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.

Fait Accompli

With yesterdays emphatic NO still ringing in my ears, and not a chance of stopping the building of the Sand Martin Wall at Radipole, I decided early morning to go down for a look see. With little more than a Sparrowhawk over the cemetery and seemingly less on the reserve, I noted the digger and tracked vehicle were no longer in close proximity of the 'building site'. Presuming they had been taken back to the roost, I was left with assurance, given to me by Nick Tomlinson, that according to his survey there was absolutely nothing to disturb in this area, so all the tooing and froing of mechanical plant was doing no harm. I discovered also that today's RSPB Bearded Tit survey had also come up with a 'BLANK' but not that I was associating one with the other!

Over at Lodmoor things were slightly better as within a couple of minutes I found a 'wild' Bar-headed Goose but suppressed this not wanting more disturbance from a gaggle of twitchers. There were a few things to see, including single Redshank, Common Sandpiper, c8 Bearded Tit and a small movement of Black-headed Gulls. My other observations there noted the similar survey team as Radipole had drawn the same BLANK, and that the Middle Class Vandals had once again been in business - but more of that later.

To continue on the theme of disturbance at Radipole Reserve, I decided very early in the day to publish just a précis of the list of concerns I had presented to Nick Tomlinson on Monday evening. Reasoning for this, was a sensible motto I picked up when working in close company with the Special Boat Service off the North Africa Coast (HM Submarine Alcide 1968) saying "don't fire all your bullets at once, and don't forget to save one for yourself".

IT IS UNTHINKABLE WHAT MAY HAVE BECOME OF THESE TRACTS OF LAND HAD NOT THE R.S.P.B. STEPPED IN!

but would deny them Carte Blanche to do whatever they like, whenever they like

It is often beneficial, in such situations, to state what is sought to reach an amicable conclusion.
In this case:-
1 Cessation of current building works immediately until a more appropriate time of year (non-negotiable).
2 For the professional RSPB to be more open to suggestion, advice etc from those outside of this group.
3 Reach the other side with friendships intact.

While I reserve the right to choose the path I take to resolve any dispute without recourse to reason or explanation, I will out of courtesy account for my progression.
a Emphasise the seriousness of my concerns.
b Announce my intent to a small audience (by way of a single ‘question’) as ‘third party’ witness to my concerns and your involvement.
c Stimulate prompt action.

As I highlighted in my e-mail from South America I had, maybe foolishly, shelved the idea of voicing my concerns (mostly about you personally) but would like the opportunity to do so on my return. At that time, although it had been muted, I had no idea of the imminent construction of the Sand Martin Wall, which as far as my restraint goes was a ‘final straw’. I feel most strongly that the timing of this build is ill thought out and highly likely contrary to the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act given the time of year. I will, until proven otherwise, do everything in my power to either curtail construction, or vociferously highlight this matter in the public domain. For information, I have recently visited the Sand Martin wall at Blashford Lakes which further endorsed my feeling of a ‘splendid idea’, so am in favour of your wall in principle.

Below are noted some of my concerns and disappointments regarding the RSPB management of both Weymouth Reserves, mostly wildlife related but also some of a personal nature. While there is no intent to represent or be influenced by others, there will be occasion to cite those you may wish to consult to verify my claims. Much of this is anecdotal, but offered as fact, and on the understanding that I would consider lying to save your skin, but sure as hell will not to hang it out to dry!

You will doubtless remember when shortlisted for the position of RSPB Reserves Manager (Weymouth) how delighted I was personally, but may not know how I championed you. This would have had no effect on the selection process, but my motive, knowing you as I did, was to make for a comfortable landing when the inevitable appointment happened, by pronouncing to everyone “this is the man for the job”! Unfortunately, since your appointment much has changed but certainly little for the better. As fellow matelots your ‘in’ joke at the time of describing the reserves as ‘MINE’ was considered very funny by me, but generally had an adverse effect. This in turn was extended to the successful breeding Marsh Harriers, which to some the term MINE or OURS was unacceptable. However, as the trait continued, as it still does, combined with other aspects of your personality, I believe it has turned into a mild form of megalomania, one RSPB member / employee describing you as a ‘pseudo feudal lord’.

Some, but by no means all of my concerns:-
On the morning of 31st March 2009 I was at the Radipole shelter watching, on the one hand a female Blackbird collecting nesting material while on the other a Blue Tit was doing similarly. At this point I heard the sound of high powered machinery coming from the direction of the North Hide, to where I hurried to investigate. There, I found Anne engaged in cropping vegetation with a high powered brush cutter, and when challenged and informed of what I had previously observed, her reply was (verbatim) “Oh, it all depends on where you’re doing it”. At which point, knowing well RSPB dogma, I walked away.

Later in that same spring (the BREEDING SEASON), Nick Quintrell was engaged (yet again) in verge strimming at Radipole, something you should all remember me being at odds with almost on a daily basis. Later in the day I found he had cropped a number of Orchids (Bee if I remember correctly?) and approached him on the matter. His reply (verbatim) “That’s alright, there are plenty of them”. Both of these incidents I attempted to highlight to you at Goldcroft, but in a jocular way was always overtaken by mild ridicule.

I also had great concern about the need for the aggregate spur road laid from Beechdown across part of Lodmoor, for which I received more ridicule (Bagsy’s Boulevard etc) but after a time accepted that you were the ‘experts’ and there was a need for cattle?? This year, just as 2 pairs of Oystercatchers started prospecting that area for a nest site it was found necessary to dump yet another large load of more hard core to affect road repairs. This disturbance flushed all of the Oystercatchers, which at one point were thought doomed not to return, but only by sheer good luck (and not management) they returned after 4 days. Daragh Croxson has details.

On the subject of dogs (which you know is a pet hate of mine, if you’ll excuse the pun) plus litter and cycle riding, each being a major headache which even Draco would have trouble resolving. However, in that respect I, and others, are prepared to stand up and be counted. Dogs are now at epidemic proportions with both reserves almost sinking under the weight of dog shit (please excuse the Anglo Saxon) with owners, on occasion, throwing balls along the pathways and sticks into the reed-beds. With the emphasis on extreme politeness, on average I engage one of these individuals each time I visit the reserves, receiving in the main a verbal tirade, while on one occasion being physically ‘body checked’ by one woman. All of this is well within my control but it does not help to find RSPB employees walking their dogs ‘off lead’ on the reserves, blatantly ignoring the signs and presenting an altogether wrong example to others! Names available on request.
As for litter, I have discontinued my daily collection because since Daman left attention to this by other members of your staff has diminished. For example, a bag of dog shit hung in the bushes just inside the kissing gate (a primary entrance to the reserve) for 6 days, not considered conducive with a warm welcome. Finally, while Daragh champions this cause actively, there is a little kink in English law called Custom & Practice which would probably make it impossible for any of us to stop cyclists.

Other incidences which have been by and large forgotten, swept under the carpet or little known include:-
The destruction of an entire colony of Southern Marsh Orchids during the dike refurbishment work, speak to Lorne Edwards or myself for detail.

The 2009 Radipole and Lodmoor Annual Report, - A JOKE! I no longer submit my records to RSPB.

The Great Fire, which contrary to the report in the Dorset Echo was the result of a freak gust with little or no loss of wildlife, was in fact a culpable act of gross neglect and incompetence. As a weather gatherer and occasional forecaster during 20 years on a North Sea Oil Installation that doubled as a World Weather Station, I have more than a cocked eye on the weather daily. On that day the wind speed was never less than 25 knots, increasing by the hour, and a pyromaniac is let loose in a reed-bed with a box of matches?? It begs the question; does the RSPB have a system of Risk Assessment in place, or indeed a ‘Permit to Work’ practice?

One or two minor points, no names no pack drills
Quote from one of your employees, “if Nick spent as much time promoting the RSPB as he does himself, things would be a lot better”.

Another questioning the waste associated with the erecting of ‘goal post’ fences all over the place. My own view being, do we really need to ‘fence in’ the existing wire fence and hedge fence? There are those who believe this is Nick Q marking his territory.

The RSPB Belt, Braces and Blu Tack fence initiative - or is it just an innocent bit of territorial scenting?

As you probably know I have had major run-ins with the RSPB in the past. I dislike bigotry, intransigence, single mindedness and blinkered vision etc – just a few of the reasons why I also surrendered my ‘long standing’, ‘loyal’ RSPB membership. Sitting here writing this reminds me so much of those unfortunate days, when I protested about 72 sign posts being erected between both reserves, the installation of 3 ‘squawk boxes’ as I dubbed them, a tap rail for the blind around every footpath on Radipole and the digging of a perimeter ditch around Lodmoor. I was told at the time, in the presence of the then Warden and full Weymouth Town Council, that I was interfering and should leave such matters to the ‘experts’, in my view the said ‘matters’ were not in safe hands. Within 21 months, all but 2 sides of the Lodmoor ditch had been refilled; boxes and tap rail grubbed out along with the majority of the signs. I asked at the time, at what cost to the Membership, but RSPB HQ fell silent on a reply. We all know what happened to the incumbent then.

Destruction becoming a National Pastime

The female resident of this house, 28 Southdown Avenue, Weymouth, on the northern perimeter of the Lodmoor Reserve, spent much of Tuesday 12th April 2010 doing

this. "I can see clearly now the hedge has gone". Which represents at the very best 'gross vandalism' and at worst - no better not mention the W&C Act.

Has anybody seen the nest I was building? A male Chaffinch.

The really good news is that she fell fowl (sic) of a gentleman who will tolerate NO destruction, damage or disturbance of of our Wildlife (something you might say is becoming difficult to find hereabouts) and reported her to the Police. Now, some might say our Boy's in Blue are a little less that efficient, but before you could say 'secateurs' they were on the scene - well done lads, that's the way to do it. Unfortunately, this is where the story gets a little blurred, and I cannot for the life of me find our what has transpired since - but I know someone who should be able to? Anyway, I though as she had made such a neat job of it, that little pile of branches and Chaffinch nest, I'd take a couple of photos and keep them for future reference. In the meantime perhaps, with such an insurmountable dossier of evidence (Police and General Public eye-witness accounts, the damage itself, photographs etc) , could not the RSPB afford a couple of bob, go round there and 'sue the arse off her'. I think that way the other residents, some of whom have also been active in this direction, might just get the buzz that the Wildlife Patrols are fit and well and monitoring our wild places?

and it may be an interesting snippet to close this post, that contrary to what I was told by a RSPB employee last year and posted on this Blog earlier, they ARE financing Little Tern Colony protection this year. This will be done on a 3 month contract involving 3 personnel on a salary of £12 - £13,000 p.a. on a 24/7 rota.

The Dark Side of the RSPB

While the wind remained chill and the scarcity of migrant birds continued through an otherwise beautiful day, there has been little time for anything save preparing to reveal some serious misgivings that have concerned me for a long time now.

Mallard Ducklings at Radipole, showing that Spring has really got cracking.

I must stress from the start that I am not anti Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, (having been a staunch member and money raiser for many years), although at times it may seem like it, but will, as I have in the past, question and vehemently protest against detrimental practice against our wildlife. Learning, a little too late I fear, of the ongoing construction of a concrete block, Sand Martin Wall in the heart of OUR (mine and yours) unique Nature Reserve at Radipole Lake was beyond belief. With Robins already feeding young, the reed-beds starting to jingle to the sound of Sedge & Reed Warblers and the prospect, albeit mighty unlikely since the custodians burnt the nest site to the ground, of the return of last year's successful breeding pair of Marsh Harriers, I had to take a look for myself. Sure enough, a structure I can only describe as a monolith was rising from the 'ashes', with a supporting cast of a small tank-track vehicle, a digger, dumper truck, gang of brickies, tons of concrete blocks and enough bulks of timber to build a hide, I had to check the calendar. Yes, it was APRIL!

I would point out that, having visited an 'active' Sand Martin Wall at Blashford Lakes just a week ago, it is living proof of a very sound and inventive idea, of which I am totally in favour.

Before embarking on this painful venture I sought the advice of those around me searching for a right balance and to be sure I was not over reacting. Unfortunately, the human trait is to believe we are all forthright in voicing our opinions and prepared to stand up in the face of adversity, but when the chips are down for 'most' the opposite is true. Those who did venture an opinion were by and large in agreement, (including, unarguably the most respected naturalist in the borough, Mick Shepherd who shook his head while repeating "unbelievable" 3 times) so with that plus my own resolve I continue. Regrettably, all of this involves a dear friend not only to me but also to my family, so the dilemma is clear. I have tried every avenue I know to avoid this exposé but through blind bigotry and arrogance on his part, find there is no other choice.

At a meeting in my home last evening with Nick Tomlinson, RSPB Reserves Manager here in Weymouth, I began by saying that these kind of differences can lead to the cessation of a friendship, citing a previous, painful experience. Caught red handed lying to me, I confronted the individual who called me 'Best Friend' for 35 years and was also my greatest critic, since when my criticism plus his cowardice has prevented him talking to me. Continuing in the hope that we could avoid such an end game, I further explained that if a choice were needed between Nick's demise and a Blue Tit, then the wildlife would surely win.

Well aware of the possible consequences for Nick, I related the story of two of his predecessors, which some readers will doubtless remember, hoping to instil some sensibility towards self preservation if nothing else. Both self styled bigots, one unsavoury individual was 'hoist by his own petard', when eventually his shenanigans became too embarrassing for the RSPB to tolerate and he was cast to the hinterland of Suffolk, while the other was given the option to quit or be pushed. It is my view that when anything gets in the way of the RSPB 'priority' of gathering money which, apart from bird preservation, goes a long way to giving a chosen few a more than comfortable lifestyle, then it is eliminated, Wardens included.

For the sake of brevity I had compiled a list of many, but not all, of my concerns, The Wall only being the tip of the iceberg, which I suggested he read then discuss each individually. At this point I am still undecided whether to publish the list in it entirety or in précis, but will have made my decision by noon tomorrow! Before pressing the Publish Post button this evening, I text Nick to ask if there had been a change of heart on his decision to continue the build, the reply was an emphatic NO, so unfortunately I won't be getting back to my retirement for a while.

IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT, APART FROM ALL OTHER MATTERS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS WALL AT THIS TIME OF YEAR FLIES IN THE FACE OF THE MILLIONS THAT HAVE EVER SUBSCRIBED OR DONATED TO THE R.S.P.B.

Bearded Tit, a fine shot, taken on 12th April 2010, of 3 birds flying straight over what used to be a Nature Reserve.

Bird on a Wire

In the face of a fairly chilly north east wind this morning disappointment met my eye as I reached the cemetery. The beautiful carpet of Primroses and Sweet Violets had been replaced by furrows of mulch as the Council, heavy handed as ever, once again mowed the grass. Just one week, that's all it needed and the flowers would have 'gone over' leaving them free to do their work. To make matters worse there was little in the way of birdlife up to and including the whole of the Radipole Reserve, save for a singing Blackcap in residence as last year.

However, the disaster at the cemetery was to be redressed at Lodmoor, where I arrived to find a high flying Raven right overhead. Making for the north west corner I discovered the two recently erected lines of fence post leading from the moor up to Horselynch Copse, are a forerunner of another wildlife project. It seems the area shown above, at present barely walkable due to the irresponsible dog walked, is to become a Wild Flower Refuge. I know no more than that at present but will keep readers informed of any progress.

On the main body of the moor it appeared that the Green and Common Sandpiper had been with the distant Redshank above, while an undetermined number of Bearded Tits were 'pinging' in a nearby reed-bed.

The northern perimeter produced the most action today with the bird above being just one of the 2 or 300 Sand Martins which were noted flying in from seaward, in company with

a few Swallow and my first House Martin of the year which was far too mobile to photograph. Several of the Swallows stopped to preen on telephone wire, as I watch from below thinking it was likely African dust or mites they were cleaning out?

I had got to the point of leaving when a pair of Marsh Harriers seemed to appear from nowhere and commence quartering the reeds. What a sight that makes with one looking like a juvenile male and the other, which didn't stay long, an adult female.

Marsh Harrier

and this Magpie making up the trio of tightrope walkers.

Wot, Me Seawatching?

The first noticeable thing about this morning was the overnight drop in temperature. With the wind seemingly in the south east (often difficult to tell in the heart of suburbia) and the cloud cover 7 octas it seemed far too cold. However, my mind was soon diverted from that as almost immediately entering the cemetery I found not one but c2 Jays. Creating quite a racket and chasing each other from tree to tree, this habitat of Holm Oak a variety of 'berry bearing' bushes and on the whole undisturbed, seems idea for bringing up a family if you are a Jay.

A 'borrowed' shot of a Jay

Apart from displaying Goldfinch there was little else of note there, but over on Radipole Reserve the star birds were Cetti's Warbler, showing well, many vocal, pairs 'chasing' each other and even one couple copulating. At the shelter I heard the long awaited 'call' of a Yellow Wagtail and had no trouble picking up a very bright male flying to the north. In addition there were c12 Pochard plus a few Common Snipe opposite the Visitor's Center but it was now time to catch the bus.

Since the issue of the 'bus pass', nearly 4 years ago now, I have got to know many of the drivers and today's was cock 'a' hoop at not only having had £20 'on the nose' of yesterdays Grand National winner but an 'each way' bet on the 4th placed. At Wyke Regis, Ken Parker got onboard and I'm always happy to have a wander round with him. Barleycrates proved devoid, while the West Cliff walk produced just a single Tree Pipit but along with the Wagtail was the second 'year tick' of the day for me. Through Top Fields and down to the Observatory things were little better (in fact worse) until a Whitethroat and the amazing male Redstart below were taken from a mist net.

Redstart male

After a coffee and a good deal of banter, John Down and I headed for the Trinity House Obelisk to concentrate on the sea for a while. By no means my favourite division of birdwatching (given a lifetime at sea) it is for many the highlight of the whole game and can be extremely rewarding for those who have the patience. Before arrival we did stop to watch the abseiling painters giving the lighthouse a couple of coats, which reminded me of the endless hours I must have spent in a Boatswain's Chain painting a variety of ship-sides.

The mechanical 'stage' working Portland's active lighthouse.

A closer view

At the waters edge there was some reward for us as John first pick up c3 Common Scoter flying distantly to the north, and in quick succession followed up with c5 Manx Shearwater flying in the opposite direction. From Pulpit Rock we could see a good number of mixed Auks (Guillemot & Razorbill) on the sea below the cliff at the Admiralty Compound and considered it worth a walk up the hill to check for Puffin. Unfortunately, none were found but the sight of the other beautiful seabirds in breeding livery and closer quarters was well worth the extra few yards. By now, the wind had 'backed' to the north east and the temperature had dropped accordingly, but didn't appear to deter c2 Swallows flying in from seaward.

Razorbill

On the way home I saw this Road Safety poster, part of a no nonsense campaign by Dorset Police to prevent accidents, on a Wyke telephone box. It quickly dawned on me that the lady in the picture is none other than our dear, collective family friend Diane Critchlow. Partner of James Stockley (Sooty Jnr to me) who is the son of my longest standing friend in Weymouth. Except for one brief encounter, I haven't seen Diane since my 60th birthday party where, despite the presence of my own 2 daughters she was the 'Belle of the Ball'. It was good to see you again today Diane!

Diane (out of working gear) with partner Sooty Junior at the party

and for extremely 'good measure' my 2 little girls at the same party. Some memories there for you eh Lisa? and I still think yours were the best shoes Julie.

PS Jon Storey sends his love. I didn't show his face as I don't want to frighten the chickens.