Rain Stops Play!

The gale force wind was rattling the soffits, while the torrential rain filled the fish pond early this morning so I just turned over and went back to sleep. The 07-30 local weather forecast showed little sign of change for at least 24 hours, so an ideal opportunity to catch up on those long outstanding records / photographs etc. Among others, the South American records at the turn of the year had barely been touched but can now report that the World List is finally up to date. In addition, most of the photos from the last trip have also been edited, while both Joe Bonamassa and Manfred Mann have received a good airing.

With a lack of any records today I have to resort to the archives once again, and with the USA trip not too far behind here are a few shots from previous trips to the North American sub-continent.

American Bittern - Cape May, New Jersey.

Bald Eagle - Stanley Park,

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Black Skimmer - Delaware River Estuary, USA.

Boat-tailed Grackle - Stone Harbour Causeway, New Jersey.

Goosander (male) - Beaver Creek, Yukon, Canada.

Goosander (female) - ditto.

Solitary Sandpiper - Central Park, New York.

Tricolored Heron - Brigantine, New Jersey.

North American Raccoon - Stanley Park.

and as yet another month ends there are those all important (only to me I suspect) Blog statistics to consider. September has been the second most productive month since the installation of the Stat Counter in February with 4070 individual 'hits' . The daily average of 135.7 is second only to last month, when the furore of the Red-necked Stint sent figures souring to 6217 'hits', a daily average of 200.5.

Not surprisingly, there has also been an increase in the US readership but much more than I would have expected. Leaving home there were on average 52 individual 'hits' per day from the States, but seems word has spread and 565 knocks Estonia off of the second position for only the second time, The Netherlands having achieved this also last month. Countries joining the readership have however remained static since Puerto Rico and Azerbaijan waded in at numbers 99 and 100, unless of course you count 'Satellite Provider' which indicates no place of origin.

	Num	Perc.	Country Name
	7922	81.63%	United Kingdom
	565	5.82%	United States
	258	2.66%	Estonia
	185	1.91%	Netherlands
	74	0.76%	Australia
	71	0.73%	Canada
	60	0.62%	France
	52	0.54%	Germany
	43	0.44%	Finland
	43	0.44%	Ireland
	30	0.31%	Italy
	26	0.27%	Japan
	24	0.25%
	22	0.23%	Belgium
	21	0.22%	India
	20	0.21%	Sweden
	19	0.20%	Spain
	16	0.16%	Barbados
	16	0.16%	Argentina
	12	0.12%	Brazil
	10	0.10%	Switzerland
	10	0.10%	Taiwan
	10	0.10%	Hungary
	10	0.10%	Denmark
	10	0.10%	Colombia
	8	0.08%	Philippines
	8	0.08%	Hong Kong
	8	0.08%	United Arab Emirates
	8	0.08%	New Zealand
	7	0.07%	Korea, Republic Of
	7	0.07%	Venezuela
	7	0.07%	Vietnam
	6	0.06%	Norway
	6	0.06%	Greece
	6	0.06%	Ecuador
	6	0.06%	Guernsey
	6	0.06%	Singapore
	5	0.05%	Lithuania
	5	0.05%	Costa Rica
	5	0.05%	Tanzania, United Republic Of
	4	0.04%	Slovakia
	4	0.04%	Sri Lanka
	4	0.04%	Iran, Islamic Republic Of
	4	0.04%	Israel
	4	0.04%	Turkey
	4	0.04%	Russian Federation
	4	0.04%	Thailand
	4	0.04%	Peru
	4	0.04%	Malta
	3	0.03%	Sudan
	3	0.03%	Europe
	3	0.03%	Puerto Rico
	2	0.02%	Czech Republic
	2	0.02%	Poland
	2	0.02%	Croatia
	2	0.02%	Gambia
	2	0.02%	Georgia
	2	0.02%	Chile
	2	0.02%	Trinidad And Tobago
	2	0.02%	Jersey
	2	0.02%	Azerbaijan
	1	0.01%	Seychelles
	1	0.01%	Romania
	1	0.01%	South Africa
	1	0.01%	Cambodia
	1	0.01%	Faroe Islands
	1	0.01%	Nigeria
	1	0.01%	Falkland Islands (malvinas)
	1	0.01%	Isle Of Man
	1	0.01%	Malaysia
	1	0.01%	Austria
	1	0.01%	Indonesia
	1	0.01%	Saudi Arabia
	1	0.01%	Mexico
	1	0.01%	Portugal
	1	0.01%	Satellite Provider

It's fantastic that there has been so much interest and with a huge THANK YOU to everyone may I request all readers to pass the link on to their Family & Friends, with the promise that my next adventure, in a couple of weeks time, has the potential of being something Very Special.

'WATCH THIS SPACE'

Kicking Around On A Piece of Ground In Your Own Town

waiting for someone or something to show you the way! - 'Time', Pink Floyd.

It's always great to get back onto familiar territory, but after an adventure that in a single word would be described as 'invigorating' it was also fantastic to get such a warm welcome. Lorne & Sheila Edwards had invited me to dinner even before I left for the USA, but last evening was a little bit more than simply a meal. After eating they invited me to watch a DVD which has been pending for some months now. Black & White Night - Roy Orbison was filmed in 'black & white', which adds to the mood, but The Big 'O' could stand on his head and still be one of the top vocalist that ever lived. The backing band was theTCB Band, which accompanied Elvis Presley from 1969 until his death in 1977: Glen D. Hardin on piano, James Burton on lead guitar, Jerry Scheff on bass, and Ronnie Tutt on drums. Male background vocalists, some of whom also joined in on guitar, were Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, J.D.Souther, and Steven Soles. The female background vocalists were Jennifer Warnes, Bonnie Raitt and Dorset's own k.d. Lang. The latter often sings in The George pub in her home town of Bridport and we have promised time after time to go and see her, but so far never have. I would strongly suggest this a 'must have' item in any muso's collection.

and talking of Elvis, that was the next DVD of an unknown venue on an unknown date but it certainly looked like the man 'pre-Army' another excellent set.

Late to rise, but no sign of 'jet lag', it was straight off to Ferry Bridge to catch the turn of the tide but that wasn't all I caught. With rain bearing clouds rapidly approaching from the west I incorrectly calculated that I would beat the impending 'front', but exactly half way between the shelter of the Ferry Bridge Inn and the lee of the Fleet Visitor's Centre I caught the full packet. A little dampened, to say the least, I declined a lift from Anne Howe who was driving back to Weymouth and found a few birds on the foreshore. In the main just common, expected things but it's great to re-connect with such things when you've been away for a while so I did just that.

First on the scene were over 50 Alba Wagtail

all seemingly young birds showing a light yellow hue to the face which makes them just that little more attractive. Unfortunately difficult to see from the photograph.

Due to the rain I had overlooked the c3

Little Egret preening on the Fleet side of the Chesil Beach, but that's when the

Dunlin
started flying in

to feed. A couple of

Black-headed Gulls were already there

but now more or less in 'winter plumage' (no black on the head).

Ringed Plover

were quick to join the other Waders, but not so a small party of Turnstone that continued flying up the Fleet towards Abbotsbury. c2 each of Meadow Pipit and Skylark also flew overhead calling, while a small flock of

Linnets fed among the Samphire.

Turning to leave, there was a larger Wader close to the bridge and with a little stealth managed to get these shots of a

Grey Plover

which didn't hang around at all long

before following the Turnstones.

During my absence, Lorne and Sheila also took delivery of a few discs I had ordered from Amazon which include the sensational Complete Greatest Hits of Manfred Mann 1963 - 2003. Manfred fans may remember when vocalist Paul Jones left the band topursue other music projects, his place was adequately filled by Mike D'Abo. His composition Handbags & Gladrags has since been one of my all time favourite track, but until today had never heard his own rendition. This, in my humble opinion and on a single listening, outdoes Rod Stewart, Chris Farlowe and Kelly Jones' (Stereophonics) versions.

In addition, I replaced the copy of Joe Bonamassa Live at the Albert Hall which I gave to Jim the Medic and his partner Liz as they enjoyed it so much during my visit up there. You & Me, by the same artist contains the 'difficult to sing' Led Zeppelin track Tea For One, but I bought this album for that version of a magical song alone. This will probably be the only time in my life when I suggest anyone has outshone Zeppelin on any particular track, but make your own mind up. Finally, a 'punt' (simply taking a chance) on the Rolling Stones DVD 'Shine A Light', I have it on good authority that it's sensational.

and finally,

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' (Grandson) FREDERICK

ONE YEAR OLD TODAY

Home, Home Again

Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks have been a bane to me ever since I started 'birding' the USA. The field guide describes the best way to differentiate between the 2 is by the shorter and more squared tail of the latter, but easier said than done when only one or the other is present! While it was perched in a tree and in bad light, this raptor was always going to present identification problems, but looking at the photographs this looks to be more rounded in the tail which also looks long?

so, here is Cooper's Hawk showing a rounded tail and a view from the


front showing the extent of the tail.

The United States of America

Travel in the USA is about as safe as it can be anywhere in the world, take you 'eye off the ball' and your bag will be gone, but generally all is well. Again a generalisation, the people too are welcoming, kind,hospitable and mostly wanting to talk to those from what they describe as 'Mother England'. One thing, almost throughout, is lack of direction so if you want to know how to get to the Post Office the last person you should ask is a 'taxi driver' or a 'local'. A visit to just about anywhere would be worth it, but it has to be said that the pace of life is less hectic and attitudes much milder the further north and central you get.

Greyhound Line Coach Services

Arguably the best way to travel, especially if extensively, with buses in the main reasonably comfortable, at a good temperature, cleaned regularly but be advised about the discipline. The drivers of these vehicles will tolerate no messing about at all and are adequately backed by State and Federal Laws and the Police. On boarding, there is a longish verbal instruction as to the do's and dont's, for instance no alcohol, drugs, firearms, swearing, profanities etc the punishment being instant removal from the bus, wherever it may be with a supporting report sent to the police immediately. Cell phones, music makers and the like are allowed but again in moderation, while after nightfall even the smallest distraction to the driver will be met with disdain. This all makes for a much more comfortable ride and if a passenger makes a genuine complain to the driver, he / she is duty bound to investigate and sort out the problem to the customers satisfaction.

If you anticipate long distance travel, value for money is guaranteed, with a 15 days Greyhound Discovery Pass costing just £255. This pass is not restricted only to that 'line', but to most major carriers throughout the land including much of Canada and Mexico's California Baja and as far south as Chihuahua. Be diligent on arrival that the correct document (The Voucher) is issued for the papers issued in UK as incorrect issue can lead to serious delays. It is my intention to work out my personal distance travelled and if the relevant fares are available on the Greyhound website, total just how much my journeys would have cost on an 'at thecounter' price - don't hold your breath!

Finally, there are good numbers of Supermarkets where quality, healthy food can be purchased, but these are NOT on the regular coach routes and stops. Here it is wall to wall junk, with only the very occasional apple or banana being available. Not expensive, you can eat for just a few dollars at each stop, but in the main it is burgers, chicken, tacos and fries.

Leaving On A Jet Plane - John Denver

It has been a long but exhilerating journey back from Panama City, Florida to Minneapolis - Minnesota which took me via Tallahassee & Jacksonville - Florida, Savannah - Georgia, Manning - South Carolina, Raleigh - North Carolina, Richmond - Virginia then Washington DC (District of Columbia).

As we crossed the Potomac River the first recognisable building was the (Smithsonian) Museum of American History, the Greyhound following the road directly in front of the columned museum.

Only the top of the Jefferson Memorial could be seen,

but not long after the sun had set and the moon about the same as in the image, this was very much the scene across the Washington Memorial, at the end of the National Mall, and the Capitol Building in the distance. These (borrowed) photographs should have some memories for Lisa as we saw much of this during our visit in the 90's. On that occasion we also visited the huge restaurant complex below the Union Train Station where it was posible to eat the food of just about every nation in the world!

A change of coach and it was onward to Baltimore - Maryland, Pittsburg - Pennsylvania, Cleveland - Ohio, Gary - Indiana and again to Chicago - Illinois. The final addition to the States list was Wisconsin which we crossed diagonally from south east to north west, taking in the city of Milwaukee in the process.

So, I've come to the end of this visit to the United States of America (about my eighth I think) but feel sure I'll be back again. When I left England the US readership on this Blog was what I considered a most respectable 52 individuals, but since this has risen to a monumental 378 (at the last count) comprising some of people I have met and enjoyed company with on the way.

The highlight on the bird front had to be the Red-headed Woodpecker (if only the Brown-headed Nuthatch had been as obliging), which I have had the opportunity of seeing in the past but has never shown up for me, a brilliant creature to say the very least. As for places, that has to go to the Crazy Horse Memorial carved into the Black Hills of Dakota, what a pity that he, Chief Henry Standing Bear and sculpter Korczak Ziolkowski could not be here to view it! People? Well that would be impossible to pick a favourite as the vast majority have been kind, polite, respectful and helpful. However, a minor situation that visited me just a day or two ago could have left me up a small creek without a paddle but for yet another immeasurable kindness.

I met Steve on the balcony of the AquaView Motel in Panama City Beach, and while a little loud he was a pleasant enough character. Over a beer it turned out that our next paths were in the same direction and on the same day at the same time. Without coaxing he offered me a lift which I accepted, and asked if I would contribute £30 to the fuel bill. That was not a problem and we agreed to meet in the lobby at an appointed time. Jerry, the landlord, was already concerned that he would not show up and in the end, to cut a long story short, he didn't. Jerry had already phoned the Car Hire firm to remind Steve of his commitment but he had told them he simply wasn't going to bother about me. With that Jerry drove me the 20? or so miles to the Greyhound Station without a care. I would like to take yet another opportunity to thank him and his lovely wife Sonja for their help and hospitality.

There are now just 3 States in the US that I have not visited, Idaho, Utah and Hawii which should fit in very nicely when I get my act together to try for 2 of the final 3 Gull species needed. They are Red-legged Kittiwake off Alaska and Yellow-footed Gull in Baja California, Mexico which would make for a very neat trip in itself. The final one is Relect Gull which may take a little more effort.

Ammendments, I'm sure there must be a number, but the only one I have discovered and put to right was when in Chicago last I reporte making it to Lake Superior, which should have read Lake Michigan.

Over the past 2 days, other species to have been added to the 'trip list' have included Belted Kingfisher, Double-crested Cormorant, Osprey, Mute Swan and American Herring Gull none of which were photographed. This brings up what I guess will be the final

Total Bird Species - 70, World Lifers - 7 (10% of those seen is considered incredible),
Total States Visited or Passed Through - 28, New States Visited - 15.

The Star-Spangled Banner

A Stroll In The Park (Part II)

By mid-morning the heat was getting oppressive, but armed with plenty to drink plus signs of other avian activity up ahead I wandered on.

Northern Mockingbird, this has been the best pose so far of this very common species.

Sheephead, one of a catch otherwise Grey Mullet this man had with his throwing net.

and a couple of examples of the water-craft

and dwellings on the edge of the Gulf.

Forster's Tern (first winter) were also fairly numerous, this one making for a decent shot despite loss of a wing tip.

At last a 'settled' Dragonfly, this a Great Blue Skimmer.

Brown Pelicans then hove into view and were obliging as several sat atop waterside posts,

many on the wing, and close while

this juvenile and adult were content to swim past.

This Sharp-shinned Hawk chased a flock of small birds through the understorey before perching, for a few minutes, close by.

I had now completed the full circuit, and arriving back at the main gate I noticed it was both mid-day and 93F, time to head back. On the way a second Dragonfly was found perched in the middle of the pavement and allowed a number of uninterrupted shots. A little strange I thought, so moved to flush it but it didn't move. Unfortunately it was dead but in perfect condition, I believe its a

Eastern Pondhawk.

The best was most certainly saved until last as looking up from this beautiful insect to find a

Loggerhead Shrike perched on the wires above. Unconcerned with my presence it just sat there, and although not a 'first' for me, it was certainly the 'bird of the day'. In addition to the species shown, others to have been seen include Brown-headed Nuthatch (another 'lifer' which I 'twitched' and missed with my New Jersey birding pal Doug Johnson when we drove into Delaware some years ago) and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

'World Lifers' so far have been:-

PRAIRIE FALCON
LAZULI BUNTING
SAGE THRASHER
YELLOW RAIL
MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH