It's An Ill Wind

That doesn't blow somebody some good, and that has been the case for me with the current ban on flying. Unable to get to their holiday home in Spain John and Marion Wood decided on a few days in Weymouth instead. John was my childhood friend, living directly across the road from me in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire since when, 51 years, I had not seen him. To my house for dinner last evening, needless to say there was no shortage of conversation, over dinner. The subject matter covered such things as our visit, as schoolboys, to Trent Bridge to witness the 1957 Test Match between England and the West Indies. John recalls that England declaring at 618 for 6 in the first inning, went on to beat the Windies by a full innings, gone are the days. The England team consisted of such Test giant as Colin Cowdry, Geoff Barrington and Godfrey Evans.

Jazz is a subject close to John's, and his younger brother Robert's, heart and it was hugely interesting to swap anecdotes about our gig experiences over the years. As a long standing patron of Ronnie Scotts in Frith Street, Soho, London, among many others I related the story of not only seeing Flora Purim & husband Airto Moreira perform at the club, but in the days when Ronnie's was more of a 'Speakeasy' than a Club, and things were much more informal, how I had enjoyed a drink and conversation with the Brazilian couple. To say the least, he was impressed saying he rarely came across anyone who had even heard of them let alone had the privilege of talking with them. It's true to say that Airto is the finest percussionist I have ever had the pleasure of seeing, but to be alongside them both was surely a dream come true.

Jazz Giants, vocalist Flora Purim

and Percussionist Airto Moreira

So, on to today where things were extremely quiet at Radipole with just Ladies Smock and a Common Sandpiper to report, while at Lodmoor things were far more active. An 8 Warbler day included Blackcap, Common & Lesser Whitethroat (of which there were c6) Reed, Sedge, Willow and Cetti's Warblers and Chiffchaff. In addition there were a few House Martin, a single Whimbrel, c2 Dunlin plus a number of the ever present.

Lesser Whitethroat

An ugly scene just a matter of yards from the public tip at Lodmoor.

On the way to meet John and Marion at The William Henry for coffee, I bumped into these 2 characters both of whom I had not seen for a while. On the left is Tony (Luke) MacKinder who was my Captain for many years, and who single-handedly taught me to 'ship handle' (drive a ship), and Dave Matthews former crew mate, and accomplice on many a trip to Scotland.

After coffee we caught the bus to Portland where we started at Tout Quarry, where I showed John and Marion not only the Sculpture Park, but also the fabulous Lano's Bridge.

John & Marion as we worked our way along the East Cliff,

stopping to look at the Fulmar breeding site on the way.

Willow Warbler

At the Bird Observatory, there was a good deal of activity as already they had a ringing tally of 180 birds. As luck would have it there was a chance to show them a number of 'birds in the hand' which is always an interesting and new dimention to bird observation.

Blackcap (female)

Pied Flycatcher (female)

This evening we visited The Swan (JD Wetherspoon at the Bridge end of Town) were, as usual, there were a number of local characters to meet. Among these was boxing legend Tony Sibson, who it turned out had just bought a property in the village nest to J & M home near Melton Mobrey. John Bailey (known as The Viking) also put in an appearance, as did Robbie Jauntsy of Moto Sails fame. A great meal, with even better conversation ended our day on a high, and thanks go out to all of those who helped to make it so.

Spring Has Sprung, the Grass is Griz, I Wonder Where the Birdies Is?

Today has shown the first proper signs of what I consider to be a truly Spring like day. With no discernible wind and a clear azure sky, save for a few wisps of high cirrus cloud, even the birds were in better voice. The song of numerous Goldcrest in both the cemetery and Radipole were indicative of an overnight 'fall', while the Jays let out their raucous screeches and a pair of Collared Dove busied themselves twig carrying.

There was little more to report from these areas save maybe a few more Acrocephalus (Reed & Sedge) Warblers than previously. The walk to Lodmoor was gorgeous where, on arrival, I noted both Mute Swan and Fulmar well off-shore in Weymouth Bay. The later was of special interest as never having been added to my Lodmoor List (those who have no idea about 'Listing' please bear with me). To qualify for list placement a bird has to be seen, not necessarily ON the moor, but from it, so I quickly sort higher ground, and TICK, the deed was done. Strange behaviour you might think for a grown man, but since taking it up I haven't hit an Old Lady over the head, and there's a lot of it about. A 4th addition to that list this year, along with Whooper Swan, Mandarin (another 'bone of contention') and Redstart, which is rapidly closing up on Radipole at 191 to 195. I sense the question, how many 'lists' does this anorak have but probably best no to go there.

Lesser Black-backed Gull - a fine pair on the Radipole Car Park

Whimbrel

From this elevated point, I also saw c5 Whimbrel fly over (which was an addition to the 'year list') with one dropping in only briefly. It was also apparent that numbers of Whitethroat had increased, while Sand Martin had done the opposite. On the mud flats were c2 Black-tailed Godwit, between them showing good examples of summer and winter plumage, while a little further on was a single Bar-tailed Godwit, which much less frequent at this site. In total, I believe there were c8 Oystercatchers today but along the southern margins c6 were in territorial disharmony and perhaps trying to get up to a 'bit of nonsense'? There were also c5 Wheatear, a species I havn't seen at Lodmoor this year, while a Grasshopper Warbler put in a brief snatch of song as several Swallows flew overhead.

Grey Heron

This fella had certainly had his snout in the trough!

I bet you thought I'd forgotten.

Unfortunately for some, no as I continue to highlight my concerns at Radipole Lake SSSI. I have received an encouraging letter from Natural England, which I hope will bear fruit, as I do with my letter submitted this very day to the Editor of the Dorset Echo. Their correspondent did interview Nick Tomlinson posing the question, " why didn't you undertake the building works in September"? As I had predicted, she was fobbed off with the answer "we were too busy reed cutting at the time", as if RSPB staff were going to lay the bricks themselves. Well, that has resulted in no article in the Echo, but that isn't the only newspaper in the world, and unlike most, the more knocks I get the more determined I become - PLENTY MORE AVENUES TO EXPLORE YET! The sad part is, and close to my heart, the more bad publicity that is generated against the RSPB, the less inclined the public will be to put their hands in pockets, particularly during these economically flawed times. I already knew of 5 members who had already quit, with others I have been told will follow. Although the RSPB are 'rich beyond compare' with an estimated annual income of £112 MILLION and cash assets of a further £118 MILLION, any loss of funding is a loss to our already critically threatened wildlife. Additionally, spare a thought, if you will, for the beautifully effervescent Lyn Bellingham, who in the few years I have known her has worked her little cotton socks off canvassing in all quarters (Schools, Pubs, Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival et al) to raise membership and donations for the Charity. And believe you me, if you think the adage 'there's no such thing as BAD publicity' to be true just wait until all of this is over and ask Nick Tomlinson! I will post the letter in its entirety in the near future.

Finally, I have been sent this fine photograph from Paul Harris showing the recently constructed foot/cattle bridge at the top of Ridgeway Hill as part of the new bye-pass. As can be seen the hard-core is now being laid, but before this and the construction of the distant bank, the arch 'rain-bowed' Lodmoor Nature Reserve perfectly. I agree whole-heartedly with Paul's observation that this would have presented the idea 'first view' of our beautiful surroundings to all arrivals.

As Pristine As A Newt

Grasshopper Warbler - a photograph by my mate Steve Bird of Birdseekers who I'm sure won't mind the loan. How are you and Gina?

In early morning sunshine and light airs, the day started in sharp contrast to yesterday on a huge high. A 'local patch tick' is always welcome, and while it wasn't literally the first bird recorded a vocal Grasshopper Warbler (Gropper) was soon in the log. These extremely skulking birds are easy to hear, with their prolonged Grasshopper like 'reeling', but a devil to see. This one probably hadn't read the book as it kept popping out from the dense vegetation, but every time far too quick for the camera.

Linnet male

With little more than single Blackcap and Yellow Wagtail at Radipole and no restrictions on the bus pass, it was quickly on to Portland, where there was immediate evidence of a 'fall' of migrants. A singing Sedge Warbler was soon located and seen at the root of Barleycrates, as no fewer than a further c7 Groppers, 2 each of male Redstart and Yellow Wagtail and another Sedge Warbler were also seen before reaching the Observatory. There, and at Culverwell a few birds were being caught and during a welcome coffee I joined the Cade girls in a little 'pond dipping'. Emily and Georgia Cade, daughters to (Warden) Martin and Sharron were born into nature and always seem to be busying themselves with drawing or wildlife projects. Knowing precious little about Newts, I was at least interested to view their captures from the pond which amounted to 14 of these nifty little reptiles. Smooth and Palmate are both present in the Obs pond and my only chance of identifying either was the 'webbed' hind toes of the later.

Smooth Newt with no webs between the hind toes, a perfect little thing!

Palmate Newt? I think I can see the toe webs on this specimen? It could be the same Newt.

Retraced my steps finding my first Speckled Wood butterfly of the year plus a fly over Peregrine, I caught the bus home with images of that final raptor I got to thinking about the story Dave and Anne Rashley had told me yesterday.

Speckled Wood

Peregrine

Walking the Bill Fields in the week, the Rashley's had seen a Peregrine take a Carrion Crow, an uncommon sight. This reminded me of one day on the Oil Rig when a juvenile bird showed up and immediately took a Great Black-backed Gull midair, a formidable prey species to say the least. It made a little altitude, holding tight to the Gull, but soon lost strength and fell into the sea with it. Weight combined with surface tension were enough to beat the Peregrine, but all was not done. Early nest morning, having roosted in the derrick, it decided on something slightly smaller, killing and eating an adult Herring Gull. On the third day it took yet another Great Black-backed Gull, landing on deck where a scuffle followed. Killing the Gull, the Peregrine was exhausted and easy to catch with a make shift cage being made, and transported on the next 'chopper to the Vet, after which it was released. I have researched this, and while I can find evidence of Peregrine taking Grey Heron, there seems to be no record of them taking these two species of Gulls.

Peregrine with its kill, an adult Herring Gull.

Peregrine in captivity and

awaiting transportation to the beach.

While away in South America, and especially in Argentina, I made a number of references to a complex I have with the Argentinian people. In 2007 I visited Grytviken, South Georgia where there was yet another reminder of what was wrongly described as The Falklands War. The main thrust of the visit was to view the redundant Whaling Station and maybe more importantly the resting place of the 'great' Earnest Henry Shackleton. This done I silently wandered through the graveyard and came across the grave of Felix Artuso, the only (Argentinian) Submariner to die in the conflict. This in turn got me thinking of Margaret Thatcher, who in my view is guilty of murder, but I need not get too emotive. As a self confessed 'God Fearing' woman she has little time left now before she meets her maker, and will of course also meet all those young innocent boys from the Belgrano, who she ordered HM Submarine Conqueror to sink. The in's and out's and why's and wherefore's are irrelevant now, but I just hope the Argentinians can forgive us, they are a colossal nation where I hope I can visit again and receive the same welcome as last time. Thank you The Clowns, Thank you Frenso and Mates, thank you Argentina.

The remote graveyard at Grytviken, South Georgia.

Earnest Shackleton RiP a GREAT man.

Felix Artuso seaman on Submarine Santa Fe, also RiP.

I left my own Submarine Dolphins (broach) among the poppies here in respect of this unnecessary waste of life.

It may be of interest to know that the Belgrano, a former US Battleship, was known as 'Lucky' having survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Thatcher soon put paid to that, but one day her luck will run out as well!

Too Big to Fly, Dodo Ugly So Dodo Must Die!

The Coot's nest of yesterday is reproduced as the only chance any of you will get to see it, today it lay destroyed.

It's been a splendid day today on both bird and people front, but did kick off to a bad start. Checking, as I have done for the past week or so, the Coots nest at the Westham Bridge sluices, I found total decimation. I can only think that this was at the hands of Apex Divers, but with no hard evidence what could be done, or for that matter who gives a damn - it's ONLY a Coot! For the rest of the day the lyric of the splendid protest song Dodo by Genesis (from the Abacab album) was ringing in my ears but it ain't funny ask the fly on the wall, it's only living it don't matter at all!

Wheatear male

Radipole produced, yet again, a blank but as there is no restriction on the 'bus pass' on Saturday it was onward, directly to Portland. Barleycrates was immediately looking promising as c5 Wheatear awaited my arrival at the root, as further along there were another c10, along with c2 smart male Redstarts, a male Stonechat and a steady trickle of Swallows. Close to the cliff I met up with Graham Bright and John Williamson, neither had I seen since my South America trip, and leaving Graham, JW and I accompanied each other to the Observatory. On the way we encountered no 'birders' at all, while along the way we saw a few Linnet, Goldfinch, a single House Martin, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff and at the Admiralty fence I caught just a snippet of a singing Sedge Warbler.

Stonechat male

Skylark

The Obs was buzzing with people from home and away, and only 2 paces inside the gate I had already identified Edwin Welland and Vaughn Ashby discussing Committee business. On the patio Professor Peter Morgan had already settled into his usual slot, supervising the bird ringing programme, which today involved a young Italian lady who gave those present a most informative description of how a male Blackcap is aged by feather structure and moult.

A male Blackcap in safe hands.

Chris Cook (right) & Friend at the Portland Bird Observatory this morning.

The greatest surprise and pleasure however came when the huge frame of Chris Cook hove into view, on a holiday with his friend from Tokyo, Japan. I remember well the day Chris, a a young lad (maybe about 17?) arrived at this very placed, and announced how he was going to visit Japan maybe to seek his fortune. No one, least of all a young 'cow-lad' from Puncknowle, just moseyed off to anywhere remotely as distant as Japan, and amid a deal of ridicule he fulfilled his dream. To cut a very long story short, he has now lived in the 'Land of the Rising Sun' for many years, with just one of his many successes including his position as the Fashion Editor for the Japan Times. It has been 7 years since the pair visited us here, but during that time I found myself in Tokyo, with 8 hour to spare, after a trek through South Korea and the full length of that fascinating country. At the airport, I spotted a copy of the said newspaper, found the address and with some help from passers-by got the tube to Chris's office. I believe he was a little surprised, to say the least, and after a drink and chat I caught my flight.

Chris Cook & Me meeting at his office in Tokyo, spring 2007

Me and the Fat Lad (Jim the Medic) enjoying a Japanese tea ceremony in Fukuoka, Japan

Well, that's enough Geisha Girls, now where's that barrel of Saki? - fun in Hiroshima.

Why this little beauty clues up with the Latin name of vulgaris I don't know. When the Starling catches the right light it become extremely photogenic.

Peacock Butterfly

On the way home I met Dave & Anne and during what was suppose to have been a short chat, c2 'calling' Tree Pipits flew over our heads just before deceased local character Simon Reagan was mentioned. Anyone who knew ex foreign correspondent for the Daily Express, Mirror, Times et al, arch enemy of Prince Charles, John Major and Edwina Curry could write a War & Peace size book about him. During his action packed life, Simon covered among many others the Kenyan Mau Mau uprising, Eoka and the IRA, whom some say took his life. Anne tells me she was the man's accountant and sometime adviser, while I was one of his drinking mates, who one day write all I know about this extraordinary bloke. None of us could pull ourselves away, all the more reason we resurrect the conversation, but the time had come. Retracing my steps, news arrived concerning 3 Ring Ouzels (a Blackbird with pale bib) at Barleycrates, but 30 minutes wasn't enough to see any of them. Across the road at The Hump there was just time to find my first Lesser Whitethroat of the year, before bussing back to Weymouth.

Getting off the bus I bumped straight into Jason and Hilary who easily qualify as my favorite Muso friends. Together we must have seen every band south of Charlton Mackerel plus many legends such as Walter Trout, Stan Webb and Mick Abrahams. The later, once 'front man' for Blodwyn Pig, is a personal friend to whom they introduced me years ago, and a couple of times subsequently, but on that score the news wasn't good. The composer of the milestone blues 'Ain't Ya Coming Home Babe', featuring Dick Heckstal-Smith on saxophone, Mick has recently suffered a serious heart attack, and is now confined to 'jamming' with his mates in Milton Keynes. We'll meet again, at the latest, when we attend The Hamsters gig at No6 at the end of the month.

Finally, an update on 'Frederick the Fantastic III'. As can be seen he's growing in leaps and bounds and now sports 2 teeth, while mum Lisa (the adorable) does her impression of Argent rocker Russ Ballard (God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You).

Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do!

For 10 days now I have been watching a pair of Coots working their little hearts out constructing this loose reed nest, and laying, so far, 3 eggs. This may not represent a full clutch, the average is 4, but chances of achieving this looked highly unlikely this morning as Apex Divers moved in to undertake what didn't look like 'life saving' works.

Floating bulks of timber across the Swannery, close to the Westham Bridge sluices, I doubt these couple of Herberts had a clue as to the disturbance they were causing and the possible failure of a breeding attempt. Someone in a position of power and responsibility has commissioned this firm to undertake this work, but where, I ask, is the RISK ASSESSMENT? The nest is just a few feet to the right of shot.

In this instance nothing to worry about, it's ONLY a Coot, but less that a mile north the final touches are being made to the Sand Martin Wall being built at the very heart of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Yesterday's headline (RSVP) served a purpose by bringing the 'Warden' of our sensative Nature Reserves out of the woodwork. Only 7 days into the struggle, this KEY player has eventually offered his invaluable comments. Last Evening Nick Quintrell, the Orchid Strimmer and Scent Marker, sent me a text, not suggesting noting your concerns, can we not try some meaningful and constructive dialogue, no, all he could muster was "thanks for the 'hatchet job', Mate" which begs the question why so long in the coming? Since raising these issues with the reserves manager Nick Tomlinson, I have encountered a number of his staff without reaction to my findings. Rather strange I thought as all I consider to be reactionary in such circumstances. No, what I think it is their boss has kept them in the dark hoping the matter will blow over (which it won't) but his hand was forced when the Dorset Echo contacted him yesterday, hence the sudden text. So, let me reassure the readership I will not be suppressed, silenced or daunted by either of these slouches who are methodically tearing apart our sacred sanctuaries!

HMS Keppel, Type 14 'Blackwood' Class Frigate

I predicted it would happen back in 1963, as Great Britain methodically plundered Icelandic Cod, I said they would get us back one day! Engaged in Fishery Protection duties at that time, I witnessed at close quarters the start of a programme to coat the UK in a carpet of volcanic ash bringing business and commerce to a halt. This beginning was called Surtsey. While patrolling these seaways, a massive sub-sea earthquake erupted forming a small island, just south of the Westerman Group. Some years later, I was on a ferry to these islands in an effort to 'twitch' Brunnich's Guillemot and thought I recognised Surtsey, now colonised by plants and Arctic Terns, in the distance. I questioned the ships Mate to find I was right, and told him that years ago I had 'landed' on the island. He assured me that no one, save a handful of scientists, had ever done so and that I must be mistaken. Soon after the eruption had subsided and cooled, HMS Keppel was deployed to survey what was a major correction to admiralty charts, where we found the Norwegians had beaten us to it planting a flag at the apex. Not to be outdone, our Gemini inflatable boat was sent to do likewise and I, as a young Ordinary Seaman, was duty bowman. Along with the Leading Seaman Coxswain and the Officer of the Day we scrambled ashore, posted the flag and returned to the sip with a box of pumice as souvenir for the crew. I think it safe to say, at the very least, I am one of only 3 Englishmen to do so?

Surtsey erupting 1963

and so to today. Another sunny, cold day with little shift in wind direction and little movement of birds. At Radipole the were more 'brickies' than birds, but a single Oystercatcher was roosting on the island, while a Sparrowhawk was searching for breakfast overhead. I never tire of the sea-front walk between the reserves (Radipole to Lodmoor) despite the lack of avian interest there is always something to be seen. Arriving to the call of a Redshank, I found c2 resting on the mud flats in company with an additional 5th Oystercatcher today. Further along a single Lapwing passed overhead and while listening to a Pheasant calling from the depths of the reed-bed, my first Swift of the year flew in. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the Grasshopper Warbler, reported by Daragh, at the south end of Beechdown Way, so returned home for breakfast.

This afternoon, dropped into JD Wetherspoon to meet up with a few mates, haddock and mushy peas from Weymouth's BEST fish and chip shop The Marlborough then catch up on a few 'domestics'. Let's hope there is some notable bird movement tomorrow!

R.S.V.P. - R.S.P.B.

Before I kick-off on today's dalliances, I should point out that in view of Mrs Wood's birthday you are going to get 2 for the price of one. Over the past couple of days, the 'readership' of this Blog has been extended dramatically, with 'hits' yesterday reaching well over 400. On that note, I would like to welcome all new readers to what was, until recent days, a way of keeping my 2 daughters and friends up to date with my wanderings, and a total 'skylark'. Unfortunately, that has been interrupted by the Royal Society for the PROTECTION of Birds who, once I have exposed their 'failings' not only to their own Membership, the People of the Borough of Weymouth & Portland, The Press and 'Spotlight', West Country TV News, it should then allow me to get back to my precious retirement, reporting on travels and exploits as I go. For now, I might suggest that the 'birding' and 'travel' fraternity type November 23rd 2009 into the Search Engine to enjoy my recent 100 days backpacking through South America. It would also be great, if you do enjoy the read, to get you to extend the 'readership' by sending the link to all your e-mail addressees. Welcome to the Machine!

Reed Bunting

It was cold as I walked through the cemetery at 06-30 this morning, but no matter as there on a bush some distance ahead was what looked like a Wryneck, a Bluethroat and a Golden Oriole, all on the same branch! It was only then that I discovered I had left my binoculars at home - durrrr. By the time I got back they had all gone?? No such luck at Radipole though as with the exception of afore mentioned Warblers there was nothing to report. By the time I reached Weymouth seafront the sun and the lee of the buildings were warming things up, turning it into a very pleasant day.

Shoveler just after take-off

A Common Buzzard, mobbed by Gulls, got the adrenaline pumping at the prospect of it being Lodmoor's forth Osprey of the year, but it was not to be. The report of yesterday's coincided with my arrival home, and despite spending 30 minutes pinned to my back bedroom window, nothing showed. Along Beechdown Way Reed Bunting, Blackcap, Chiffchaff Willow & Cetti's Warbler were all in good voice, while I presume the same c8 Bearded Tit were still in the same reed-bed. At the 'bund' my first Whitethroat of the spring was also vocal and showing quite well, bringing the year total up to 147.

Whitethroat

This drake Mallard was sat on a house roof on Southdown Avenue,

while the female was more or less obscured by the chimney.

Response to my list of concerns by Nick Tomlinson were in the main what I had expected, but nothing remotely like what I would have got 2 years ago, I was talking to a 'changed man'! He didn't agree, even when I quoted the number of disgruntled people he had left in his wake since taking office. I handed him the document and offered a little Robbie Burns hoping he might at least think about it:- O wad some Power the giftie gie us, To see oursels as ithers see us!". Roughly translated from the Jockanese:- (I wish that some Power would give us the little gift of seeing ourselves as other see us.)

It was the offending Wall that took up the bulk of the time, so most of the other issues were not addressed. After a lot of bat and ball, I played what I thought was a trump card mainly to find out from where the order to build at this time had come. Making a suggestion that he might compromise, without loosing face, I asked if would be prepared to phone The Lodge (RSPB HQ) to inform them of a pair of Bearded Tits nesting in close proximity of the build, and advise a postponement of further works. Red rag to a bull doesn't come into it, in no uncertain terms I was told that this was his decision, he would decide what course of action to take, if any, and none of this was down to his Masters. Just what I had hoped to prize out of him, as on the one hand I was talking to 'THE Man' and secondly there was now no room for him to resort to the 'Nuremberg Plea'. As I had stated in my first mention of this, in an e-mail to the Out & About Forum, I considered the whole project 'ill thought out', why then hadn't HE (as the self professed Land Manager via his reply to O & A) chossen September / October? Nick had already told me, in his over exuberance, before I left for South America that the funding was in place, and that he had approached Lorne Edwards twice to undertake the construction. The pitfall with the latter was, Nick wanted works to commence the following week, but Bowie needed about 4 months to put logistics into place. This simply wasn't expedient enough for Nick, and I can only make my own mind up as to what happened subsequently.

I will also take the opportunity to point out, that during our meeting I was accused by Nick of accusing him personally of contravening the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act in my A & O e-mail, which is open for the full membership to see, that my mention was by way of a 'question', not accusation. It was time to terminate the meeting, and quite frankly for the first time ever I was glad to see the back of Nick. Visibly rattled, I am only sorry he didn't have the wit to seek an alternative because whatever the outcome it will do him no good at all.

As I understand it, the Dorset Echo start their own investigation this very afternoon, after which it is my intention to bring the matter to the attention of 'Spotlight', West Country TV News. I consider I have done my bit to Protect Birds!

Two of the many items that were not discussed:-

The pathway system at Radipole was first laid to hard core at the cessation of hostilities, when the rubble from bombed buildings at High West Street, Love Lane and the east end of Chickerell Road was utilised. The concrete block in the picture is I guess part of that rubble. An ideal platform for children to participate in 'pond dipping', but not in my view at the expense of any plant, let alone an important plant. The 'only' specimen of Branched Bur-reed on the reserve viewable by the general public, was torn from its moorings to facilitate the pond dipping.

While this image shows the newly dug dike, running into the main body of the lake, where once a thriving colony of Southern Marsh Orchids grew.

Southern Marsh Orchid (photographs by kind permission of Lorne (Bowie) Edwards.

Southern Marsh Orchid

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Mrs Doris Wood 90 years young today

The Statistics Counter attached to this Blog still intrigues me, which yesterday showed no fewer than 456 visitors from 17 countries the majority of whom I could not possibly know. So, I would be taking a guess to say I do know the person who is likely my most 'senior' reader. The mother of my boyhood friends John and Robert Wood, formally of Chilwell, Notts (where Mum still resides) is 90, yes NINETY, years old today. John tells me, given the passage of time, she is still in good health, totally self sufficient and determinedly independent. When I handed her card of congratulations to the shopkeeper, I simply said, "I hope to receive one of these in the future", but I am so thrilled to be able to make an 'early post' this morning, and will raise a glass this evening to a remarkable lady. Long may such days return Mrs Wood, you are a 'one off' and will be foremost in my thoughts today.