Go West Young Man - Genesis

My first day back home and anxious to start some local birding I had decided to try for an elusive species that has been reported infrequently from the Lyme Regis area some 32 miles west of here. The 09:30 X53 service would take me there giving time to check out the cemetery and Radipole beforehand to give some indication of what was about. Plenty of Wood Pigeons overhead along with a few Redwing was sure sign that winter is on its way, while on site Blackbird, Carrion Crow and Magpie were all much in evidence. There was better to come crossing to the northern half of the graveyard, to find more Redwing (4) prospecting the 'berry' bushes while 2 male Blackcap, an unknown number of Goldcrest and a superb Firecrest were encountered during the wander. The very short time on Rdipole also came up trumps with 5 Pochard, 2 overflying Redpoll, a Water Rail also in flight, a Kingfisher, 7 Lapwing and a 'ring-tail' (female) Hen Harrier the first ever seen at this site.

Just an hour away, via some lovely Dorset villages including Portisham, Abbotsbury and West Bay plus dozens of Pheasants and a single Merlin at Langton Herring, the bus arrived under a clear blue sky, a gentle easterly breeze with plenty of sunshine. First port of call the seafront

to take in the panorama of this beautiful section of the Jurassic Coast. The pier running out to seaward, known as The Cob, is probably most noted as one of the locations for the filming of the Karel Reisz directed French Lieutenant's Woman.

Looking back to the east, along the Lyme landslips, can be seen the plateau that is Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast of England, but it was now time to start the search for my quarry which if seen would be an addition to my Dorset November List.

Starting at the mouth of the tiny River Lim and following its course to the north you soon pass

the Parish Church and the Fish & Chip shop where there is a slight bend in the river where, perched directly below me, was

this brilliant Dipper which I always think of as 'The Toff' of the riverbank complete with dinner jacket and starched white shirt.

The first I have ever photographed in Dorset, this little fella was quite content to stay in a small area, adding a great deal of excitement to the find.

Posing in just about every stance possible, this series of images show just how obliging this individual was!

and to cap it all, it was also singing most of the time!

Nearly always associated with this species but nowhere near as elusive is the Grey Wagtail, however this individual did seem a lot more camera shy and soon departed.

Back at the seawall, the ever attentive Herring Gulls had gathered but I was far more interested to watch the feeding antics of a number of

Rock Pipit, this one with a 'club foot' which didn't seem to hamper its hunting skills.

Each would survey the stonework until spotting a likely morsel,

then flying up and perching on the rock-face, rather like a Wallcreeper - I (we) wish,

proceeded to winkle whatever it was from the crevice.

On occasion this took quite a time and lots of maneuvering

before securing the prey, this time a Grub of sorts, but Spiders were also on the menu.

Despite having had a fantastic trip through a very special part of Europe, it's good to be back. During that time I was lucky to meet lots of lovely people, touch on 8 different countries (Italy, San Marino, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Belgium), those in red being new to me, and enjoy some great experiences. In addition the bird list reached 42, best of which were Blue Rock Thrush and White Stork, but it has to be said sharing the experience with such a dedicated 'Blog Readership' really put the 'cherry on the cake' - Thank You One & All!

PS - Have already had the atlas out looking at whereto go next with a 'short list' already forming.

Going Home - Annie Haslem (ex Renaissance)

Another notable addition to the Blog Stat Counter as Turks & Caicos Islands join the readership which in addition to San Marino, who use Italian links, make up 156 Countries / Regions. It would be great if the link could be passed on to all your contacts - Thank You!

Left Switzerland this morning by train and via

Basel and Zurich then took the coach to

Liechtenstein

I have to confess to a little cheating here as this is when the camera flash card started playing up.

Only a very short stay, in what is country number 125 - some may use the word 'twitch' but there was still a way to go to reach

country 126 and the last on this 'whistle stop' journey.

The camera was still playing up.

A local train took me onward to Brussels where I picked up the Euro Star for St Pancras, London.

On that train I met artist Hemadi who was reluctant to divulge his country of origin, but we did talk an awful lot about Oman, Qatar and Yemen from which I got the feeling he originated from the latter. Not that it would make an ounce of difference to me, as he was great company as we talk about art, travel, wine, music etc before deciding to head for the beer bar. Good luck to you Hemi, great to have met you.

Genova to Geneve

The main city bridge

with Lake Geneve on this side and the River Rhone on the other (photos to follow)

I always love to see a park with a 'bandstand' especially with autumnal trees.

Want to buy a watch Jon? 2 of the 'big' houses Rolex and Patek Philippe

Just like Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth!

'Conkers'! and Chocolate Conkers to you too!

In this shot the tree was more interesting than the Cathedral.

Geneve Cathedral

It's handy to have a Pub right next to the Church, out of one and into the other.

I make no secret of my loathing for shops and shopping, but like most other things there is always an exception to the rule,

and this is it!

Although only looking, I was made most welcome by these 2 'Master Butchers' it being the first privilege to see them at work. A fantastic selection of meat,

including quite a selection of poultry including game birds.

The selection of wine was up there with the best, in this rack alone there were bottles of Montrose, Palmer and Lynch Barges,

while the next highlight came by way of these Black Truffles. The size of the afore mentioned conkers (including seed case) they were priced at 54 euros (£50) each.

By comparison, these White Truffles clock in at a massive 6,000 euros per kilo.

Foie Gras usually raises some controversy, but I can put up with that especially when complimented by a decent Sauternes.

My hope is that the Manager of this delightful store and the 2 butchers take up the invitation to visit the Blog as I would like to thank them for their hospitality and warm welcome.

A few city scenes among the road works,

including the River Rhone

and the sluice gates that control water levels.

A nifty solution to some of the homelessness in the city, these 3 Mongolian Gurs (Yurts) just fit the bill.

Feeding time at the Duck Pond.

The other side of the City Bridge

with more views of the Rhone.

Originally a simple security valve at the Coulouvrenière hydraulic factory, the Jet g'eau, this water fountain has over the years grown to be the symbol of Geneva.

In 1891, it was transferred to the "Rade", to become a major tourist attraction. However, it was not until 1951 that it was provided with an autonomous pumping station, propelling 500 litres of water per second to a height of 140 metres at a speed of 200 km per hour (124 miles/h). Eight 9,000-watt projectors light the fountain’s majestic column in the evening as it soars skywards.

Along with Coot these Tufted Ducks add 2 new species to the Trip List now standing at 42.