Day of the long ears

I went out to a number of locations around the Washburn and Nidd valleys on Sunday helping Wharfedale and Calderdale Wild Bird Ringing Group.

I get to climb trees and handle fantastic owl chicks while my friends ring them in order to monitor their movements for the British Trust for Ornithology. All in the name of science.

Our best "haul" of the day was a nest containing four Long-eared owl chicks.


Long-eared owl chicks. Photo by Sean Gray.

Hoping for Barn owls, we also found a Kestrel, a Tawny owl, a Mandarin duck and a squatting Grey squirrel (which we evicted) in nest boxes erected by the group.

A Tawny owl photographed by Sean Gray. Please visit his fantastic site at Grayimages.

Punch drunk

Mr Punch performs at Rothwell May Day Fete

It's been a while since my last post.

My dad dying, the end of a relationship, work and my wildlife course have all taken their toll over the last couple of months and I've not felt like I've had the time or inclination to post here.

There have been some highlights though:

• Learning to kayak at Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club with trips on the Brathay, Swale, Crake and Tees.
• Shooglenifty at The Victoria Hall, Saltaire and the New Rope String Band at The Priestley.
  
• Fieldtrips with my wildlife course, seeing a Marsh harrier catch a Red-legged partridge.
  
• Trips to the Lleyn peninsula (seeing Chough) to London (The Eye) and Sicily (San Vito lo Capo).

Llandbedrog Beach on the Lleyn Peninsula

The London Eye

Monte Cofano, North-west Sicily

• Teaching primary school children outdoors at RSPB Fairburn Ings.
• A snowy walk round Ogden Water with kids from Bradford children's services outdoor activities club
• Time spent with old and new friends and on my own at Northcliffe Woods and at Bradford Ornithological Group's reserve.
  
• Paid outdoor instruction work with Bradford Met Adventure Activities Unit
• A new special relationship
  

All these normal and extraordinary things have helped and things now seem to be returning to an even keel. For that I'd like to thank everyone who's been so supportive of late.

King of fishers

Last weekend presented an opportunity for some birdwatching as I walked home from Caro's in Bingley.

There's a spot I know where Kingfisher can often be seen, especially when the rivers are high.

They're probably the most strikingly coloured of all UK birds but surprisingly difficult to see.

Underground again

I've not been caving for a while, but over the Christmas break I took a trip with Bradford Pothole Club friends down Great Expectations near Stump Cross Caverns in Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here's what I wrote for the BPC Newsletter:

"The last trip of 2007 was also one of the first for me as I’ve had a bit of a lay off over the last year. It’s fair to say I was somewhat out of practice. The weather had been particularly inauspicious over the previous week. A double fatality, due to flooding, had occurred at Long Churns in the previous 48 hours. I had the snotty remains of a tedious cold and was feeling slightly jaded, just a little more so than the usual turn-of the-year reflective melancholy/hangover. Nevertheless there was beautiful light on the drive up Wharfedale, painting the fields vibrant green. Jackdaws and rooks were being blown around the treetops in joyful festive flocks and I looked forward to catching up with friends.

On arrival at a bleak Stump Cross the van rocked, buffeted by Baltic blasts. Bullet hard raindrops rat-tat-tatted on the windows and I wondered what I was doing here. I was reminded of this as Jeff, Brian, Steve and Malcolm joined me and the banter started - the buzz of good company and the prospect of fun ahead. Later, Terry and Neil arrived and our party was complete with Rick Helliwell, our guide, who’d driven from Hull. We checked in at the caver-friendly Stump Cross café and made the short, wind-blasted walk to the Fort Knox (a locked lid with heavy-duty manhole cover underneath) entrance of Great Expectations.

A slightly awkward shaft, which we laddered, led to a slightly tight hole in the floor that dropped us into a walking, stooping, crawling passage and chamber system, well adorned with stalactites, columns and other pretties. A sickly yellow flowstone reminded me of my cold at its mucosal zenith a week previously. These we explored as Rick guided us from his position at the bottom of the shaft. “Check out the slot in the floor”, “Have you looked up to the left”? “Try climbing over the boulders and up to the right” drifted through the hole in the bottom of the entrance shaft. A good guide knows when to allow their charges a sense of discovery and Rick kept out of the way as he suggested mini itineraries from his niche.

A fairly full exploration took us a couple of hours or so and we were soon back on the chilly surface, life lining each other up the shaft in rotation to allow a rapid retreat to the café for tea. Sliding the hefty manhole cover back into place proved to be one of the more strenuous aspects of the whole trip. More banter and discussion of club affairs followed with season’s greetings and best wishes for 2008 exchanged before departures for home. An easy though thoroughly satisfying trip was had.".

That list in full

This time last year I resolved to keep a casual UK birding list. Here it is:

1. Mallard, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
2. Kestrel, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
3. Pheasant, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
4. Water rail, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
5. Moorhen, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
6. Woodpigeon, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
7. Collared dove, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
8. Great spotted woodpecker, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
9. Robin, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
10. Blackbird, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
11. Song Thrush, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
12. Chiffchaff, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
13. Firecrest, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
14. Long-tailed tit, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
15. Blue tit, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
16. Great tit, 1st Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
17. Jay, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
18. Magpie, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
19. Jackdaw, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
20. Carrion crow, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
21. Chaffinch, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
22. Greenfinch, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
23. Reed bunting, 1st Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
24. Mandarin duck, 2nd Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Hirst Wood, West Yorks.
25. Redwing, 2nd Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Hirst Wood, West Yorks.
26. Goosander, 2nd Jan, River Aire - Hirst Wood, West Yorks.
27. Coot, 2nd Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
28. Dunnock, 2nd Jan, Stockbridge Reserve, West Yorks.
29. Skylark, 2nd Jan, Swales Moor - Halifax/Queensbury, West Yorks.
30. Shorelark, 2nd Jan, Swales Moor - Halifax/Queensbury, West Yorks.
31. House sparrow, 2nd Jan, Pule Hill - Halifax/Queensbury, West Yorks.
32. Goldfinch, 6th Jan, Cromford Canal, Derbyshire.
33. Little grebe, 6th Jan, Cromford Canal, Derbyshire.
34. Wren, 6th Jan, Cromford Canal, Derbyshire.
35. Mute swan, 7th Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
36. Grey heron, 7th Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
37. Kingfisher, 7th Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
38. Grey wagtail, 7th Jan, Leeds-Liverpool Canal - Dowley Gap, West Yorks.
39. Sparrowhawk, 20th Jan, St. Ives, Bingley, West Yorks.
40. Rook, 20th Jan, St. Ives, Bingley, West Yorks.
41. Treecreeper, 20th Jan, St. Ives, Bingley, West Yorks.
42. Pied wagtail, 21st Jan, Dowley Gap, Bingley, West Yorks.
43. Goldcrest, 21st Jan, Dowley Gap, Bingley, West Yorks.
44. Nuthatch, 21st Jan, Hirst Woods, Bingley, West Yorks.
45. Mistle thrush, 21st Jan, Hirst Woods, Bingley, West Yorks.
46. Starling, 21st Jan, Hirst Woods, Bingley, West Yorks.
47. American robin, 27th Jan, Gilstead, Bingley, West Yorks.
48. Great crested grebe, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
49. Cormorant, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
50. Shelduck, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
51. Gadwall, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
52. Pochard, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
53. Tufted duck, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
54. Barn owl, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
55. Fieldfare, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
56. Bullfinch, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
57. Yellowhammer, 4th Feb, Staveley NR, North Yorks.
58. Whooper swan, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
59. Bewick's swan, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
60. Wigeon, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
61. Teal, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
62. Merlin, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
63. Lapwing, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
64. Green woodpecker, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
65. Meadow pipit, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
66. Stonechat, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
67. Tree sparrow, 16/2/07, Ouse Washes.
68. Little egret, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
69. Brent goose, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
70. Shoveler, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
71. Marsh harrier, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
72. Peregrine, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
73. Oystercatcher, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
74. Ringed plover, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
75. Grey plover, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
76. Bar-tailed godwit, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
77. Curlew, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
78. Redshank, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
79. Turnstone, 17/2/07, Wells-next-the-Sea.
80. Canada goose, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
81. Pintail, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
82. Goldeneye, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
83. Red-breasted merganser, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
84. Avocet, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
85. Golden plover, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
86. Snipe, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
87. Black-tailed godwit, 18/2/07, Titchwell RSPB.
88. Woodcock, 11/3/07, Washburn Valley.
89. Dipper, 11/3/07, Washburn Valley.
90. Buzzard, 13/3/07, Gallymoor landfill site, from the car, on the way to Bishop Burton.
91. Raven, 31/3/07, Thrusscross, Washburn Valley.
92. Grey partridge, 1/4/07, Dunsop Valley.
93. Red grouse, 2/4/07, Heyshaw Moor.
94. Red-legged partridge, 2/4/07, Graincliffe Reservoir.
95. Hooded crow, 6/4/07, Fort William.
96. Greylag goose, 9/4/07.
97. Osprey, 10/4/07, Loch Garten RSPB.
98. Capercailie, 10/4/07, Loch Garten RSPB.
99. Coal Tit, 10/4/07, Loch Garten RSPB.
100. Siskin, 10/4/07, Loch Garten RSPB.
101. Crested Tit, 10/4/07, Loch Garten RSPB.
102. Slavonian Grebe, 11/4/07, Aviemore.
103. Ptarmigan, 11/4/07, Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairngorms.
104. Wheatear, 11/4/07, Northern Corries, Cairngorms.
105. Black grouse, 12/4/07, Northern Corries, Cairngorms.
106. Ring ouzel, 12/4/07, Northern Corries, Cairngorms.
107. Hen harrier, 15/4/07, Yorkshire Dales Upland Bird Study Group Area.
108. Willow tit, 16/4/07, Fairburn Ings RSPB.
109. Blackcap, 22/4/07, Strid Woods, Wharfedale.
110. Pied flycatcher, 22/4/07, Strid Woods, Wharfedale.
111. Swift, Shipley, 6/5/07, Shipley, West Yorks.
112. Short-eared owl, 25/5/07, Timble Ings.
113. Cuckoo, 25/5/07, Timble Ings.
114. Tawny owl. 25/5/07, Timble Ings.
115. Nightjar, 25/5/07, Timble Ings.
116. Red kite, 26/5/07, Otley area.
117. Eagle Owl, 26/5/07, Otley area.
118. Sand martin, 27/5/07, Staveley NR.
119. Swallow, 27/5/07, Staveley NR
120. House martin, 27/5/07, Staveley NR
121. Reed warbler, 27/5/07, Staveley NR
122. Little owl, 28/5/07, Malham.
123. Spotted flycatcher, 28/5/07, Malham.
124. Redstart, 28/5/07, Malham.
125. Long-eared owl, 29/5/07, Timble Ings
126. Tree pipit, 29/5/07, Timble Ings.
127. Chough, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
128. Linnet, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
129. Corn bunting, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
130. Kittiwake, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
131. Fulmar, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
132. Purple sandpiper, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
133. Gannet, 8/07, Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
134. Dunlin, 9/07, Lindisfarne.
135. Eider, 9/07, Lindisfarne.
136. Sandwich tern, 9/07, Lindisfarne.
137. Redpoll, 9/07, Fairburn Ings.
138. Great egret, 9/07, Leighton Moss RSPB.
139. Bittern, 9/07, Leighton Moss RSPB.
140. Common crossbill, 14/10/07, Timble Ings.
141. Red-flanked bluetail, 20/10/07, Flamborough Head.
142. Brambling, 27/10/07, Dalby Forest.

At 142 species I'm pretty impressed with my casual efforts and the list has given me a push, on some occasions, to get out and see some species I'd have overlooked otherwise. Some have been very rare, lifers (in red) or otherwise notable, others have prompted an enjoyment of the beauty to be found in commonplace things.

Some of the sightings have brought me closer to my local area around Shipley and Bingley and into contact with members of Bradford Ornithological Group who have indulged me as a relative novice and been great company. Thanks especially to Andy, Sean and Pete.

Some of my sightings have coincided with some special trips away, notably to North Norfolk, the Cairngorms and Pembrokeshire, with a special person whose sharp eyes have pointed out birds and many other things (not just car keys!) I'd otherwise have missed. Thanks Caro, I hope we can do this stuff again.

So, what for the New Year? Some changes, that's for sure.

Play - I'd like to gain a level 1 canoe coaching qualification, gain consistency with my eskimo roll and complete at least one multiday canoe tour. Do more caving, climbing and cycling and maintain some quiet time at home and outdoors, with nature, alone and with friends. Also take more photographs.
Work - I'd like to get some more employment as an outdoor instructor and continue with the RSPB to broaden my future career prospects. I'd also like to work with a more realistic perspective, assertiveness, calmness and control in my "proper job".
Home - Throw out items of junk. Keep rooms tidy. Repair broken things.
Study - I'd like to continue to average 2:1 in my Wildlife and Countryside degree.
Relationships - I'd like to be happy in future relationships, stay friends with one I'm leaving behind and reconnect with those I've neglected over the years.

Looking forward to 2008 with hope and optimism.

Merry Christmas and welcome to Shipley

Last year's effort dropped its needles and had most of the lights stolen within a week. I'm not sure this is an improvement.

Birthday Bath

I have one of these each year on my birthday whether I need one or not. This year I took the plunge at White Wells, the famous Ilkley Moor landmark.

Curiously my friends had all "forgotten" their swimming costumes. Odd that!

The water temperature was "invigorating" and I may find I have other things to do on New Years day.

Thanks to Andy Hamilton for making me appear photogenic.

Harry and the Hen Harriers

Interesting story here from the BBC.

To summarise, a Natural England warden (and two other witnesses) reported two Hen Harriers as having been shot "on the edge of the Sandringham Estate" in October. Norfolk Police deemed it appropriate to interview "three suspects - Prince Harry, William van Cutsem and David Clarke, a gamekeeper" and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Today the CPS deemed that there is insufficient evidence (no bodies have been recovered and therefore there is no ballistic/forensic material) to bring the case to court. The three suspects have denied any involvement.

The Sandringham Estate have deemed this matter so important that it is addressed on their homepage and the RSPB have this to say.

So there we have it.

Case closed?

I don't think so.

Someone unknown, with a shotgun, has been allowed close enough to Prince Harry to have shot two individuals of the UK's rarest and most protected species on the edge of one of the most secure estates in the UK. All this without the knowledge of the Prince or, it seems, anyone else connected with the royal household, his protection people or the Sandringham Estate.

This must be biggest breach of royal security since Michael Fagan sat on the edge of the Queen's bed in 1982.

We must take better care of all our endangered species. The people who threaten them really are beneath contempt.