Continuing the Space Filler while times remain tough
Out in the Field.
FIRECREST
(along with the Goldcrest Great Britain's smallest bird)
at the Portland Bird Observatory (PBO)
SUB-ALPINE WARBLER
at the same location with the
JACKDAW
on our own patch
STORM PETREL
was caught overnight by the Buchan Alpha Standby Boat
and sent up to me the following morning.
ROBIN
of the juvenile kind are an annual catch locally and where possible returned to nest or close local.
Where this image of the 'rare'
PADDYFIELD WARBLER
originated from is not known as there are no details in 'properties.
Having spent long periods in the Far and Middle East while visiting a
number of 'ringing stations' it could be from anywhere but my gut tells me it was 'wonderful'
TAIWAN?
While back on the Oil Rig any day without a
KITTIWAKE
was 'rarity' in itself but a couple of decent other 'rareties' manifested themselves as
LAPLAND BUNTING
and
LITTLE BUNTING
The happy ending to this particular story was that this 'tiny thing'
was loaded aboard a Bristow's Helicopter the following day and flown to
Aberdeen.
From there it was collected by a bone fide 'ringer' who then transported it to
the tiny village of Cove, just 5 miles south of the city, duely 'ringed'
before being released to what was described as a large (for the village) and
appreciative crowd - never to be heard of again!
However, that was by no means the 'rarest' bird ever captured on
Buchan Alpha!
Back at the 'Bill' a decent trio of Warblers across the years were
MELODIOUS WARBLER
The 'scarce'
MARSH WARBLER
one of my luckiest records as entering the PBO that day Martin was walking
directly towards me with this 'Lifer' for me in his clutches!
(it is also of coincidence that there is one. on this day of compossiotion, at
Bestwall Dorset a stone's throw from here.
PALLAS'S (sometimes refered to as Leaf) WARBLER
Others there have included
RING OUZEL
LESSER WHITETHROAT
NIGHTINGALE
and
REED WARBLER
to name but a few.
However, as usually traditional, the BEST is left until last as a personal opinion.
Nothing at the PBO has ever outshone the Magical
PALLID SWIFT
of
10/11/1984
Not only as a 'rarity' found 'grounded' by a lady some miles away
who also had the wit to phone the Warden
but as a bird that usually 'never lands' save for in the breeding season.
By comparison but by no mean as rare, the 'highlight' onboard the
BUCHAN ALPHA
Floating Semi-submersible Oil Production Platform
was the presumed night-time arrival of a
SHORT-TOED LARK
which was easily caught at roost
with the ever present kid's fishing net.
Buchan Alpha Moonpool
the opening at the centre of the vessel through which all
Pipework, Cables and Blow-out Preventers etc
pass onward to the sea-bed!
HERE'S A SALUTE TO 18 FANTASTIC YEARS
in the Off-shore Industry and the company of some Fine Crews.
This post is dedicated to my ex-Boss and Very Good Freind
Off-Shore Instalation Manager
Les Evens
You left us too early Old Ships!
