, dabchicks, shoveler and great-crested grebe. Then the waters edge; teal, wigeon and a grey heron, No garganey was spotted but with birds leaving, and others arriving, Mr. Kite searched for an hour. Some birds kept their head down so it was not easy.
A flock of swans flew over so Mr. Kite focused on these looking for an 'whooper' but these were 'mute'. In the winter sunshine it was a good day watching ducks, geese and swan in colourful winter plumage. With the sun sinking and Jack Frost making his presence known in the shade it was time to return to The Residence for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from a cold Floreat Salopia with a female garganey still hiding.
Sunday 15 January 2012
Sunday 15th January (A Good Day Out but Where was the Garganey)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a light sky with some grey cloud. Jack Frost had paid a fleeting visit. Outside the air was still and only a pair of jackdaws played on a chimney stack.
Polemere
When the frost had diminished Mr. Kite saddled up The Beast and headed towards Polemere. The sun was shining and there was a slight cool breeze. Eight miles later Mr. Kite was looking over the mostly frozen Polemere where teals and mallards sat on the thin ice by the unfrozen circled near the edge and a small flock of greylag geese dozed on the grassy bank. Not much else stirred.
Venus Pool
Mr. Kite cycled along the country lanes to Venus Pool. With ice on the water the pool looked cold but the warm fluffy feathers of the teal, mallard and shovelers allowed them to sit about on the waters edge and on the newly formed land.
The Trout Pool
From the calm of V.P. Mr. Kite cycled to the Trout Pool where a gallery of telescoping bird-watchers were scanning the far side of the pool. A female garganey was reported there. So Mr. Kite duly scanned the 'sitting ducks' looking for that superciliary stripe on a 'teal sized Anatidae'. With lenses steaming up in the cold air searching was difficult but Mr. Kite persevered. With teals sitting there, and some tufted ducks swimming by Mr. Kite looked at every bird carefully. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite failed the spot 'the girl'; but others might have. Without The Superscope it was a bit like 'looking for a needle in a haystack'.
Atcham and Attingham Park
A large flock of canada geese sat on the river bank at Atcham enjoying feeding in the fresh green grass. A few goosander bravely dived in the cold River Severn searching for sprats. In the park a large flock of redwings and fieldfares moved across the ground feeding. In the trees passeriformes fluttered between the trees. Following a gentle ride through the park Mr. Kite cycled to his last stop of the day.
Monkmoor Lagoon
With the sun lowering in the sky and the temperature dropping towards zero Mr. Kite arrived at The Lagoon. Some thin ice floated on the surface and a chilly wind made some gentle waves. Only teal and mallards ventured onto the water. On a pole two stock doves played. Searching the reeds mr. Kite could only find moorhens. Soon it was time to go home where Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers from Mr. Kite, the elusive female garganey and the birds of Floreat salopia.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a light sky with some grey cloud. Jack Frost had paid a fleeting visit. Outside the air was still and only a pair of jackdaws played on a chimney stack.
Polemere
When the frost had diminished Mr. Kite saddled up The Beast and headed towards Polemere. The sun was shining and there was a slight cool breeze. Eight miles later Mr. Kite was looking over the mostly frozen Polemere where teals and mallards sat on the thin ice by the unfrozen circled near the edge and a small flock of greylag geese dozed on the grassy bank. Not much else stirred.
Venus Pool
Mr. Kite cycled along the country lanes to Venus Pool. With ice on the water the pool looked cold but the warm fluffy feathers of the teal, mallard and shovelers allowed them to sit about on the waters edge and on the newly formed land.
The Trout Pool
From the calm of V.P. Mr. Kite cycled to the Trout Pool where a gallery of telescoping bird-watchers were scanning the far side of the pool. A female garganey was reported there. So Mr. Kite duly scanned the 'sitting ducks' looking for that superciliary stripe on a 'teal sized Anatidae'. With lenses steaming up in the cold air searching was difficult but Mr. Kite persevered. With teals sitting there, and some tufted ducks swimming by Mr. Kite looked at every bird carefully. To cut a long story short Mr. Kite failed the spot 'the girl'; but others might have. Without The Superscope it was a bit like 'looking for a needle in a haystack'.
Atcham and Attingham Park
A large flock of canada geese sat on the river bank at Atcham enjoying feeding in the fresh green grass. A few goosander bravely dived in the cold River Severn searching for sprats. In the park a large flock of redwings and fieldfares moved across the ground feeding. In the trees passeriformes fluttered between the trees. Following a gentle ride through the park Mr. Kite cycled to his last stop of the day.
Monkmoor Lagoon
With the sun lowering in the sky and the temperature dropping towards zero Mr. Kite arrived at The Lagoon. Some thin ice floated on the surface and a chilly wind made some gentle waves. Only teal and mallards ventured onto the water. On a pole two stock doves played. Searching the reeds mr. Kite could only find moorhens. Soon it was time to go home where Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers from Mr. Kite, the elusive female garganey and the birds of Floreat salopia.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Saturday 14th January (The First Frost of the New Year)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see everything coated in a white frost. Jack had visited during the night leaving behind crystals of every shape and form. The sun was rising in the east and the world was silent; nothing stirred only Mr. Kite.
A Bike Ride in the Sun
On this sunny morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and set off up the country lanes to Venus Pool. The air was still and the birds were active. On the hedges birds flitted and sang; and in the sky the birds called. Venus Pool had a thin layer of ice so the mallards, teal and shovelers sat on the edges. This splendid morning stirred the ornithologists into life. On every path and in every field someone was standing there with binoculars or a scope watching linnets, rooks and goldfinch.
The Trout Pool
The trout pool was not frozen today so many of the birds went there today. Flocks of canadian geese dropped in to join the grebes and ducks. Mr. Kite's binoculars were not good enough to search the water thoroughly but the usual bird were identified and nothing less common found.
Return Trip Home
Mr. Kite then slowly returned to The Residence via Atcham bridge and Attingham Park. In the park a large flock of fieldfare and redwing fed with noisy rooks near by. On the last part of the trip Mr. Kite spotted, this first time this year, a long-tailed tit. This bird was on its own. After such an event Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Abbots Ale. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see everything coated in a white frost. Jack had visited during the night leaving behind crystals of every shape and form. The sun was rising in the east and the world was silent; nothing stirred only Mr. Kite.
A Bike Ride in the Sun
On this sunny morning Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and set off up the country lanes to Venus Pool. The air was still and the birds were active. On the hedges birds flitted and sang; and in the sky the birds called. Venus Pool had a thin layer of ice so the mallards, teal and shovelers sat on the edges. This splendid morning stirred the ornithologists into life. On every path and in every field someone was standing there with binoculars or a scope watching linnets, rooks and goldfinch.
The Trout Pool
The trout pool was not frozen today so many of the birds went there today. Flocks of canadian geese dropped in to join the grebes and ducks. Mr. Kite's binoculars were not good enough to search the water thoroughly but the usual bird were identified and nothing less common found.
Return Trip Home
Mr. Kite then slowly returned to The Residence via Atcham bridge and Attingham Park. In the park a large flock of fieldfare and redwing fed with noisy rooks near by. On the last part of the trip Mr. Kite spotted, this first time this year, a long-tailed tit. This bird was on its own. After such an event Mr. Kite returned home for a tipple of Abbots Ale. Cheers.
Friday 13 January 2012
Friday 13th January (A Cold Start)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white sky. The night was cold, just above freezing, and the air was still. Mr. Kite looked into the lime trees to see blue tits and plump wood pigeons. On the table lay samples of shrubbery taken from the local plants waiting to be identified.
To the Stiperstones
In the late morning sunshine Mr. Kite saddled up The Beast and headed towards the Stiperstones. Today Mr. Kite was going to look and listen to bird as he cycled along and enjoy the winter colours and decorated trees. The route was from Shrewsbury through Annscroft, Longden, Plealey, Pontesbury and Minsterley. All the common birds were present in the hedgerows and the fields were unusually quiet and ravens made their presence known.
From Plox Green Mr. Kite slowed down as he cycled uphill looking into the hedges spotting blue tits, great tits, robins, and dunnocks. Mr. Kite noted all the birds but he was searching for long-tailed tits. At this slow speed there was plenty of time to look especially as there were few cars. Eventually Mr. Kite left the trees behind and cycled the last part to the car park by The Devil's Chair; not one babbler was spotted.
To Church Stretton
Following a short break looking towards The Devil's Chair Mr. Kite cycled towards The Bridges. This time Mr. Kite was looking for meadow pipits. Avoiding sheep Mr. Kite looked on the grass, amongst the rocks and on the road for meadow pipits. Today magpies had taken the high ground with the jackdaws. Soon Mr. Kite reached Ratlinghope avoiding the wonderful beer of The Bridges.
On this quiet Friday Mr. Kite headed up the road towards Church Stretton climbing for the first two miles. At this speed Mr. Kite was listening for red grouse; or even better a view of one. Mr. Kite cycled and listened and looked into the heather, onto the hillsides and into the clearings without success. But that did not matter; the day was calm, the views stunning and the sounds of the wild.
Just before the main descent down The Burway Mr. Kite stopped to look at the reservoir on the left; and the gantry. This is a place never to be forgotten. The gantry was the last place The Star walked and the reservoir was were this young man took his last breathe and said good-bye to life.
Soon Mr. Kite reached Church Stretton.
Home
Mr. Kite enjoyed the day out. In the sunshine he cycled home to the sight, sounds and smells of Shropshire. With The Beast in the shed Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from the sunny cold Floreat Salopia.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white sky. The night was cold, just above freezing, and the air was still. Mr. Kite looked into the lime trees to see blue tits and plump wood pigeons. On the table lay samples of shrubbery taken from the local plants waiting to be identified.
To the Stiperstones
In the late morning sunshine Mr. Kite saddled up The Beast and headed towards the Stiperstones. Today Mr. Kite was going to look and listen to bird as he cycled along and enjoy the winter colours and decorated trees. The route was from Shrewsbury through Annscroft, Longden, Plealey, Pontesbury and Minsterley. All the common birds were present in the hedgerows and the fields were unusually quiet and ravens made their presence known.
From Plox Green Mr. Kite slowed down as he cycled uphill looking into the hedges spotting blue tits, great tits, robins, and dunnocks. Mr. Kite noted all the birds but he was searching for long-tailed tits. At this slow speed there was plenty of time to look especially as there were few cars. Eventually Mr. Kite left the trees behind and cycled the last part to the car park by The Devil's Chair; not one babbler was spotted.
To Church Stretton
Following a short break looking towards The Devil's Chair Mr. Kite cycled towards The Bridges. This time Mr. Kite was looking for meadow pipits. Avoiding sheep Mr. Kite looked on the grass, amongst the rocks and on the road for meadow pipits. Today magpies had taken the high ground with the jackdaws. Soon Mr. Kite reached Ratlinghope avoiding the wonderful beer of The Bridges.
On this quiet Friday Mr. Kite headed up the road towards Church Stretton climbing for the first two miles. At this speed Mr. Kite was listening for red grouse; or even better a view of one. Mr. Kite cycled and listened and looked into the heather, onto the hillsides and into the clearings without success. But that did not matter; the day was calm, the views stunning and the sounds of the wild.
Just before the main descent down The Burway Mr. Kite stopped to look at the reservoir on the left; and the gantry. This is a place never to be forgotten. The gantry was the last place The Star walked and the reservoir was were this young man took his last breathe and said good-bye to life.
Soon Mr. Kite reached Church Stretton.
Home
Mr. Kite enjoyed the day out. In the sunshine he cycled home to the sight, sounds and smells of Shropshire. With The Beast in the shed Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from the sunny cold Floreat Salopia.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Thursday 12th January (A Mild Winters Morning)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. Winter has yet to start and perhaps will not. Soon it will be spring. Berries are till on the shrubs. In the garden a pair of blackbirds courted amongst the ivy.
Today Mr. Kite was meeting his birding companion for a bird-watching and spotting competition. On the way to meet his birding companion Mr. Kite cycled past berries of every colour, yellow flowers, seeds dangling from twigs and every shade of green on leaves.
At ten o'clock The Incapacitants were watching birds and the competition had began.
Meole and The Rea Brook
Starting with jackdaws the number of birds increased as the common town birds appeared. Stopping on the bridge over The Rea Brook The Incapacitants looked for birds around the brook and in the trees. A few minutes later the corvids 'crowed' and started to fly. Looking around Mr. Kite noticed that they were flying to mob a Little Egret. Now that was a surprise because in Shrewsbury Little Egrets are not common. This 'little white heron' then perched in a fir tree and put it's head down to avoid further mobbing. At interval the little egret popped up it's head to search for the 'mobsters'. Then it was time to move onto Sharpstone Quarry.
Sharpstone Quarry
In the quarry flocks of farmland birds flew from trees to the ground and back to the fields. Included in the flocks were yellowhammers, chaffinch and linnets. In a corner of one field a large gathering of redwing, fieldfare and starlings moved across the ground feeding and then like a swarm of bees flew into a tree filing every branch and bough. Just as they settled a peregrine falcon flew fast and low where they had been feeding. As it passed The Incapacitants the falcons black mask resembling, a 'cat burglars', showed clearly making the raptor look ominous and determined. Seconds later it's partner in crime passed by looking equally business like. The flock in the tree then returned to the ground to feed.
Rooks, carrion crows and jackdaw occupied a field with the sheep. Then the falcons returned over the flock of feeding ground birds in a flash; one bird banked to the right and kept low and the other gained height and flew over The Incapacitants before dropping into the quarry.
Betton Pool
With all the birds in the quarry accounted for The Incapacitants followed the public footpaths and headed to Betton Pool. Down tracks, over fields and through farmyards The Incapacitants stopped to watch wrens, pheasants and many more. Betton Pool was a busy bird place today that included goosander, grey heron and cormorants. In the surrounding trees and bushes little birds moved around including a treecreeper that moved spirally up the trunk of an oak showing a neat curved beak.
Back to Sharpstone
Once again it was over fields and through muddy farmyards to Sharpstone Quarry to be reunited with The Beast that was chained to a fence. Over the quarry a raven flew.
On leaving the quarry The Incapacitants competition was a draw as the number of species spotted was many more than predicted but to increase the tally they headed to Springfield Mere where five more species were spotted. With forty-three species spotted a good day out ended.
Mr. Kite returned home to enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite following a 'grand day out in Floreat Salopia'.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey sky. Winter has yet to start and perhaps will not. Soon it will be spring. Berries are till on the shrubs. In the garden a pair of blackbirds courted amongst the ivy.
Today Mr. Kite was meeting his birding companion for a bird-watching and spotting competition. On the way to meet his birding companion Mr. Kite cycled past berries of every colour, yellow flowers, seeds dangling from twigs and every shade of green on leaves.
At ten o'clock The Incapacitants were watching birds and the competition had began.
Meole and The Rea Brook
Starting with jackdaws the number of birds increased as the common town birds appeared. Stopping on the bridge over The Rea Brook The Incapacitants looked for birds around the brook and in the trees. A few minutes later the corvids 'crowed' and started to fly. Looking around Mr. Kite noticed that they were flying to mob a Little Egret. Now that was a surprise because in Shrewsbury Little Egrets are not common. This 'little white heron' then perched in a fir tree and put it's head down to avoid further mobbing. At interval the little egret popped up it's head to search for the 'mobsters'. Then it was time to move onto Sharpstone Quarry.
Sharpstone Quarry
In the quarry flocks of farmland birds flew from trees to the ground and back to the fields. Included in the flocks were yellowhammers, chaffinch and linnets. In a corner of one field a large gathering of redwing, fieldfare and starlings moved across the ground feeding and then like a swarm of bees flew into a tree filing every branch and bough. Just as they settled a peregrine falcon flew fast and low where they had been feeding. As it passed The Incapacitants the falcons black mask resembling, a 'cat burglars', showed clearly making the raptor look ominous and determined. Seconds later it's partner in crime passed by looking equally business like. The flock in the tree then returned to the ground to feed.
Rooks, carrion crows and jackdaw occupied a field with the sheep. Then the falcons returned over the flock of feeding ground birds in a flash; one bird banked to the right and kept low and the other gained height and flew over The Incapacitants before dropping into the quarry.
Betton Pool
With all the birds in the quarry accounted for The Incapacitants followed the public footpaths and headed to Betton Pool. Down tracks, over fields and through farmyards The Incapacitants stopped to watch wrens, pheasants and many more. Betton Pool was a busy bird place today that included goosander, grey heron and cormorants. In the surrounding trees and bushes little birds moved around including a treecreeper that moved spirally up the trunk of an oak showing a neat curved beak.
Back to Sharpstone
Once again it was over fields and through muddy farmyards to Sharpstone Quarry to be reunited with The Beast that was chained to a fence. Over the quarry a raven flew.
On leaving the quarry The Incapacitants competition was a draw as the number of species spotted was many more than predicted but to increase the tally they headed to Springfield Mere where five more species were spotted. With forty-three species spotted a good day out ended.
Mr. Kite returned home to enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite following a 'grand day out in Floreat Salopia'.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Wednesday 11th January (A Sunny Start without a Spanish Sparrow)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright winter sky with some small thin white clouds. Two fat wood pigeons inspected the end of a large branch that had been pruned looking for a suitable place to build a nest. A male chaffinch move inquisitively along the trees stopping occasionally to peck a twig or branch. Soon this bird was joined by another who also pecked at the branches.
Carrion crows and starlings flew over before a greenfinch and mistle thrush landed in the top of the tree.
To Venus Pool
With the sun shining on this mild winters morning Mr. Kite oiled The Beast and rode along the country lanes towards venus Pool. The light was more intense than a week ago; spring was in the air. Jackdaws, carrion crows and doves were making plans for the new season. Mr. Kite scanned the fields, hedges and trees. A large flock of fieldfare and redwing took off from a field followed by some lapwings. Overhead common buzzards flirted by gliding, rolling and making contact with each other in flight.
Just past Cound Stank a bright male yellowhammer sat on top of a hedge looking more like a canary in the sunshine. The water level in V.P. had risen slightly and plenty of mallards, teals and shoveler swam, sat or sleeped. On one of the new mounds of earth a common snipe prodded it's long bill into the soft mud. In the sunshine its brown camouflage was highlighted by some warm cream stripes.
The Trout Pool
Mr. Kite then went to look at the Trout Pool; if it can still be called the Trout Pool. In the middle of the pool about fifty canada geese floated about, tufties 'ducked and dived', coots paddled along and at least five little grebes fed as a group in the far corner. With the wind increasing and the ripples on the water rising Mr. Kite headed to Monkmoor Lagoon.
Monkmoor Lagoon
To cut a long story short The Lagoon was fairly quiet. One grey heron, about thirty mallards and about twenty teals made use of the water. Mr. Kite searched the reeds and surrounding for other signs of life hoping for a bittern or a water rail; no such luck.
Now Mr. Kite put on his radio and listened to the news where the big story was that a spanish sparrow was sitting in Hampshire being watched by twitchers galore. Mr. Kite had a big decision to make: "Should he take The Beast down to Hampshire on a two hundred miles twitch?"
Looking at the clouds and the state of The Beast Mr. Kite decided to return home for a tipple of Tetley tea following a good day watching birds. Cheers from Mr. Kite. Perhaps the spanish sparrow will fly north to save Mr. Kite cycling south.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright winter sky with some small thin white clouds. Two fat wood pigeons inspected the end of a large branch that had been pruned looking for a suitable place to build a nest. A male chaffinch move inquisitively along the trees stopping occasionally to peck a twig or branch. Soon this bird was joined by another who also pecked at the branches.
Carrion crows and starlings flew over before a greenfinch and mistle thrush landed in the top of the tree.
To Venus Pool
With the sun shining on this mild winters morning Mr. Kite oiled The Beast and rode along the country lanes towards venus Pool. The light was more intense than a week ago; spring was in the air. Jackdaws, carrion crows and doves were making plans for the new season. Mr. Kite scanned the fields, hedges and trees. A large flock of fieldfare and redwing took off from a field followed by some lapwings. Overhead common buzzards flirted by gliding, rolling and making contact with each other in flight.
Just past Cound Stank a bright male yellowhammer sat on top of a hedge looking more like a canary in the sunshine. The water level in V.P. had risen slightly and plenty of mallards, teals and shoveler swam, sat or sleeped. On one of the new mounds of earth a common snipe prodded it's long bill into the soft mud. In the sunshine its brown camouflage was highlighted by some warm cream stripes.
The Trout Pool
Mr. Kite then went to look at the Trout Pool; if it can still be called the Trout Pool. In the middle of the pool about fifty canada geese floated about, tufties 'ducked and dived', coots paddled along and at least five little grebes fed as a group in the far corner. With the wind increasing and the ripples on the water rising Mr. Kite headed to Monkmoor Lagoon.
Monkmoor Lagoon
To cut a long story short The Lagoon was fairly quiet. One grey heron, about thirty mallards and about twenty teals made use of the water. Mr. Kite searched the reeds and surrounding for other signs of life hoping for a bittern or a water rail; no such luck.
Now Mr. Kite put on his radio and listened to the news where the big story was that a spanish sparrow was sitting in Hampshire being watched by twitchers galore. Mr. Kite had a big decision to make: "Should he take The Beast down to Hampshire on a two hundred miles twitch?"
Looking at the clouds and the state of The Beast Mr. Kite decided to return home for a tipple of Tetley tea following a good day watching birds. Cheers from Mr. Kite. Perhaps the spanish sparrow will fly north to save Mr. Kite cycling south.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Tuesday 10th January (Back to Floreat Salopia)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white cloudy sky. In the north-east a few 'holes in the cloud' were edged with pink showing that the sun was there somewhere. The trees were bare but the buds had grown a little and waited for the sunlight to increase and the temperature to rise before springing into life.
On this mild January morning a spider was building a web on Mr. Kite's bay window. Wood pigeons, carrion crows and starlings could be seen flying around. With temperatures approaching double figures it was slightly springlike.
Towards Polemere
In the pleasant sunshine Mr. Kite headed towards Polemere via The Quarry. On the swollen River Severn lots of mallards waited to be fed by the 'mothers and toddlers' with bread whilst twelve goosander helped themselves to River Severn sprats. The brown dirty river was more like 'fish soup'.
Cycling on the road to Cruckton Mr. Kite stopped to watch a Merlin fly low over a hedge and along the edge of a field. This time nothing was disturbed or caught by the brown marauding raptor. In the far corner of the field two black pheasants, that had avoided the Xmas shoot, were feeding.
Mr. Kite then reached Polemere for the first time this year. The water level was lower than normal and there was life on the water. A spring of teal in fine winter colours, a sord of mallard in an amorous mood and a pair of wigeon were cavorting in the winter sunshine. One mute swan, one greylag and a farmyard goose added a sizable presence to water and a moorhen with clean green legs strutted around the outside of the water.
Wood pigeons fed in the vegetable in a nearby field and a common buzzard inspected future places to nest. In the pleasant warmth Mr. Kite scanned the water, the hedges, the fields and the sky to identify other species. Every bird was checked at least twice but Mr. Kite could not pick out any other species.
After an hour Mr. Kite cycled slowly to Lea Cross, Annscroft and Condover looking for birds. Chaffinch, bullfinch, great tits and blue tits were common. The field had plenty of corvids. With the air chilling and more grey cloud overhead Mr. Kite went home to enjoy a Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite who had a very pleasant day watching birds.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey and white cloudy sky. In the north-east a few 'holes in the cloud' were edged with pink showing that the sun was there somewhere. The trees were bare but the buds had grown a little and waited for the sunlight to increase and the temperature to rise before springing into life.
On this mild January morning a spider was building a web on Mr. Kite's bay window. Wood pigeons, carrion crows and starlings could be seen flying around. With temperatures approaching double figures it was slightly springlike.
Towards Polemere
In the pleasant sunshine Mr. Kite headed towards Polemere via The Quarry. On the swollen River Severn lots of mallards waited to be fed by the 'mothers and toddlers' with bread whilst twelve goosander helped themselves to River Severn sprats. The brown dirty river was more like 'fish soup'.
Cycling on the road to Cruckton Mr. Kite stopped to watch a Merlin fly low over a hedge and along the edge of a field. This time nothing was disturbed or caught by the brown marauding raptor. In the far corner of the field two black pheasants, that had avoided the Xmas shoot, were feeding.
Mr. Kite then reached Polemere for the first time this year. The water level was lower than normal and there was life on the water. A spring of teal in fine winter colours, a sord of mallard in an amorous mood and a pair of wigeon were cavorting in the winter sunshine. One mute swan, one greylag and a farmyard goose added a sizable presence to water and a moorhen with clean green legs strutted around the outside of the water.
Wood pigeons fed in the vegetable in a nearby field and a common buzzard inspected future places to nest. In the pleasant warmth Mr. Kite scanned the water, the hedges, the fields and the sky to identify other species. Every bird was checked at least twice but Mr. Kite could not pick out any other species.
After an hour Mr. Kite cycled slowly to Lea Cross, Annscroft and Condover looking for birds. Chaffinch, bullfinch, great tits and blue tits were common. The field had plenty of corvids. With the air chilling and more grey cloud overhead Mr. Kite went home to enjoy a Tetley tea. Cheers from Mr. Kite who had a very pleasant day watching birds.
Monday 9 January 2012
Monday 9th January (Homeward Bound)
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into a green shrub covered in ivy. A robin sang, a song thrush sang and a collared dove purred. Today Mr. Kite was returning home.
At ten thirty Mr. Kite was driving along roads passing ponds with water fowl, fields of corvid and one meadow with a huge herd of swans. Mr. Kite did not have time today to watch birds.
Hours later Mr. Kite was at home enjoying a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers from Floreat Salopia.
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into a green shrub covered in ivy. A robin sang, a song thrush sang and a collared dove purred. Today Mr. Kite was returning home.
At ten thirty Mr. Kite was driving along roads passing ponds with water fowl, fields of corvid and one meadow with a huge herd of swans. Mr. Kite did not have time today to watch birds.
Hours later Mr. Kite was at home enjoying a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers from Floreat Salopia.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Sunday 8th January (A Dawn Chorus with Owls and Pigeons)
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into the greenery of the shrubs as dawn was rising in the east. Owls screeched, wood pigeons cooed and song thrushes sang. Mr. Kite looked carefully for the owls but could not see them as they moved around calling. Never mind the sound was enough.
Following breakfast Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and cycled towards RSPB Fowlmere. On this cloudy still morning Mr. Kite saw the usual birds but looked carefully into the bare trees for woodpeckers and the fields for grey partridge; all in vain.
At eleven Mr. Kite was in the calm reserve at Fowlmere. The first stop was Drewer's Hide overlooking reedbeds and a little water. A muntjac deer paddled in the shallow water as a green woodpecker flew overhead and landed on the trunk of a tall poplar tree before climbing towards the top. Then three reed buntings drops from the sky into the reeds before disappearing into the middle.
Mr. Kite walked along the paths by a clear babbling stream that in the warmer weather would hold brown trout and bullheads; but today it was just water without fish. Spring Hide was the next stopping place to look over the water where only a moorhen was out. The alder trees overhanging the hide looked a good spot for siskins and lesser redpolls but today they were elsewhere.
The last hide to be visited was the raised Reedbed Hide that overlooked a vast expanse of reeds and water. In the water mallards, teal, greylag geese, grey herons and moorhens swam, paddled and fed. Mr. Kite then cycled back to Cherry hinton stopping to watch a flock of redwings and fieldfares. The fields still did not reveal a partridge.
Late in the afternoon Mrs. Kite put an apple core out for a friendly robin that lived in a bush near The Joint. The robin enjoyed the core for five minutes before a grey squirrel appeared and moved the robin on. The squirrel picked up the core and took it into the bush and up a tree.
Following this Mr. Kite and His Lady went for a stroll around Cherry Hinton Chalk Pit to watch birds as the afternoon turned to dusk. Only one chaffinch and a robin were spotted. Mr. Kite returned for a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into the greenery of the shrubs as dawn was rising in the east. Owls screeched, wood pigeons cooed and song thrushes sang. Mr. Kite looked carefully for the owls but could not see them as they moved around calling. Never mind the sound was enough.
Following breakfast Mr. Kite saddled The Beast and cycled towards RSPB Fowlmere. On this cloudy still morning Mr. Kite saw the usual birds but looked carefully into the bare trees for woodpeckers and the fields for grey partridge; all in vain.
At eleven Mr. Kite was in the calm reserve at Fowlmere. The first stop was Drewer's Hide overlooking reedbeds and a little water. A muntjac deer paddled in the shallow water as a green woodpecker flew overhead and landed on the trunk of a tall poplar tree before climbing towards the top. Then three reed buntings drops from the sky into the reeds before disappearing into the middle.
Mr. Kite walked along the paths by a clear babbling stream that in the warmer weather would hold brown trout and bullheads; but today it was just water without fish. Spring Hide was the next stopping place to look over the water where only a moorhen was out. The alder trees overhanging the hide looked a good spot for siskins and lesser redpolls but today they were elsewhere.
The last hide to be visited was the raised Reedbed Hide that overlooked a vast expanse of reeds and water. In the water mallards, teal, greylag geese, grey herons and moorhens swam, paddled and fed. Mr. Kite then cycled back to Cherry hinton stopping to watch a flock of redwings and fieldfares. The fields still did not reveal a partridge.
Late in the afternoon Mrs. Kite put an apple core out for a friendly robin that lived in a bush near The Joint. The robin enjoyed the core for five minutes before a grey squirrel appeared and moved the robin on. The squirrel picked up the core and took it into the bush and up a tree.
Following this Mr. Kite and His Lady went for a stroll around Cherry Hinton Chalk Pit to watch birds as the afternoon turned to dusk. Only one chaffinch and a robin were spotted. Mr. Kite returned for a tipple of Greene King Abbot Ale. Cheers.
Saturday 7th January (Birds in the Fitzwilliam Museum)
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into green ivy and black berries where a robin sang in the early morning. Song thrushes sang with a background of wood pigeons cooing. Today Mr. Kite looked at pictures in an art gallery full of people. Some birds were topics of the work including Breughel's; The Bird-trap.
Following a day inside a museum looking at some birds on pictures, on plates and statues Mr. Kite sat in The Regal enjoying a few tipples of Greene King Ruddles Ale. Cheers from the City of Cambridge.
Mr. Kite looked out of The Joint window into green ivy and black berries where a robin sang in the early morning. Song thrushes sang with a background of wood pigeons cooing. Today Mr. Kite looked at pictures in an art gallery full of people. Some birds were topics of the work including Breughel's; The Bird-trap.
Following a day inside a museum looking at some birds on pictures, on plates and statues Mr. Kite sat in The Regal enjoying a few tipples of Greene King Ruddles Ale. Cheers from the City of Cambridge.
Thursday 5 January 2012
Friday 6th January (Cambridge Here we Come)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear blue sunny sky. So by half eight Mr. Kite and His lady were heading towards Cambridge for the weekend. With hardly any traffic The Joint sped along passing fields of rooks, driving under gliding buzzards and nearly colliding with a male blackbird.
At midday Mr. Kite reached Cherry Hinton to be greeted by a hovering Kestrel. Mr. Kite put The Joint in order and walked around the camp site surrounded by a nature reserve. Robins, collared doves, magpies and jackdaws put in an appearance. Just before dusk Mr. Kite watched a Song Thrush singing in the evening from the top of a small bush where a Wren made a ticking sound in the base.
After a good day Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Fullers London Pride. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear blue sunny sky. So by half eight Mr. Kite and His lady were heading towards Cambridge for the weekend. With hardly any traffic The Joint sped along passing fields of rooks, driving under gliding buzzards and nearly colliding with a male blackbird.
At midday Mr. Kite reached Cherry Hinton to be greeted by a hovering Kestrel. Mr. Kite put The Joint in order and walked around the camp site surrounded by a nature reserve. Robins, collared doves, magpies and jackdaws put in an appearance. Just before dusk Mr. Kite watched a Song Thrush singing in the evening from the top of a small bush where a Wren made a ticking sound in the base.
After a good day Mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Fullers London Pride. Cheers.
Thursday 5th January (Strong Winds)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a mottled blue, grey and white sky. The sun appeared through small breaks in the passing clouds giving them bright white edges. Outside a strong wind blew swaying the trees violently. Today Mr. Kite was planning a trip to Cambridge on Friday.
In the morning Mr. Kite was looking out of his kitchen window thinking about his year's garden list. Looking down the garden Mr. Kite thought he would describe his garden from the window. The left hand side is an old Victorian orchard wall about one metre high that is about thirty meters long before it turn at right angles to form the bottom boundary of the garden. Down the right hand side is a privet hedge that meets the wall. The first part of the garden is grass with a flower bed on the left hand side. The bottom of the garden has a laurel tree and a small pond and shrubs.
From the window Mr. Kite can see two sycamore trees on the left side and an ash tree on the right side. Behind the garden are lots of other trees of all kinds. Today Mr. Kite looked into the sycamore tree on the left side of the pond against the wall. Two years ago Mr. Kite pruned the top about seven metres from the ground forming a flat surface. Branches are beginning to grow at the top forming a surround for the flat surface. In this secure place a pair of canoodling collared doves were tidying up a nest from last year. Firstly they sat by each other then they fluttered showing an arc of white on their tail feathers. Then they pecked and teased each other followed by more flattering fluttering before putting twigs tidy onto the old nest. The wind made fluttering and tidying more difficult but they kept on for about ten minutes before flying away.
Mr. Kite only watched these birds today. But did also enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a mottled blue, grey and white sky. The sun appeared through small breaks in the passing clouds giving them bright white edges. Outside a strong wind blew swaying the trees violently. Today Mr. Kite was planning a trip to Cambridge on Friday.
In the morning Mr. Kite was looking out of his kitchen window thinking about his year's garden list. Looking down the garden Mr. Kite thought he would describe his garden from the window. The left hand side is an old Victorian orchard wall about one metre high that is about thirty meters long before it turn at right angles to form the bottom boundary of the garden. Down the right hand side is a privet hedge that meets the wall. The first part of the garden is grass with a flower bed on the left hand side. The bottom of the garden has a laurel tree and a small pond and shrubs.
From the window Mr. Kite can see two sycamore trees on the left side and an ash tree on the right side. Behind the garden are lots of other trees of all kinds. Today Mr. Kite looked into the sycamore tree on the left side of the pond against the wall. Two years ago Mr. Kite pruned the top about seven metres from the ground forming a flat surface. Branches are beginning to grow at the top forming a surround for the flat surface. In this secure place a pair of canoodling collared doves were tidying up a nest from last year. Firstly they sat by each other then they fluttered showing an arc of white on their tail feathers. Then they pecked and teased each other followed by more flattering fluttering before putting twigs tidy onto the old nest. The wind made fluttering and tidying more difficult but they kept on for about ten minutes before flying away.
Mr. Kite only watched these birds today. But did also enjoy a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Wednesday 4th January (More Wind and More Rain)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy cold January sky. The wind blew and the rain came down. This was not an ideal day to watch birds. However from the kitchen window mr. Kite watched two collared doves flitting between trees in his garden. Perhaps this is a day for the 'garden list'.
Even the garden list did not extend much on this cold windy day except for a 'gulp, or a murder, or a tittering, or a tidings' of magpies. Today the 'gulp' seemed to play, court and make a 'cha cha cha cha' chatter.
Looking at these noisy birds reminded Mr. Kite of a traditional rhyme:
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a grey cloudy cold January sky. The wind blew and the rain came down. This was not an ideal day to watch birds. However from the kitchen window mr. Kite watched two collared doves flitting between trees in his garden. Perhaps this is a day for the 'garden list'.
Even the garden list did not extend much on this cold windy day except for a 'gulp, or a murder, or a tittering, or a tidings' of magpies. Today the 'gulp' seemed to play, court and make a 'cha cha cha cha' chatter.
Looking at these noisy birds reminded Mr. Kite of a traditional rhyme:
Magpies
One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a letter,
Four for a boy,
Five for a secret never to be told,
Six for silver,
Seven for gold.
So with five magpies in the garden; 'What is the secret never to be told?'
Mr. Kite likes the species name; 'pica pica'. As the light faded and darkness descended mr. Kite enjoyed a tipple of Tetlet tea. Cheers.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Tuesday 3rd January (Wind and Rain)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see pouring rain being swept along by a strong wind. One wood pigeon braved the adverse conditions and flew over the house. Mr. Kite put the kettle on for a cup of coffee.
During the morning Mr. Kite watched the trees sway and three starlings fly quickly across the sky. The wind blew causing roaring sounds down the chimney and the rain lashed the window panes. Outside was not very pleasant.
Monkmoor Lagoon
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon in the strong breeze. Cycling along the road and lane Mr. Kite spotted wood pigeons, magpies and blackbirds. On the lagoon there were three mallards riding the waves. One female was pursued by two amorous males. This was a case of 'riding along on the crest of a wave'. Mr. Kite sat and scanned the surroundings area as the wind speed increased and the temperature dropped. It was time to go to The Residence. Sitting if front of the fire Mr. Kite had a tipple of Marston's Old Empire India Pale Ale. Cheers.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window to see pouring rain being swept along by a strong wind. One wood pigeon braved the adverse conditions and flew over the house. Mr. Kite put the kettle on for a cup of coffee.
During the morning Mr. Kite watched the trees sway and three starlings fly quickly across the sky. The wind blew causing roaring sounds down the chimney and the rain lashed the window panes. Outside was not very pleasant.
Monkmoor Lagoon
In the late afternoon Mr. Kite took The Beast to Monkmoor Lagoon in the strong breeze. Cycling along the road and lane Mr. Kite spotted wood pigeons, magpies and blackbirds. On the lagoon there were three mallards riding the waves. One female was pursued by two amorous males. This was a case of 'riding along on the crest of a wave'. Mr. Kite sat and scanned the surroundings area as the wind speed increased and the temperature dropped. It was time to go to The Residence. Sitting if front of the fire Mr. Kite had a tipple of Marston's Old Empire India Pale Ale. Cheers.
Monday 2 January 2012
Monday 2nd January (Will the Year List Progress)
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear white sky where the sun was rising in the east. This was a winters dawn; cold, quiet with bare trees. Against the white sky birds were silhouetted as they hurriedly flew. Today Mr. Kite had a plan that involved Larus argentatus, Larus michahellis and Larus cachinnans.
Herds and Decorated Trees
Firstly Mr. Kite and His Lady took a ride in The Joint to a place near the Riverside Inn where a herd of swans were feeding in the same place as last year. Mr. Kite set up The Super Scope and scanned the swans. "Mute, mute, mute, mute, mute; ah whooper" This excited Mr. Kite the sight of a yellow bill. Now the question was: "How many whoopers were there?"
The field was undulating so some birds were hidden from view but with the occasional head popping up with a yellow beak Mr. Kite counted six whooper swans; four adults and two juveniles. mr. Kite and His Lady then went to put flowers on the grave of The Star in the churchyard of St. Gregory the Great.
On the track leading to the church Mr. Kite stopped to look at the first snowdrops of the year with clean white flowers. Near a stone wall these flowers caught the sun and absorbed the heat of the wall. Not too bad snowdrops in bloom on the second day of January.
The grave was tidied, fresh greenery placed on it and a bunch of yellow roses placed in a container. In the chilly sunshine mr. Kite enjoyed the sight of a sycamore tree laden with mistle-toe complete with white berries. To make the sight better a mistle thrush flew out of the mistle-toe into a near sycamore tree. After nearly one hour Mr. Kite and His lady walked slowly towards The Joint. A few metres away from The Joint was a fabulous English apple tree laden with small red round apples; this tree was better decorated than any Christmas tree. Mr. Kite picked one and ate it; it was crisp, sweet and scrumptious.
Priorslee
Then it was to Priorslee lake to spot and identify gulls of the Larus species. Informed with details of Larus argentatus, Larus michahellis and Larus cachinnans and notes Mr. Kite intended to pick out herring gulls, yellow-legged gulls and a caspian gull. All three are a similar type of 'seagull' with a white head, light grey wings with a white underside.
Setting up The Super Scope Mr. Kite found a great crested grebe in summer plumage looking very handsome and ready for spring. Then it was time to study the thousands of gulls that were flying in and out of the area or just sitting on the water flapping around. This was a time consuming task watching the lighter grey gulls in flight looking for leg colours as they wheeled around. Sometimes the legs were pinky so herring gulls were identified. Other turned in the sunlight so Mr. Kite would ask: "Yellow of pinky?"
"Not sure", would be the answer. The conclusion was that only herring gulls were positively identified. Then it was time to scour the herring gulls and look for a caspian gull; an egg shaped head and a small eye was the starting point. To cut a long story short hundreds and hundred of gulls were studied and a caspian was not identified.
Lastly: "Could Mr. Kite find the tundra bean goose?" Searching the grassy surrounding Mr. Kite looked and looked and looked. "There it is", muttered Mr. Kite. Then looking closely Mr. Kite could see it's orange bill without any black marks. A greylag goose.
After two hours Mr. Kite and His Lady returned to The Residence for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers for a good day out.
Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a clear white sky where the sun was rising in the east. This was a winters dawn; cold, quiet with bare trees. Against the white sky birds were silhouetted as they hurriedly flew. Today Mr. Kite had a plan that involved Larus argentatus, Larus michahellis and Larus cachinnans.
Herds and Decorated Trees
Firstly Mr. Kite and His Lady took a ride in The Joint to a place near the Riverside Inn where a herd of swans were feeding in the same place as last year. Mr. Kite set up The Super Scope and scanned the swans. "Mute, mute, mute, mute, mute; ah whooper" This excited Mr. Kite the sight of a yellow bill. Now the question was: "How many whoopers were there?"
The field was undulating so some birds were hidden from view but with the occasional head popping up with a yellow beak Mr. Kite counted six whooper swans; four adults and two juveniles. mr. Kite and His Lady then went to put flowers on the grave of The Star in the churchyard of St. Gregory the Great.
On the track leading to the church Mr. Kite stopped to look at the first snowdrops of the year with clean white flowers. Near a stone wall these flowers caught the sun and absorbed the heat of the wall. Not too bad snowdrops in bloom on the second day of January.
The grave was tidied, fresh greenery placed on it and a bunch of yellow roses placed in a container. In the chilly sunshine mr. Kite enjoyed the sight of a sycamore tree laden with mistle-toe complete with white berries. To make the sight better a mistle thrush flew out of the mistle-toe into a near sycamore tree. After nearly one hour Mr. Kite and His lady walked slowly towards The Joint. A few metres away from The Joint was a fabulous English apple tree laden with small red round apples; this tree was better decorated than any Christmas tree. Mr. Kite picked one and ate it; it was crisp, sweet and scrumptious.
Priorslee
Then it was to Priorslee lake to spot and identify gulls of the Larus species. Informed with details of Larus argentatus, Larus michahellis and Larus cachinnans and notes Mr. Kite intended to pick out herring gulls, yellow-legged gulls and a caspian gull. All three are a similar type of 'seagull' with a white head, light grey wings with a white underside.
Setting up The Super Scope Mr. Kite found a great crested grebe in summer plumage looking very handsome and ready for spring. Then it was time to study the thousands of gulls that were flying in and out of the area or just sitting on the water flapping around. This was a time consuming task watching the lighter grey gulls in flight looking for leg colours as they wheeled around. Sometimes the legs were pinky so herring gulls were identified. Other turned in the sunlight so Mr. Kite would ask: "Yellow of pinky?"
"Not sure", would be the answer. The conclusion was that only herring gulls were positively identified. Then it was time to scour the herring gulls and look for a caspian gull; an egg shaped head and a small eye was the starting point. To cut a long story short hundreds and hundred of gulls were studied and a caspian was not identified.
Lastly: "Could Mr. Kite find the tundra bean goose?" Searching the grassy surrounding Mr. Kite looked and looked and looked. "There it is", muttered Mr. Kite. Then looking closely Mr. Kite could see it's orange bill without any black marks. A greylag goose.
After two hours Mr. Kite and His Lady returned to The Residence for a tipple of Tetley tea. Cheers for a good day out.
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