It's Only A Hobby!

A little late in the day yesterday to drum up any words on the death of (Mega) Andy Williams, and there won't be too many today. Suffice to say, at the soul of every Rocker (Punk, Prog or otherwise) there lies a 'crooner', for me this was he! For a man who certainly CAN he made a great success of saying CAN'T and in so doing bringing me a great deal of pleasure. "Can't Get Used to Losing You" 1963 was a fantastic start but when in '67 he recorded "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" he surely surpassed that? Never say never, but it is highly unlikely you'll ever hear me say again that an artist outshone 'The King' on a particular track, but Williams rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love" 1969 leaves even Presley standing, is there an end to any other recording that hit so hard below the heart, try it! 

 C.H.F.I.L. - Andy Williams
OK having put the Kleenex away!

My first run to the airport today so a little driving practise was thought in order mainly as I am not a frequent driver in a basic car let alone a 'state of the art' Range Rover. To the end of the farmyard was thought sufficient but I wasn't ready for the sight of a large raptor flying high above distant fields. Still underway, the bins were deployed and it looked at first glance that the bird either had a yellow bill or carrying something yellow. Neither was true

it was its 'crown' that was glowing in the (then) bright sunlight, making it a MARSH HARRIER. In the Parley Court Bird Survey 2007 -08 I simply noted, "uncommon passage migrant, thought likely to occur" as none of the family or work-force recalled ever seeing one, that has now been rectified!

 

My duties completed, for now at least, it was off to LONGHAM LAKES for a couple of hours, just a couple of miles from here, but there sky looked ever threatening and the westerly breeze was forcing more our way. Starting in a westerly direction along the northern path, it quickly became obvious that the number of Robins were not confined to Parley as once again every bush seemed to have a visitor. In all 23 were counted during the wander.

TUFTED DUCK were also numerous, but numbers will definitely increase during the coming months,

while CHIFFCHAFF (along with just the odd Willow Warbler) where in similar shape.

Turning sharp left, I always imagine something good turning up in the western meadows but today the scene was more akin to John Constable or George Stubbs rather than Peter Scott. One or two things caught my eye, with c3

GADWALL,

a single LITTLE EGRET and a 'springing' Common Snipe, so fast out of the blocks there was little time to raise the binoculars let alone the camera.

A CETTI'S WARBLER betrayed its presence with one of those familiar 'short but sweet' bursts of song, while a Falcon of sorts was now dashing post haste across the fields. Surely this was going to be a Hobby, reported here in recent days which would be an addition to the Year List, but no even at that distance the bulky profile suggested a

PEREGRINE. Both Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers fell to the log, and in quick succession many others including Reed Bunting, Swallow, House and Sand Martins, Kestrel, Common Buzzard plus an early adult Common Gull. I had now reached the south west corner of the water-course, where some way off and high, but heading my way was this Swift shaped bird

 

seemingly 'hawking' insects.

Already identified as a HOBBY, it deftly picked off a Dragonfly also on the wing

which it dispatched and devoured without missing a wing beat

It did get fairly close but not for long, but lingered distantly allowing prolonged viewing. Trivia:- The table football game Subuteo linked 'birdwatchers' with 'football fans' when its inventor Peter Adolf  (1916 -1994) was not granted a 'trademark' to call the name Hobby, so opted for the next best thing the Latin name for the bird which is Falco subuteo!

I had been fairly lucky with the weather so far, only having one light dousing, but looking back from whence I had come it looked as though much more was on its way (don't let the 'blue' fool you) so headed for the car park.

On the way back this male MALLARD didn't have the same concerns,

and nor did this CORMORANT as it came in to land.

My final 'find' of the day was catching up once again with IAN HAYWARD the local Water Bailiff who has become quite well known to me during the relatively short time I have been visiting this site. Good to see you again Ian!

I Can't Stand The Rain - Ann Peebles

A lot less chilly and the wind had abated but those two elements would have been far preferable to what we got. Heavy and persistent rain for most of the day with only 2 fairly short periods of patchy blue sky when the sun did peek through for a while.

The almost continuous view through the patio windows didn't make for an encouraging scene and with Dogs, Chickens and Goats all taken care of before 07:00, there was little else to do other than get out the Laptop to find some inspiration for my next trip?

RAINBOW over the Equestrian Centre

Among other duties here, I will be continuing the Airport Parking side of things so any number of journeys to Bournemouth International each day ferrying passengers the mile or so to and from their flights.

On my first short sortie I only got to the Finger Post before a Kingfisher whizzed past me, while in the horse paddock there were a couple of

GREY WAGTAILs, capitalising on the insect life there,

which were an addition to the Trip List.

Turning to investigate the flurry of Ducks on the pond, it was noticed that the 'eclipse' male MANDARIN had returned

and learnt from Jane, the Equestrian Centre Manager, that this bird has been present here for a few weeks now. I also discovered later in the day that this is a new bird for my ongoing September List.

During this short walk it was also noted the build up in the number of ROBINs, seemingly singing in every bush, and in all counted 27 individuals. This was certainly a good increase but nothing compared to the number of Wood Pigeons now on the property which must amount to a few 'thousand', just about every mature tree holding a good number, not to mention the fly-overs.

While looking at one of the very elegant Domestic Doves, Mousie the Game Keeper happened along and told me of the overnight invasion of one, or a number of, Mink. A couple of people on the estate had seen one and the fish debris around the pond next to the house was also an indicator. He assured me they were not Otters. Turning to the subject of the number of Wood Pigeons he asked if I eat them, and had to tell him not until they are cooked. One of my favourites in fact as he handed over a dozen!

This MAGPIE has also been a regular visitor to the bird-table, a species I had not seen there before,

unlike GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER that is still a regular visitor.

 

This LITTLE EGRET was seen from the kitchen window landing on the Golf Course

staying long enough for this shot and another addition to the list.

Despite the weather, there was evidence of some migration featuring mostly Swallow and House Martin but not to be outdone SKYLARK and Meadow Pipits

were also in evidence. So, goes to show even when the weather is against there is always a chance of seeing something. A bit busy tomorrow (not often you hear me say that) but with the forecast showing some improvement it may be a day for a little further afield?

RIP Andy Williams - Up there with the BEST!

To The Manor Born - Wot Me?

At 13:00 precisely today I finally took the helm at Parley Court, putting me 'in command' of the Harbins Farm House and my new crew which consists of

3 dogs SHOOFTY (left), HAROLD (only a visitor), BOMBER (no relation) and Minnie, all seen here with JANET the Lady of the House saying her good-byes,

a small group of egg laying HENS,

(I am the Egg Man,

they are the Egg Men, I am the Walrus, goo goo g'joob - Beatles)

and 2 GOATs which I only have to tend for one day unless disaster strikes!

There is also the matter of quite a large number of bird feeders keeping the healthy flock of HOUSE SPARROWs going, along with a good number of other birds plus the odd Rat and Squirrel.

Thankfully, the HORSES are nothing to do with me as Janet's riding companion Jenny will take care of them, maybe as well 2 weeks in my care could result in a visit to the Knackers Yard? Between bouts of heavy rain showers and longish periods of bright sunshine, there was time to wander around the property where, up to today, the 'trip list' stood at 57 species.

Goldcrest, found among deep vegetation, and a skein of overflying Canada Geese added to that and it is hoped more will follow tomorrow weather permitting.

Mowing of the Turf Fields continues apace, with other views hereabouts including

the Dampney Family OBELISK at the back of the Manor House,

just c2 Domestic Geese now survive from the original c11,

LAPWING s are thought to have successfully bred again this year

while KINGFISHER most certainly has.

An abandoned TERRAPIN, now nearly the size of a dart board, was caught sunning itself during the brief spells at the Parley main Pond,

as numerous PHEASANTs plumped themselves up at the numerous 'feeding stations'.

Otherwise Bournemouth International Airport continued business as usual with the departure of the Squadron of Cobham In-Flight Refuelling aircraft leaving early morning. As I write Hugh, Janet and Family should also be preparing for 'take off'' on their flight to Calgary, Canada leaving me to wish them Bon Voyage and Happy Holiday!