Fuckwit Christian Fundamentalists

Channel 4 did an excellent Dispatches expose of the rise of the Christian right in this country called In God's Name. These religious bigots are a scourge that we should all be aware of and we should do our best to ensure that they don't get any more power.
A few interesting points that came out during the filming was that far from disagreeing with some of the most out there 'preachers' they merely disagree with the style of these mavericks. It seems the Christian right want a very slick PR machine.
One of the women featured Andrea Minichiello Williams, a lawyer, came across as particularly stupid, for a lawyer. A few times she was asked questions and after floundering and flapping about she asked for the camera to be turned off when she couldn't rationalise her stupid beliefs. The best moment came when she tried to say why she believed the Earth was only 4000 years old and was challenged about the evidence from radio carbon dating. I know it might be petty and stupid, these fundamentalist fuckwits do bring out the worst in me, but she might ask God for a bit more advice on make-up!
Another worrying feature was footage of a small child doing her 'science' test at an independent school. The first question was 'how many days did it take God to create the world?' Needless to say it didn't get much more scientific than this. As an independent school there is no legal requirement to follow the national curriculum, something the Government should rectify immediately.
The nastiest and most divisive character is the leader of Christian Voice, Stephen Green. This man spouts hate from every pore. His frankly odious views on everything from Islam to homosexuality need a strong counter. He must be one of the most unpleasant men I've ever seen on TV.
I often do wonder where the current term mentalist comes from and I assume it was invented to describe these total and utter arseholes.

Reed Wobbler: Watermead CP North 16 May 2008

After a quick trip to Rutland Water to add Little Tern to my burgeoning county list I stopped in to see if I could find any good waders on the scrape at Wanlip. Sadly the same few birds as a few days ago were there.
A quick check of the Sand Martin colony at WCPN showed good but not great numbers of birds in residence. I also got the chance to photograph this skulking but reasonably confiding Reed Warbler.

Grey Plover: Eyebrook Reservoir 16 May 2008

Not a Grey Plover

Grey Plover

On my way home yesterday I stopped in at Eyebrook hoping that the rains may have pushed a few waders down and was rewarded with this Grey Plover. Very little other wader activity other than an LRP and a Common Sand.

(Cornc)rake's Progress

Peewit

Don't you come any closer asshole!

Sprawk comin' for yo' ass!

A change of plan this morning due to Macky having to go in to work found me on the trail of the Corncrake on the Nene Washes RSPB reserve. Arriving at 05.30, I must be nuts, I parked up and headed off down the central track. Despite the weather, light showers merging into persistent rain, this has to be one of the best birding walks I've done in years. Only 60 miles from home and I could be in another country.

Snipe were drumming every few yards, a sight and sound I'd not heard for ages and how brilliant it was. Lapwing, Redshank and Skylark were everywhere as i slowly made my way east.

As I approached the farm sheds a Quail called from the meadow, again it's a long time since I heard Quail in Britain. I spent a while here but got nothing more than a few verses of the 'wet my lips' whipping call.

As I approached the main floods, Sedge Warbler were scratching out a tune but I was sure I heard something else rasping away. Sure enough I was on to the crex crex call of a Corncrake. Again seeing the bird was impossible but it sounded bloody close, they do though, just to fool you. There was nothing for it but to stand and listen... and upset the local Black-tailed Godwit, who obviously had young close by. This ensured I kept on the move so as not to worry them too much. I needn't have worried too much as a male Sparrowhawk caused mayhem as it went in search of breakfast.

On the way back to the car I met up with Jonathon Taylor, reserves warden. He was saying that so far at least seven singing male Corncrake back this year. He also explained some of the work they are doing and promised me an article for The Grebe.

After this I was ready for a bit of breakfast and so headed off to McDonalds, near Eye for a bacon roll and a McShit. As I was buying food it didn't turn out to be a McShit with Lies.

Shift change

These three images were taken at Swithland Wood this evening. Dave had contacted me about a Spotted Flycatcher by the North car park. Dave had alsp picked up these Great Spotted Woodpecker going in and out of the nest hole. It would seem that the male was giving the female a break from her incubating duties given the rate they were coming in and out.

Colin Wanker

Nice to see that the most hated man in the blue half of Sheffield saw his Crystal Palace team knocked out of the Championship play-offs to Bristol City.
Colin Wanker, just a jumped up chiropodist. I guess when you've trained to cut off corns and rub down bunnions you become something of a bitter twisted individual.

Football vandalism

Leigh and I decided to do a bit of butterfly watching yesterday with our targets being Grizzled and Dingy Skipper, locally a high priority species. Thanks to Mark Rossell I was put onto a great site last year at Asfordby Hill near Melton Mowbray. The site was on an old tip that once formed part of the Holwell Ironworks.
This brownfield site supported a good colony of both species as well as plenty of Common Blue as well as good numbers of commoner butterflies and moths. On arrival at the site it was clear that changes had occured. The main area for these wonderful and endangered butterflies has been cleared and the makings of a new football pitch have been put down.
I heard yesterday from Steve Lister that many objections were received to the plans but as always and despite legislation valuable wildlife sites are lost at the behest of planners and developers. I'm not against the footbal club there expanding but I do have to question why there when they were all told quite catergorically of the importance of the site.

Narborough Bog

Small Phoenix

Pale Prominent

Chocolate Tip

A phone call from Skev last night led to me being at Narborough Bog this morning as he emptied the moth traps he'd left out last night. The contents of one trap were interesting as one contained a fag end. Will the tobacco companies stop at nothing to boost sales?

Anyway to the contents of the traps. There were a few new species for me that included May Highflyer, Small Phoenix and many more that I can't remember until Mark sends me a copy of his results. I did get some nice shots that I'll post later.

Warren Hills: 8 May 2008

What's wrong with my hairsteaks?

Little bit of bread...

On my way home from Coombes Valley I decided to stop into Warren Hills to see if the Green Haistreaks were out. Initially there was no sign and quick call to Skev revealled he'd gripped me off with GH and Grizzled Skipper at Ketton Quarry. Disconsolate, I ended the call and as I looked down two male Green Hairstreak were battling for territory almost at my feet. Result.

This lazy songster was also half heartedly banging out his tune close by. It seems now that birds have joined 'carol singers' in not being arsed to do the full song.

Coombes Valley RSPB: 8 May 2008

If I never ever see you -

What you lookin' at


I see no flies


Mellow Yellow

A rare combination of a weekday off and good weather had me mentally tossing a coin as for where to go and what to do. I was strugging between a day in VC55 or elsewhere. The sunshine and the promise of some good upland birds saw me head off to the superb RSPB reserve at Coombes Valley in Staffordshire. It's only a few miles but a world away from Alton Towers and in my mind much more worthy of a visit, then however the masses might have to actually amuse themselves or at least let the birds do it for them. Thankfully not too many morons ever get this far so you're pretty much on your own midweek.

There were no Wood Warblers in yet, one unconfirmed visitor report but nothing confirmed, but the Redstart and the Pied Flycatcher all performed well. A supporting cast of warblers and othe common woodland birds and finally a few butterflies made for a great morning. Has anyone else noted that there seem to be lots more Garden Warbler bubbling away in the bushes this year?

I'll have to return soon for the Wood Warbler...

The Drinker

I dropped into Huncote Embankment yesterday hoping that a few Large Red Damselfly might be on the wing. Sadly no but as I walked back to the car I came across this caterpillar on the boardwalk.

Being a beginner to mothing I had no idea what it was so I banged off a copy of a photo to Andy and Skev. Quick as a flash, Andy emailed back to say he didn't know much about caterpillars but this was the one he did know about.

Ironically for The Drunkbirders blog my first real moth post is... The Drinker. Let's all raise a glass to this fine moth.

An evening out: 6 May 2008

The world's most heavily cropped Temmonck's Stint shot?

Roding Woodcock

With Leigh off Indian Head Massaging and getting some Reflexology, Dave and I headed out for an evenings birding. First stop was Wanlip to see if we could find the Temminck's Stint, luckily it was still there and showing well on the small pool. I should have taken my digiscoping kit!

After a quick check on Watermead South for Black Tern, none, it was off to Benscliffe Wood for roding Woodcock, two birds showed at around 21.00 serenaded by at least two Cuckoo and upto nine Tawny Owl!

Temminck's Stint: Wanlip Meadows 5 May 2008

When I got the news yesterday of the Temminck's Stint at Wanlip Meadows I was just about to start on my trio of roast meats at the Manor House at Quorn. A well recommended eating place close to the Great Central Railway. They also do two of my favourite beers, Black Sheep and Landlord.

I knew that sods law dictated I would miss the bird as it would depart overnight. Thankfully however the rains came, worryingly there was no news on the bird for most of the afternoon.

Up and out this morning into the pouring rain I decided to leave the cameras at home. By the time I got to the scrape it was starting to dry up. I quickly got on to the bird on the scrape but viewing was difficult due to the vegetation and my optics repeatedly steaming up. I walked round to the field to try and get a better view and was amazed to find, seemingly, another Temminck's and a superb Whimbrel. By now it was drying up quite a bit and I was cursing not bringing the camera now. I made a decision to go off to work, yes I'm working today, and return later.
As I left Allen Pocock turned up so I went back with him. The Whimbrel had gone by now and it wasn't long before the Temminck's got up and flew around before disappearing into the murk away to the North East.
I did a quick text around and a phonecall from and to Dave pissed him off as he missed the Whimbrel.

All-in-all not a bad couple of hours at the Meadows.

International Yawn Chorus Day: 4 May 2008

Early Purple Orchid

Bluebell Carpet

Red Kite, Eyebrook Reservoir

This morning I led another Dawn Chorus walk at Prior's Coppice. In terms of bird species seen or heard it was terrible. There was no dawn chorus. The only good and consistent singers were Song Thrush, we also saw a recently fledged bird and at least seven Garden Warbler. Last month's rain sodden walk was better!

Thank goodness for the orchids and the Bluebell carpet!

May day

Today is May day a day beloved of arseholes wearing funny clothes and banging sticks together as well as jingling bells and waving hankies. Are they trying to attract Nightjar?
It makes me laugh the Morris Men have a fool as part of their act, anyone sense the irony?

More importantly May day is also International Workers' Day, a celebration of the contribution of workers to the social and economic might of companies as well as countries. Something our Tory leader may well reflect on as he gets his arse kicked in the local elections today by a more socialist Conservative Party.
Please note I would never, ever vote Conservative but until we have a socialist base for Labour. I will never vote for them again either. I was duped in 1997 and as The Who sang 'Won't get fooled again.'

Unusual activity

Just checked my stats this morning and it seems that so far today I've already had 101 hits. This is most unusual and if they're all genuine extremely welcome.

So if you are a new visitor, I hope you like what you see? There will be a new feature on pub walks/crawls starting soon or when I can be arsed to type up my notes from Saturday's trip to Uppingham. I will also have a few more favourite pubs, plenty of rants and of course a bit of birding thrown in for good measure.

King Eider King Eider - rock rock rock - King Kong

On from RVCP for the days main attraction, a McDonalds bacon roll meal near Goole where we ticked staff in their new Bruce Oldfield designed uniforms, not bad either. Bacon roll, hash brown and a coffee went down well too.
No the real attraction was Yorkshire's first truly twitchable King Eider. I've only seen one King Eider before a rather smug looking female in Kent in the mid-90s. The pagers were telling us to head for South Landing so off we went and paid our car park fee only to find out it had moved. Quick trip up to the lighthouse and a quick text to Sheffield's resident pie expert Reeder to tell him the change of plan as he was only a few minutes behind. On arrival at the lighthouse we were quickly off to the North Landing and this time we finally connected with this gorgeous bird. Sadly due to the digiscoping set-up not coping with the slightly misty conditions this is my best shot.

We moved on to Bempton Cliff for a bit of year-ticking though we only managed to add Puffin to the list. Bempton is one of those places a bit like the old toilets at Runcorn FC's old Canal Street ground that has to be smelled to be believed. Some good photo opportunities though even given that a lot of birds are still on the sea and not yet back on the breeding ledges.

On a sad note it seems like, as almost everywhere Corn Bunting has been lost from a former stronghold. One pair have been reported on the reserve but we couldn't locate them.

Working for the Yankee Wigeon

On arrival at Rother Valley Country Park on Sunday 27 April 2008 I gave Mark Reeder a call to see whether the bird was showing. Mark's croaky voice on answering suggested the lazy bugger was still in bed, something he confirmed within seconds of answering. So much for being on-site till about 8am. He'd be lucky to be there at 8pm!

Undaunted Dave and I found the parking area and a couple of birders and one weirdo were already looking for the American Wigeon. The weirdo, seemed to know all about the birds habits and had been watching it until dusk the night before, he had no bins or scope and only a plastic bag for company, I wonder.

Thankfully he left but it looked like the bird might have gone too, there were no other Wigeon around either. Dave and I searched the reserve to no avail but as we were walking back dave picked up a wigeon flying in to the main lake. Thankfully for the assembled masses, less than 10 birders it turned out to be the American Wigeon. After a while sulking away behind some reeds on the far side of the pool it chose to come closer and feed in front of the view point. Nice one.

Mark Reader was worried that if the bird stayed much longer it might get rejected as an escape but so far today, Monday it hasn't been seen. Cheers Mark, cracking find!

Rattus norvegicus

A very much maligned and misunderstood animal, this Brown Rat entertained me for a while as we were looking for the American Wigeon at Rother Valley Country Park.

Rattus norvegicus is also the title of The Stranglers first and probably best album.

Burbage Birds

Bovverred, me? Nah mate...

Went for an early morning walk this morning before work as I was in Hinckley first thing. i decided to go to Burbage Woods on account of never having been there. I've parked up on the opposite side of the Common to have lunch a few times but never been in the woods. Predictably there wasn't much in there save the odd Chiffy and Blackcap alongside the usual woodland fare. I did meet a birder who was on the look out for Wood Warbler! I suppose if you don't go out with a positive attitude...

As I was getting towards the end of my walk. I heard a couple of Mistle Thrush and Blackbird obviously mobbing something. It had to be an Owl didn't it. I quickly tracked down the birds that were mobbing this Tawny Owl as it tried to roost in an Ivy clad tree. I suspect that both species had nests nearby as there weren't really any smaller passerines interested in giving it a hard time. Eventually the Owl flew followed by its tormentors. It tried to roost higher but still the Stormcocks weren't having it and chased it around a few more times. It eventually settled in a tree and I was able to get a few photos. I've had to lighten the shadows a bit in photoshop but I'm well pleased with my morning.

...oh shit more bloody Mistle Thrush

Later I photographed one of the mobbing crowd. Mistle Thrush are stunning birds in my opinion and very underrated. They get the name Stormcock from their habit of continuing to sing in the wildest storms, often from an exposed perch.

Don't mess with me matey!

As I was getting back to my car I met up with a woman who says she feeds the birds by putting food out on the posts near the car park, she says that the Owl will regularly visit the feeding station even in daylight. With neighbours like his I wouldn't bother.

Growling at the Badger

Willow Wren

Robin's Nest

No I haven't been performing cumulonimbus, it refers to the noise my stomach was making last night as I hadn't had any food, oh and that of Martin Aspinwall who'd had fish and chips.
Yesterday after work I decided to do a trip out to Rutland Water to see if I could photograph the Nightingale in Gibbet's Gorse on the Lyndon Reserve. I heard and saw 3 males and 1 female but apart from a few quick flight views in the open they remained in deep cover, reasonably easy to see but no chance of getting a photo.
Moving on to Egleton my plan was a quick look for the Garganey, male and female to the left of the visitor centre. Whilst I was there I located a Robin's nest right next to the Tree Sparrow viewing screen. The birds already looked to have 3 well grown young in there and they were regularly being fed big fat caterpillars. I'm sure Skev could have Id'd them but not me. As I was taking a few photos Martin Aspinwall turned up with a group of students/volunteer wardens.
I know I've got my gripes with RW and some of the projects but I've never had any personal gripes with the staff, I can't say the same for their feelings about me! Martin though has always been very friendly. He said they were going to do a bit of Badger watching. Being the cheeky bugger I am I asked if I could tag along.
Martin was very happy for this so after I'd showed them the Robin's nest we headed off to the hide. There hasn't been much activity at the hide for about three years but this year the badgers are back. As the light fell we waited, and waited. Maybe the Molasses they had baited the sets with was proving unpopular. Well at 20.55 a large female appeared and quickly disappeared. Bugger. Thankfully at 21.02 she reappeared followed by two cubs who were mostly content to follow mum around until a little later when they indulged in a bit of Badger rough and tumble.
Sadly they were too wary for any photos, once the watching season is underway maybe they'll settle down. I'm sure that Leigh will want to book on a trip.
In addition to the Badger a Wood Mouse, Noctule and Daubenton's Bat were also seen, the latter two species heading of to hunt over the water.

A big vote of thanks goes to Martin Aspinwall. Cheers Martin.

Rock Against Racism

With the current Tory Government alienating just about everyone in the country there's is a real danger that the far-right and their political wing the BNP will poll ever more votes in local elections next month.

We all need to do something to combat this. Go to the Love Music, Hate Racism website and start to make a stand against a growing tide of fascism in this country. They only preach the politics of hate, they may dress it up as hope for the white working class but every policy they have is based on hate and fear. Don't let them win!

Remember the slogan from 1976 "We want rebel music, street music. Music that breaks down people's fear of one another. Crisis music. Now music. Music that knows who the real enemy is. Rock Against Racism. Love Music Hate Racism."

You can also support by going to the Philosophy Football website and buying a T shirt. Click on the dissenters tab.

Skewered!

After my exploits yesterday, I'd gone home about 5pm and left my phone on silent. There are only so many times you can apologise for having Cetti's Warbler as your text alert. Anyway my negligence cost me dear!
I had gone for a quick snooze to recharge my batteries and missed a phone call from Andy who was trying to tell me there was a Bonxie at Eyebrook Reservoir.
By the time I got the message it was too late to go out but news of it appearing to roost meant I was destined for my 3rd 4am alarm call in a row. Bleary-eyed I was in place at Eyebrook as it started to get light, joined by Skev a few minutes later. He was hoping to get one over on me as I'd said I was having a lay-in. I couldn't have stood the stress of wondering whether it had stayed.
All our efforts were in vain as the dark shapes on the water all morphed into wildfowl or Great Crested Grebe. Mark picked up a superb summer-plumage Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit feeding close in by the Island. None of yesterdays other star waders could be found and only a couple of flavissima Yellow Wagtail were on show. Still nice though.
One of the plastic 'fish rats' was around the Res looking for breakfast. Artificially stocked fish for an artificially stocked bird! Thankfully a Red Kite, yes I see the irony but Red Kite was a deserving case for man's intervention, chased the offending species away from Great Merrible Wood.
A quick text message to Dave Gray confirmed that he had foregone the Bonxie too... thankfully.

Leicestershire round... 20 April 2008

A soggy lot!



Mute Swan




Adult summer Little Gull, Groby Pool


Not so Common Tern....

I woke this morning for another early start, following a late night in Quorn (I was designated driver!), to lead a Dawn Chorus walk at Prior's Coppice for the new LRWT Leicester Group. We had a pretty good morning despite the persistent rain and managed a few speciels that weren't in the area a few days ago such as Gropper, Garden Warbler and Blackcap. Thanks to everyone who turned out on a vile morning.

I tried to catch-up on a bit of sleep late morning only for Allen Pocock to ring with news of Black Tern at Groby Pool. I felt I had to go for it only to be told they'd moved off. Buggeration. I thought a trip around the Charnwood Reservoirs would be in order when a text from Jez Robson had me divert off to Cosso... yesterday's Bittern hed been refound. Meeting up with reserve warden Chris, we were soon on site and enjoying great flight views of the Bittern with Jez, Andy Mackay, Dave, Brian and Margie. We also met up with a new birder Ian Parry who jammed himself onto the bird. Sadly I didn't get any record shots though AJM got a bit of video footage.

Sadly for the 'twitchers' the bird finally found the reedbed and remained hidden.

Off home to relax? Well as soon as I got home and grabbed a bit of toast it was off to Groby Pool to twitch Brian's lovely Little Gulls. Is there a finer Gull than a summer plumaged Little? I'll leave that decision to you.

While Allen went home for his camera the gulls and terns gained height and moved off as he returned. Dave then arrived but we were off to Thornton Res to twitch four more, also found by Brian. Amongst the birds were 12 Common Tern and a bloody elusive Arctic Tern, the year ticks mount. A short while later I was watching a Yellow Wagtail in the usual field when it crouched low, a predetor was surely about. At the same time Dave wondered why all the hirundines had suddenly gone higher and become very noisy. The answer? A Hobby scythed through the flocks looking for an easy meal. Cracking!

What started off as quite a miserable grey wet morning certainly turned out to be probably my best day ever in VC55.

Burnham Overy Staithe

Herring Gull showing yellowish legs

Black-headed Gull