This Post Is Dedicated To 'Thin Lizzy'

For our 'Out of Town' readers, particularly those 'overseas' this was Weymouth beach and the Purbeck Peninsula bathed in autumn sunshine yesterday afternoon.

So, invitation received, the scene was set and the venue

The Three Compasses Inn at Charminster, Dorset raring to go ,Jon Storey's 50th birthday party got underway. I can show you, I can show you some of the people in my life - Turn It On Again, Genesis.

The outside welcoming committee comprising Alan & Sheldon House with guitarist Fraser Clubb,

while within the Birthday Boy himself.

Kate with Jon's partner Sally.

Kate again, this time with husband Brian who after an exhausting session with the 'axe' returns to Afghanistan today. Bon Voyage matey and a safe return!

As parties go, this one couldn't have started in any better way. Few, if any, would have believed that we would ever see this image again,

Jon Storey playing his beloved Fender Stratocaster. Some years ago and without much warning Jon confined his axe to the case and vowed never to play again. His reasons are his own business, but at the time I suggested there would come a time? With years having passed by I had resigned myself to being wrong, but what a loss to the world of rock music. To see him there yesterday brought a tear to more than one eye, and as someone once said maybe you'll get a little blister on your finger, maybe you'll get a little blister on your thumb (Mark Knopfler), but don't be tempted to put it down again my mate!

'Blue Job' one of Jon's many musical formations, with front-man Chris Whiteside.

'Blue Job' bass & drums Andy Sykes with Jake.

Jon doing the twiddly bit in Rory Gallagher number Messin' With The Kid.

TV actor and stuntman Dean Martin with partner Tina. Look out for Dean in the new series of Sherlock Holmes and Wormwood Scrubs.

Anything Rock 'n' Roll would be incomplete without Mr Impresario and multi-instrumentalist (including bugle) Dan (The Immigrant) Adams.

Gordon, Jon and Brian opening his only birthday card.

and while on the subject of 'multi-talented, these are the Sundt brothers. Having performed under many headings there was some confusion as to what the band would be called this evening. The most recent having been Beaver (who played my 60th birthday bash) and Freezer, so it was agreed to play under the title of Breezer.

Breezer, with lead guitar Paul, recently graduated from the London Guitar Academy, vocalist Andrew, Adrian on bass and yes, spoiling the show that's Whiteside on drums - well hit the bloody things Bonzo!

Time to take a short diversion with a spin to Dorchester and back in the sexiest TVR. I really should have had another half dozen pints of rough cider to have realised the full potential.

Back in the safe hand of owner Kate, unfortunately the number plate is obscured but what a plate considering husband Brian, among other things, is a guitarist - R4OCK.

The reformation of rock giants Bad Reputation was a real highlight as they punched their way though an enormous number of Thin Lizzy tracks. Jon, making an excellent job of being Brian Robertson, ably assisted by Mark Davis as the latter day Scott Gorham, but I think Chris will have to spend a bit more time on the sunbed before he can emulate Phil Lynott?

The only original band member to be absent was their drummer, but what better way to fill the vacant seat than with his son Nick Diablo nee Brian Downey. Finally, but by no means least another pale looking Phil Lynott alter ego bass player Dave Degamo.

There was a short pause while the BR's asked for requests, but despite my raucous chant of 'Emerald, Emerald' they chose to play Barry Manilow's 'Mandy' he he! So b*ll*cks to you lots here we go - 2, 3 de de de

Down from the glen came the marching men
With their shields and their swords
To fight the fight they believed to be right
Overthrow the overlords

To the town where there was plenty
They brought plunder, swords and flame
When they left the town was empty
Children would never play again

From their graves I heard the fallen
Above the battle cry
By that bridge near the border
There were many more to die

Then onward over the mountain
And outward towards the sea
They had come to claim the Emerald
Without it they could not leave

After the ordeal time for a little relaxation with Jade (daughter of) Sally, Jon and the Bros Sundt.

Next up a most polished acoustic set from Dan Adams & Fraser Clubb.

None of this would have been possible without the staunch efforts of mine host Rob Dixon (and the behind scenes crew) who I met for the first time yesterday. A most convivial man, perfectly suited to his profession. Best Wishes Rob and thanks for a great gig.

Thin Lizzy

Bless 'Em!

A Bird in the Hand, Plus a Few in the Bush

Another glorious day with bright sunshine throughout and the north easterly moderating to no more than a zephyr, but still complete with a chill. Before leaving the house c2 Common Buzzards were seen overhead while in the cemetery it was again a day forGoldcrest, Siskin and Robins, while a Sparrowhawk hunted among the trees and most of the resident Grey Squirrels were unusually vocal.

At Ferry Bridge things were extremely quiet and with no sign of yesterday's Buff-breasted Sandpiper or the Black Brant, reported before my arrival I had to content myself with c4 Brent Geese, c21Turnstones and a single Curlew. It was also unusual to find a 'double decker' bus plying the Weymouth to Portland route, and while this is well trodden territory there was a whole different prospective from above.

I don't remember the last time I recorded a Grey Squirrel on Portland, but am reliably informed they are now more frequent than in the past, and just to make up the 'prial' of Mammals today

this Rabbit is included.

Meanwhile at the Culverwell ringing station, Doctor David Murdoch allowed me a few shots of some of the birds he had netted, the first being this

male Blackbird which was having its wing length measured and causing such a fuss as not to be

held in fully open view.

A female Blackbird was far less fidgety as Dave quickly took all necessary biometrics,

applied a uniquely numbered leg rig

before returning it to the wild.

At the Coastguard Cottages, Swallows were gathering on the telephone wires prior to departure,

and occasionally embarking on short feeding forays.

Rock Pipit

Long before reaching the Bill today, I received news of an Atlantic Grey Seal close to the Red Crane,

often disappearing for prolonged periods, I was lucky to capture these shots within 10 minutes of arrival.

To see a Raptor of any description in the hand is both infrequent and a joy indeed, so this capture Kestrel as most welcome.

This head detail shows that it may have enjoyed breakfast before capture?

While no crystal ball was required to predict the imminent return of Common Gull, John Down and I did briefly discuss the prospects yesterday,

and low and behold

c5 were at Ferry Bridge this afternoon.

By comparison, here are two shots of

Mew Gull taken at Burwash Landing, Yukon Territory, Canada some years ago.

Once though to be the same species as that above, the powers that be determined them to be separate species and 'split' them, giving Mew Gull single species status.

There's a Rock 'n' Roll party on Sunday night
Are you going to be there?
I got my invite
Gonna bring your records?
Oh will do
Made it!

The slightly altered lyrics of the Mott the Hoople classic 'Roll Away the Stone' as that's where I'm heading now. Jon Storey, arguably the most accomplished rock guitarist in Dorset, reaches his half century today and Wild Horses (The Osmonds) couldn't keep me away. Maybe there will be a report to follow - watch this space!

Further Afield

Another late post I fear, but for the very best of reasons, dinner with my beautiful little girl. Not quite so little in her 4th decade but no less lovable and in company with her partner Nigel we had a most pleasant evening at the Tapas Bar.

Weather wise the days continue pleasant, while a chill breeze remains in the north east the sun continues to shine throughout. The very first bird recorded this morning, even before the daylight was complete a

Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard calling from some distance, but easily tracked down to

the Cemetery. Within there were 'dozens' of Goldcrest while overhead Meadow Pipits were migrating in numbers. Reaching the end of Pottery Lane a strange looking bird was flying over what I now describe as a 'park' where until recent days there was some mud showing where maybe a Wader or 2 may have landed but that was oh so short lived. With the likes of Red-necked Stint, Buff-breasted, Curlew, Pectoral and even Solitary Sandpiper not a million miles away wouldn't you think that anyone with half an ounce of knowledge about wildlife and birds in particular would make some effort to leave a little mud exposed at Radipole?

The strange bird was quickly recognised as a

Ring-necked Parakeet, a stranger in these parts

and while there is a small but stable, self sustaining feral population about 20 miles hence in Studland it is not known from where this bird had originated. The second I have found in this my local area, it landed in one of 2 tall Poplar trees and began a 10 minute session of sustained squawking before flying off to the west.

A slim chance of yesterdays Corncrake was still in my mind so it was directly to Portland where c2 Redwing, c3 Pheasant and c2 Fieldfare and about half a dozen Yellow Wagtails were quickly encountered. The Corncrake was not to be. but

reaching the crest of the hill overlooking Culverwell, HMS Illustrious could be seen through the mist. It is an assumption that she is Illustrious as I believe HMS Invincible and HMS Ark Royal, the other 2 Aircraft Carriers, remain 'laid up' and out of commission.

A pre-arranged meeting with John Down saw us head off for Sherford Bridge some 15 miles away to look for the Great Grey Shrike which has been seen there over the past couple of days. We did meet someone who had not only seen it but also videoed it, but we were not to have been so lucky. A couple of Mistle Thrush, a Jay. several Stonechat and c4 Dartford Warblers were all else we saw, but

what is thought to be a Parasol Mushroom

was found in an open field

with this 'closed' version thought to be the same species,

while this was found under the trees. Looks like a job for Dave the Fungal Punk so will be in touch!

The days are now getting shorter before the trip to Madagascar, and while I wouldn't wish to sound pessimistic, things don't look good in France at the moment, a stepping stone to the magic island. I'll keep you posted.