Wednesday 25 November 2009

Should've stayed in bed

With increasing numbers of Leach’s Petrels and other seabirds being reported flying up the Severn yesterday, and strong winds overnight, it seemed like a good idea to get out and check a few local sites today. So I was out before first light this morning (I know, it's not difficult at this time of year!), and news of Leach’s at both Grafham and Staines this morning was initially encouraging. But despite thoroughly grilling Swithland, Cropston, Watermead and most of Rutland Water, I couldn’t even rustle up a friggin’ Kittiwake, let alone a frigatebird (or a Fregatta petrel). Oh well, at least I tried.

Highlight of the day was 'Harold' (well it's as good a name as any for a Whooper Swan) the ridiculously tame (but BTO ringed) Whooper Swan, still coming to bread with the Mutes at Watermead:


2 comments:

beast said...

Andy...i still suspect that some sort of mutant virus is responsible for the recent outbreak of seabird exotics.
Of course...it could actually be those never-ending fuckin winds that are responsible...[and those/these winds seem to be producing more than just 'rares' flying about as, just a few, 'accusations' now seem to have taken to the birding/internet 'air' now]...!
The affects of 'wind' on humans is an interesting one...it can lead to depression...narkiness/crabbiness etc.....[must admit....these relentless winds are pissing me off a bit now]....
Oh well...if any of us actually succeed in 'spotting' a wind driven rare-ish feathery 'thing' then it may have been worth all the induced ear-ache...!

ps...at least you tried...but perhaps you should have stayed in bed. Donnie Darko had an 'object' come crashing thru his roof...so maybe a tufted puffin will arrive in yer bedroom in the same manner...or maybe not...

Jeff Higgott said...

I think it should be "Wharold".