Are Friends Electric?

Having returned home quite late yesterday evening, from our dinner at the Swan, the completion of the Blog was a little hurried hence a few more mistakes than usual. More for the benefit of my family, there are others as well as Sibbo, that I should have mentioned such as Fred & Tina, Merv and Alan and Val.

Tony Sibson Middleweight Boxing Champion during the 70's and 80's when he reigned supreme in Britain, Europe and the Commonwealth. Title holder on 3 occasions in all 3 areas, his big challenge came when he faces American (Marvelous) Marvin Hagler for the WBC & WBA World Titles in the States, loosing in the 6th round on a technical knockout. Still great friend, Tony was telling us last night how he has recently returned from his annual visit to Mr Hagler's home in Italy.

Sibbo, still looking 'fit as a butcher's dog was with his daughter last night, but I hope next time he's down Chris his partner will be able to come. Pushing my luck even further, what about trying to coax Sherry Shea over as well. One of the most complete women I have ever met, Sherry currently trouble-shoots for Caterpillar Heavy Plant Worldwide, but was Tony's promoter on the Haglar bill. At our first meeting she told me of her associations with Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Jethro Tull, to name but a few, with whom she had previously been either, Roadie, Promoter, Light and Sound Engineer plus a multitude of other positions.

PS - Hope you and Marion had a safe trip home John, and will see you later in the year.

Leaving home at 06-30 the weather had once again turned chill with the wind having veered to the north east, but the first feature to be noticed where the number of vapour trails left by jet airliners now back in business, after the Icelandic volcano. With only the first Radipole Lesser Whitethroat I have seen this year and c3 Common Sandpiper in the book, things did hot up a little when I encountered Danny (whatever his name is) responsible in part for Public Relations at the Radipole Visitor's Centre. Almost ignoring my greeting, he soon turned on me with a tirade of abuse, not as you might think given the current circumstance about the Sand Martin Wall, but about me making criticism of his colleagues. In his punctuated outbursts, each time turning to go after a verbal volley, he turned on 2 occasions with fists raised (not a good idea) which I took as both belligerent and offensive. Immediately after this incident I did look for the police, without success, but rest assured if there is a repeat of this offensive behaviour strong actions will follow.

Common Whitethroat

At Lodmoor the situation was quite different, which has been the case over the last few weeks, with once again all 8 Warblers either being seen or vocal along with c22 Dunlin, c3 Common Sandpiper, c3 Sandwich Terns, c3 Whimbrel, c2 Black-tailed Godwit and a single Lesser Whitethroat.

Crossing Ferry Bridge the wind was cutting like a knife, but at least there were some birds to see. A group of c6 Little Terns were flying up the Fleet, while another single remained on on of the small boat buoys. There were also c4 Common plus c2 Sandwich Terns, but not a sniff of a Wader.

At Barleycrates, things started with a real bang as I got straight into a singing Nightingale, but was unable to see it, while close by there were a dozen Wheatear, c2 male Redstart, a Whinchat, c3 female Blackcap in the same bush and a single Yellow Wagtail flying overhead.

HMS Ark Royal

As if that were not enough, when I arrived at the top of Sweethill I could see to the east HMS Ark Royal steering a course in my direction. Unfortunately, this was short lived as she turned about and headed for St Alban's Head.

At the Privet Hedge one of the Ark's charges, this Sea King helicopter flew over head in the direction of the 'Carrier'. At the Bird Observatory I learnt that she had been stooging about in the Channel some 10 or so miles off-shore, probably having had any orders to go rescue stranded airline passengers?

Also at the Obs, I was fortunate to see this Garden Warbler plucked from a mist net, that being my 4th new bird for the year today, the others being Common & Little Tern and Nightingale.

The John Mayer Band, with Mayer 3rd from right standing, and Robbie between the tie and the spikes.

As I neared home, I bumped into 'guitar hero' Robbie McIntosh who had just beaten the 'dust cloud' returning home from the USA where once again he has been backing (lead & slide guitars plus backing vocals) new US sensation John Mayer With a ball breaking schedule through the US and Canada, Robbie returns home for a few precious days R&R before flying to New Zealand next Monday for the Antipodean / Far East leg of the tour. With no break in between, they then come to Europe including a few dates in the UK. Keen to get a couple of gigs in at No6 he tells me, "that will have to wait a few more weeks yet".

Robbie on the first Paul McCartney (Flowers in the Dust) Tour

Some 'high jinx' with Chrissy Hind aboard Concorde during his 5 years as Lead Guitar with the Pretenders.

and latterly at 'Beatlefest'.

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).