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.