The Last of the Albatross'

Another memorable evening at JD's (yes I do have shares in them) with Sooty and Gill, which included bumping into a few mates I haven't seen for a while. Muso's Graham and Lisa who I met the very first day they came to live in Weymouth striking an immediate friendship. We have since shared a few gigs together, before they sold their house and possessions and dropped out on a world 'backpacking' jaunt. Their main news was they got married in Barbados a few months ago, so once again both my Best Wishes. Johns Bailey and Hunt were also in attendance, the latter being one of my crew in the Merchant Service years ago, and Bailey the Viking and I just seem to have known each other forever.

and another update on Frederick of Australia

6 weeks old now, according to the parents he's doing fine and is a good lad.

I know the York's (Bernard's family) will excuse me describing them as an extended family, this photo shows just a few of them. Freddie is between his Australian grandparents David and Peta, I'll be glad when it's my turn to hold him!

the final set of the Albatross series photographs

Grey-headed Albatross - Coastal South Island, New Zealand

Ditto
White-capped Albatross - same sea area

Ditto

It's Yesterday Once More (and Panama)

Yes, I hear you when you say "what the hell did yesterday's post have to do with Panama"? Well, in true Bagsy fashion I had the post prepared, and at the prompt 'Publish' I met with an error. Being almost a 22 carat computer illiterate I pressed the wrong button and lost half of the post. I will return to that a little later in this edition (all assuming I don't cock that up as well). Also from yesterday, I should have mentioned bumping into Jay McGee, vocalist with veteran popsters The Rocking Berries (He's Back in Town, Poor Man's Son et al). Unfortunately, the early part of the party was drawing to a close and I had to get my Swine Flu Jab so was only able to enjoy a passing hello, but next time Jay!

Wood Pigeon - with the 10's (or maybe 100's) of thousands that have passed through Dorset in the last few weeks, even I could capture an image!

Today was a 'get out and beat the rain' day, which is exactly what I did. With high water now after noon, it was worth a look at Ferry Bridge even if only for the throng of 452 Brent Geese. There was no sign of any Pale-bellies or Black Brant for that matter, but there was a Little Egret, 36 Mediterranean Gulls a passing Merlin and 3 none too usual Mallard. Moving on to the top of the Island, Barleycrates and the West Cliff and down to the Bill produced just 3 Song Thrush, 8 Common Gulls, a Stonechat, a few each of Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Greenfinch & Linnet plus a tardy Painted Lady. It was good to be able to help 2 Andorran girls at the lighthouse, by taking photographs of them, and mused that in a very few days now I will be in a similar position. At the Obs, for my usual coffee and bun, I was in time to wish Prof. Peter Morgan bon voyage as wife Rosie was due to pick him up for a return to Wales after an exhaustive Autumn 'ringing' period in the Obs area. Over 1,000 birds were ringed in the garden while several hundreds were similarly process in the newly sewn fields opposite, but I'm sure more accurate details will follow in the PBO Annual Report. On the walk back to Southwell I noted 2 Common Buzzards and what I believe to have been a Stoat, and arriving at 'Slight' 13-30 the rain started in earnest at 13-45.

Charlie Anderson & Slim Good Looking Billy

Since the posting of 28 October, I have been asked by a couple of more dedicated readers to enlighten them as to why the Anderson family photos were included. More as a reminder to Billy, who recently became a 'follower', the story goes that while on our way to the Canal, we encountered a young 'birder' by the name of Ben. He was obviously good at what he was doing so we recruited him to guide us on our visit to the celebrated Pipeline Road and Summit Pond (part of Soberania Parque Nationale) the next day.

It was arduous as I remember but memorable for Crested Oropendola, White-bellied & Dusky Antbird, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Blue-chested Jay, Green Shrike-Vireo and the remarkably striking Blue Dacnis and Golden-collared Manakin. By 16-00 we had covered most of the ground and as we hit the highway Ben announced it would be a full 3 hours before the next bus, if indeed one was due at all. Reverting to my RN days and unveiling the trusty Union Flag attached to my nap-sack, it was back to 'thumb power'. The first car did kindly stop, but was so full of people, including a pregnant lady, not even the diminutive Ben would have fitted in. The next was a much better prospect, a huge, shinny 4 x 4 which also drew to a halt, with the Rasta driver asking how he could help. He directed Billy & Ben to the back door, then suggested "the old fella can sit up front with me". Whoever did he mean? As we started off he introduced his wife Judith and their 2 sons (who's names escape me now) and turned up the volume on the sounds system. Not surprisingly it was reggae, and while not exactly my cup of ganja was good for all that. Asking who was performing, our host said "that's me man, Charlie Anderson bassist for the Coventry based Two Tone outfit The Selecter". Happy to have landed among friends, and impressed by the notoriety, I could remember they had a string of 'hits' in the early 80's most notable being 'On My Radio' which go to No 8 in the charts.

Asked by Judith what we were doing, we told her of our exploits during the day and said the intent now was to get back to the city and 'chill' over a pint or two of local brew. "If it's chill and beer your after we can recommend the best place in town" she countered, "our veranda". This, to say the least, sounded even more promising and we were soon in the grounds of what used to be the home of the General Chief of Staff, US Army before they were unceremoniously thrown out of the country. The Anderson's had bought the property and as well as a home, was also a recording studio where the list of musical luminaries was far too long to note here. Ben decided to split when we arrived, but Billy and I were soon on the balcony enjoying the promised beer, followed by a hearty Caribbean meal and a shot or two of white rum from Charlies place of birth, Jamaica.

By now the 2 boys were well aware of our love of birds and asked if we would like to visit their neighbor who looked after the sick and injured avifauna. What they didn't tell us was that he was very selective in what he took in, which was restricted to Harpy Eagles. He only had a single juvenile at the time of our visit, but to see one of these monsters at such close quarters, one was quite enough. We had already seen Harpy on a previous trip though Bolivia, but this was something special, particularly to hear about their fate. When close to repatriation to the wild. he would 'donate' the bird to a particular country, hoping to advance reintroduction, and this individual was bound for Costa Rica. As darkness fell, the Anderson's once again loaded us into the vehicle and drove us back to the city, where on the corner before the Hotel California, where we were staying, stood an ice cream stand where we were able to show our appreciation.

The Anderson family & Billy

Marco On The Bass: Interview with Charley "Red Dread" Anderson Bassist of The Selecter

This link is thought well worth a look, especially the video close to the bottom of the page. I still speak to Charlie occasionally, and maybe one day I'll take up his kind offer to visit him in his precious Jamaica. If you're looking in Chas 'One Blood'.

and a couple more Albatross

Salvin's (Shy) Albatross - off South Island, New Zealand

Ditto
Ditto
Light-mantled Sooty Albatross - Antarctic Ocean

and a final word as I am still determined to get you all to spend some money on Sweet Rock 'n' Roll. I have just taken possession of my copy of Robin Trower's latest offering 'What Lies Beneath' and after just a single airing can report, it is full of promise. Not surprisingly, much of it is Hendrixesque, especially both parts of As You Watch Each City Fall which are a return to Castles Made of Sand colliding with Little Wing, but excellent for that novel Wah Wah pedal to the floor Trower style. Get your hand in your pocket!

Panama & Party Hats

Robbie Jauncey - where the hell did he come from. Many years ago his dear old mum and I did some good business together that still buys me a drink or two today! Good to see you mate.

Having paid my respects at the eleventh minute on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, with thoughts of my Dad and Grandfather (Scan), both seamen like myself, who played their part, I wiped away the tears and got down to some serious partying. JD Weatherspoon was celebrating 30 years of business while the Swan clocked up their 10 years. I thought I'd be early but even at 15 minutes before the time stated on the invite I was one of the last in. Captain Stupid got things going in typical 40's fashion with a bit of 'Knees Up Mother Brown' etc, and to be honest the rest is academic. What a fantastic afternoon, with lovely people many I hadn't seen for many a day. so that's all I have to say - a GREAT day.

Alan, Diane, Val and Leslie partying and eating

My old 'shipmate' Ted King, Moi and his lady Vera the very best company a man could ask for.

Kelvin, a man we're always pleased to see when we want a lobster! I'm sure Andy Lindsay would like to thank him on behalf of Saturday nights Thermadore?

Jason aka Captain Stupid a great entertainer, got the party going

Kim, mine host, in Glitter mode!

It's Nice to Get One Right for a Change

After a long and in depth telephone conversation with Paul Harris last evening on the merits of visiting London, we both agreed the capital is now excellent value for your money and a pleasure to visit. Later I was called by my good friend Andy Lindsay who is without doubt the best music aficionado I know. He was calling to let me know he had taken a chance on my recommendation of Bonamassa 'Live at the Albert Hall', and to quote him "pain me as it does to agree, you've got this one right youth". However, there were to be no 'team points' as he countered by saying "you're only making up for the last 'cock up". By that he was referring to my last punt when I suggested the Ronnie James Dio album 'Magica', which after 2 plays he sent to me in the post demanding his money back - yeah that'll be right! I still believe it to be a good effort and worthy of a place in any CD cabinet.

Raven - West Cliff, Portland

and on the subject of 'cock-ups', I spent most of the morning in the Halifax trying (I hope successfully) to clear up theirs. A money transfer to Venezuela for part of the upcoming trip had never arrived, but I won't bore you with the detail, suffice to say by the time I left I was in need of a stiff walk regardless of the weather. The light drizzle was persistent, and as I neared the top of the incline at the Business Park fence the full forces of wind and rain, off the sea, hit me. Not much in the way of birds, with the only prospect of a decent photo being a fairly close, perched Raven. In true Canon fashion, having brought the camera to bear, the built in 'flushing device' kicked in and the corvide was off across the field. The picture above is by way of consolation.

Redwing - the Slopes, Portland Bill

Between Barleycrates and the Coast Guard there were at least 13 Stonechats, plus a single Redwing feeding on the Slopes. 2 Turnstones were all that was on offer at the Obelisk with no sign of yesterdays reported 6 Purple Sandpipers, so I made for the Obs and a welcome cup of coffee. A little damp, I was not relishing the idea of the walk back to Avalanche but that was when Emsworth resident Dick Senior stepped in and exchanged a lift to Weymouth for a little local knowledge. Directing him to Goldcroft Avenue, both eliminating a car parking charge and the longer walk to North Hide, it became clear en route that he lives just around the corner from my mates Paul & Tess.

I have received a couple of requests to further the story associated with one of the photographs posted on Wednesday 28th October, depicting Big Thin Billy and the Anderson family in Panama, but as time is pressing today, I'll endeavour to follow that up tomorrow, which by the way is 'party day'!

so for now I'll continue the series with a study of Wandering Albatross

Under & Upper part aspects of birds in the Antarctic Ocean

Ditto
Action off the coast of South Island, New Zealand

Ditto

Arn't 'Hoodies'Suppose to be Banned

Hooded Merganser - adult male

The day started well enough on Radipole as the sun rose above the Royal Hotel with single Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher showing themselves, and 4 Pochard feeding at the top end. For a ninth day I had been hoping for a 'November' look at the long-staying Hooded Merganser and as I approached the Visitor Center my luck was in but only a distant view. With that a woman arrived with a huge bag of bread and everything, including my quarry, took to the air to capitalise and allowing the shot above. Regardless of provenance (I have my personal theory on that), I have now been lucky enough to see this beautiful drake in every month of the year.

Some of the 15 Turnstone on the Greenhill groyne

In warm, bright sunshine I continued my wander towards Lodmoor, on the way picking up a Great Northern Diver in Wey Bay and 15 Turnstone.

Whoever coined the phrase 'a thing of beauty is a joy to behold' must have been looking at a Goldfinch at the time.

Ruff with Semi-submersible Dunlin

On these early winter mornings the moor has been full of birds and apart from the epidemic of dogs, a most pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. Before I'd even crossed from the beach side a low flying Brambling called as it disappeared seaward. The next addition to the day list was a single Daragh, followed by several dozen Green & Goldfinch and the airborne Lapwing flock. Together we soon found the Ruff among half a dozen each of Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin plus a single Water Pipit and Sparrowhawk and large numbers of Common Snipe at the 'hump'. I had planned to bus it to the Bill, but the prospect of photographing both the Ruff and Pipit along with the welcome sunshine I stayed a further hour. The Pipit wasn't even relocated, but finding a Firecrest at Overcoombe and getting a decent view (if not photo) of one of the Marsh Harriers was well worth the stay.

Marsh Harrier - Lodmoor

By now needing a drink I headed towards JD Weatherspoon's, and on the way completed my Christmas shopping. With the impending trip it had to be done in the next few days, and despite the whole gig amounting to no more than a 24 pack plus 3 selected cards and a single sheet of wrapping paper it was a drudge. As I arrived at the bar so did my mates Val and Alan who invited me to partake with them. Lucky for them I guess it was just a pint of lime and soda at a princely 15p so they got away with it, but feel it will be my turn all too soon. Before I'd even had chance to sit Kim (the manager) thrust 2 tickets for the pubs 10th anniversary party on Wednesday into my hand. I've been to a couple of their parties before, and I kid you not she knows how to throw a party - so guess where I'll be mid-day Wed? A lovely hour with mutual friends and new acquaintances.

Bah Humbug from the man who makes Ebeneezer look like a spendthrift during the season of good will.

followed by an Albatross or two, you may like to accept this next, short, run of photographs as your own personal Xmas Present?

Black-browed Albatross - Antarctica

Ditto

Southern Wandering Albatross - Antarctica

Ditto

Living in the Past (but ony for a few hours)

What a fitting tribute to our Military Personnel past, present, future, those who fell and those who remain. I attend this wonderful remembrance (being one of them) whenever I can, and don't think I have ever seen such a turn out. Deciding to muster at the ANZAC memorial I wandered through a sea of faces, many of which I knew. For the rest of the day it was impossible to walk from A to B without stopping every few yards or so to talk to yet another character.

Here, adjacent to Weymouth's main cenotaph, the parade formed while I marveled at the number of youngsters involved. The cadets of the 3 main services plus scouts, cubs, brownies (or whatever they may call them these days) all proudly sending forth representatives to lay their wreaths.

There were of course 'The Veterans', who's numbers are now much reduced from my previous visits, but my mind wandered to old shipmates such as Sid Dolton who spent his war in the Submarine Service. I was fortunate to catch up with Sid at the Submarine Centenary calibrations at HMS Dolphin, as a few months later he passed away.

Later the parade, escorted by their various 'standards', marched to the US Military Memorial to those who not only passed through our town on deployment, but also gave their lives in the combined effort.

Diane, Sooty (Jnr), Jo and Tom

It was here that my dear friend Sooty Stockley was to become the first of what we hope may become a long tradition. Laying a wreath to all those American troops who passed this way each making a contribution. The photograph shows some of the Stockley clan, with their partners) heading to the dedication.

Sooty talks to long time friend Anne Hunt before 'doing his bit'.

John (Sooty) Stockley 'doing his bit.

Hey look, there's a pair of Ancient Mariners over there!

Friends Rachel, Sarah and Sooty's wife Gill

It would be fantastic to meet people like this every day, but especially Rachel, a sprightly octogenarian, was simply overflowing with smiles and positive chat.

Sooty, Gill and wreath - proud to have paid their tribute.

The simple words say it ALL.

Afterwards we visited JD's, by the Town Bridge, and had a shared platter, drink and reminisced over earlier days. The 3 of us intend to do the same again on Thursday, so good to be together after what has been a while.

Nicky & Chunky (you can call me Graham)

and finally here's one for Lisa. I came across these 2 'Herberts' in Weatherspoon's and they wanted me to pass on their warmest regards to you Frederick and Bernard. We also had a chat about some of the wonderful time we three had spent together, especially as guests of Chunky!

Some Antarctic Beauties

With a total lack of subject matter today, I'll have to resort to the archives again for photographic value.

Southern Fulmar, for me one of the absolute 'stars' of the Antarctica trip during the last couple of weeks of 2007 and the first of 2008. Dinky and seemingly more sleek than its Northern cousin, the shades and wing patterns somehow just did it for me.

The confiding and ever present Snowy Sheathbill is, by a long way, the least favorite of the deck crews who ply these waters. The main component of their staple diet are Seal faeces and they are not slow in depositing their own on paint and varnish work and everywhere else for that matter. I was hoping to get close enough to take a photograph!

Nicely camouflaged in the snow

but not on the deck of a cruise ship

and pretty deft on the wing as well

Radipole was all but devoid of birds except for the usual suspects, even Med Gull numbers were down to single figures today. There is an early high water being 'springs' and all so bypassed Ferry Bridge, but found the Bill area equally bleak. On the way to the Obs, and a cup of coffee, there was literally nothing of note, but some great banter with Ed Welland put that to rights. Returning via Culverwell and the Top Fields I had hope of an encounter with the Barn Owl of recent days, but even that was not to be. However, bonus came by way of a startled Merlin which flushed from cover, and on the way to Sweethill there were 7 each of Song Thrush and Pied Wagtail, a single Stonechat and Common Buzzard and several Skylark. As I passed FB on the bus a decent number, probably 400, Brent had arrived to take up feeding station, but that was it.

Seemingly shy, Snow Petrels in the main were only seen at great distance. Luckily there is usually an exception to the rules and this individual was just that.

The Snow Petrel is the only member of the genus Pagodroma. It is one of only three birds that breed exclusively in Antarctica and has been seen at the South Pole. It has the most southerly breeding distribution of any bird.

Who could fail to love this little gem?

Before I reached home I did receive a phone call fro another of my ex-bosses, Les Evans, to tell me of the arrival of his first grandchild, a boy. Les and I go back a good way and since my departure he, and his family wife Dolina and children Abigale and Thomas, have stayed in touch. During my usual April week in Scotland this year I paid them a visit, and as I was able to stay over we enjoyed an excellent meal out with a group of mutual friends.