Welcome to Madagascar

The immediate good news is that while we only got to the first hotel at 02-30 (BST +2) Internet access was immediately available. This in turn brings up country number 103 as I have had to log on myself.

There were no snags or delays with Tuesday's flight, but finding the Transit Bus for the Comfort Hotel was a little less pleasurable, even the locals were having difficulty. One Frenchman also staying there even phoned the hotel, but unbeknown to them? bus stops and schedules had been altered, but in the end 4 of us shared a taxi. Again this morning at Charles de Gaulle things went swimmingly, the Parisian strikes seemingly not effecting the airport. By take off time 10-35 all passengers were embarked but still the manifest was absent and there was no sign of the doors being shut. After an hour of silence the pilot then announced that the 'tug' drivers were going on strike and so there would be no way of reversing the plane onto the tarmac. After a short time he came back to inform us that it looked like this was only going to be a 'token' protest and we were slotted for take off some time after 14-00. Then came the best news, that they had returned (what was all that about) and we finally left the ground at 12-30 just 2 hours late. In made up one hour en-route and so all in all our holiday is underway. Obviously no time for 'birding' now but I am informed daylight starts at about 05-00 and I'll be there to meet it. Predicted first species, either Common Myna 0r one of Alpine or Little Swift. Later today we drive for about 2 hours to Antsirabe during which time the wildlife watching will start in earnest and hope to be able to continue this post from the hotel there. Meanwhile Good night!

Here is the 05-30 to 07-30 update:-

The Welcoming Committee, and most welcoming they were!

Madagascar Wagtail,

the first bird heard and seen.

Common Myna and as the name suggests very common.

Madagascar White-eye in poor light.

Madagascar Red Fody (pronounced foody so I'm told)

in eclipse at this time of year

so with varying amounts of red plumage.

Madagascar Mannikin, plentiful but a little flighty.

In addition Feral Pigeon (if you count those sort of things Daragh), Cattle Egret and House Sparrow have been seen with the

Trip Total - 8 World Lifers - 4

Normal Service Will Be Resumed

Should be in flight all day today, arriving Madagascar under the cover of dark so not much in the way of a post. It is hoped that tomorrow will see the start of some good stuff?

DON'T GO AWAY!

Teal of the World

Yesterday was the birthday of my dear next door neighbour Joy, so in the evening we were all round her house for a cider & sandwich party. Guests of honour were our German friends Norbert and Marion who seem to be facinated by some of the goings on here inWeymouth. As usual the whole thing ended in a long sing song, mostly 60's & 70's, and a good time was had by all.

Not quite bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning all I had to do was sit on the coach to Heathrow Airport, so managed a bit of extra shut eye before flogging up on some of the creatures we may encounter in Madagascar. With some concern reguarding the protests in France, I was pleased to see that the flight toParis was both on schedule and on time, with the only reportable action being the Chilean Presedents flight taking off right outside of terminal 4, after his short visit to England.

The Chilean Presidential plane.

Our flight from Charles de Gaulle airport is at 10-35 local time tomorrow and we should arrive at the Madagascan capital Antananarivo at 21-00 also local. In the meantime I hope the readership will be content with a few more images from the archive, this time featuring those dinky little ducks the Teal.

Blue-winged Teal - Crooked Tree, Belize

Cape Teal - Strandfontain, South Africa

Chestnut Teal - NSW, Australia

Cinnamon Teal - Beaver Creek, Yukon

Green-winged Teal - Cape May, New Jersey, USA

Grey Teal - Alice Spring, Australia

Puna Teal - Alto Plano, Peru

Red-billed Teal - Maseru, Lesotho

Speckled Teal - Falkland Islands

PS

The 'spell check' has unfortunately crapped out so the spelling is goin to be worse than usual, if that is possible

Blame It On Costa Rica

On the day I leave for Madagascar, two things are on my mind. Firstly, will we ever make it with the situation as it is in France, as we fly to Tana, Madagascar via Paris where it now appears the situation, especially fuel, is becoming critical. Anyway, that's in the lap of the gods, or the French and unless I hear otherwise it's the 09-00 National Express to Heathrow.

Secondly, with the prospect of so much unique wildlife, and by definition photographs, I think back to when this digital business caught my imagination. Billy Burke and I were backpacking from Mexico City to Panama City, meeting up with Jim the Medic in Chetumul, Yucatan. Both were taking photos on the way, but after Jim had departed in Costa Rica Billy and I continued to the Monte Verdi rain forests. There we found a young bird guide who, after getting a severe telling off for being alcohol induced late, showed us the techniques of digi-scoping (taking photographs through a telescope). Below are some of the images we captured, and wap that was me hooked.

Bare-shinned Screech-Owl

Black-faced Solitaire (nicknamed the 'garden gate bird' in Costa Rica as it has a call like a wrought iron gate swinging in the wind).

Purple-throated Mountain Gem

Resplendent Quetzel

Scarlet Macaw

Three-wattled Bellbird

Coati

and finally, country number 102 join our ranks in the guise of Cameroon. My friend John Down has a daughter who is working in research out there and has joined our readership. Thank you for that Amy and hope both your trip is progressing well and that you might pass on the link to those you know in that and any other country.

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!