As expected from the fabulous Lowestoft Blues Bar and its terrific crowd, SYNERGY had a thoroughly enjoyable session, with lots of dancing, merriment and audience participation! Thanks to the many 'Synergysts' who turned out on a cold, rainy day: especial thanks to Glynn and Jan for their continued support and to Sue and Mark who took the photos!
A male Great Spotted Woodpecker has been a frequent visitor to the garden this year, but today he excelled himself by pecking away at his favoured Gingko for over five minutes: even I managed a few photos (through the somewhat hazy office windows!)
At this time of year I often look back on the CDs that I recorded 25 years ago with the choir I co-ran at Acle Primary School. This one (with the endorsement of composer Greg Lake!) made quite a few pounds for the Children's Society and school funds. I played guitars, while my TA Sue played keyboard. Drums were Chris Gray, who also owned the 'Shades of Gray' studios where we recorded and mixed the track. Chris's wife (and fellow-muso) Jann produced the CD cover and did all the artwork!
Just briefly (at around 10pm) the sky was fantastically clear here in East Norfolk...
If you're anywhere on the East Coast, our last gig of the year is next Sunday in Lowestoft!
A montage of shots from 04.30 - 08.30 as the Moon drew closer to the red planet!
The Moon is close to Mars in the pre-dawn sky: later (when it's daylight, unfortunately) the Moon will occult (pass in front of) the red planet.
My turn to drive, so Brian and Norman met at mine for a trip up to the North Coast. First stop was Blakeney, where a good, long walk failed to produce the hoped-for Twite - nor anything else much! The 'highlights' were several Marsh Harriers, lots of Brents and a frosty-looking Stonechat.
Next stop Cley: the centre hides were empty, quite possibly because there were very few birds other than geese. We gave it an hour before adjourning to the visitors' centre for coffee. A visit to Bishop's Hide gave fleeting glimpses of the Dowitcher, as well as a few Golden Plovers, so we decided to finish the session at Stiffkey, where a brief 'grill' of the flooded meadows opposite the Red Lion revealed that the Glossy Ibis has returned for the winter!
Despite all attempts at resets, maintenance and setting changes, my camera just will not focus sharply at the moment: I'll have to bite the bullet after Christmas and get it serviced...
Linda and I had to drive north to Potter Heigham to visit Latham's for a few odds and ends. On the way home via Acle I noticed a couple of adult Cranes right by the road, and managed a few ropey shots through the car window! On a roll, we carried on via Branch Road, Halvergate, where we enjoyed amazing views of nine or more Cattle Egrets, at least one of which still had the remains of its breeding coloration.
Always good to have a night out with friends! Tim, Linda, Sue, Peter and I strolled down to Heathlands for the pre-Christmas performance of local band the O'Fenders. A full house enjoyed a night of sixties nostalgia: other than the Rolling Stones they are probably the only band still gigging that are older than Synergy! (Note the incredible collection of vintage Gibsons and Fenders!)
If you look towards the east tonight (December 13th) the Moon and Jupiter are close together - the two brightest objects in the night sky. The Moon is one day off from full, while Jupiter is at opposition...
