It was directly to Portland this morning, in the hope of a good 'fall' of migrants but in the event, along with the weather, things were much the same as the past few days. A quick look was all that was needed at Ferrybridge as there were only 2 Shelduck on offer, while further on at Chesil Cove the 3 Garganey of last evening also seemed absent.
The 3 Garganey at Chesil Cove yesterday © Martin Cade the Warden of Portland Bird Observatory. In my view a splendid shot!Before reaching Helen's Field, a short walk from Sweethill, 2 Grasshopper and a single Sedge Warblers had entered the log, followed by a Swallow and a few
Wheatear
a couple staying long enough for a photo.
At the Obs, Duncan Walbridge had brought along the best overnight catch from his 'moth trap' a Brindled Beauty that is the first on record for Portland. Meanwhile, the 'ringers' were also having a degree of success catching mainly Willow Warblers, then out of the blue came the first
Reed Warbler caught this year
which a couple of us onlookers were happy to photograph.
Cowslips are also starting to appear, as well as my first 'wild' Arum of the year - Lords & Ladies which had grown at an angle making it impossible to photograph.
However, Chiffchaff,
Linnet
and Common Whitethroat
all proved a little easier in this department, as did
this flying insect (there had been a 'hatch' with quite a few on the wing) that could be one of the Ichneumon Flies, but I have no idea which?and finally, a return to last night and to Lyon!
Robert Plant(the man who's going to present me with my Lottery cheque)
My dear friend Andy Lindsay had alerted me to the BBC4 documentary last night, followed by an Electric Prom concert, performed at The Roundhouse, London by the former Led Zeppelin vocalist and present day solo artiste RP. There was also a call from Julie, my eldest daughter, just to make sure Dad wasn't missing the most sensational songster that ever lived, ably assisted by vocalist Patti Griffin, guitarist Buddy Miller, the Oriana Choir and his own current group Band of Joy.
The first time I saw Robert Plant was soon after he Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John (Bonzo) Bonham had formed the legendary 'Zeppelin', in fact it was at the 1969 Bath Blues Festival the very first time the band ever played an 'outside' gig.
The first time I saw Robert Plant was soon after he Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John (Bonzo) Bonham had formed the legendary 'Zeppelin', in fact it was at the 1969 Bath Blues Festival the very first time the band ever played an 'outside' gig.
My last encounter with the irrepressible Robert Plant was at the Theatres Antiques in Lyon,
A few beers before the gig were very much in order, and as Mr Plant once said when referring to his 'barnet' "sad old hippies always keep their hair long", know what you mean Bob!
The 'flower seller' brought a splash of colour to the day.
Lyon Cathedral overlooking the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation on stage.
Goodnight Ladies & Gentlemen.
Jim the Medic, after the ordeal.
