Despite the somewhat unpredictable weather (ranging from deep snow to prolonged heatwave to torrential rain and winds) 2018 proved to be a really good birding year. No 'ticks' (unless you count the American Horned Lark), but terrific views of some scarce species and encounters with others that haven't been available for some time. Apart from twenty-odd years ago, when I really went for it and broke 300 species in a single year, this has been my record twelve-month total: 242 - this despite missing some 'silly' species such as Wryneck, Yellow-browed, Pied Fly and so on.
As is, I suppose, inevitable when you're my age, I lost a few old friends in 2018, but made several new ones: some compensation, I guess. A July trip to the Farnes was Linda's first and what a fabulous time we had: terrific birds (and Red Squirrels!) as well as some memorable meals..
In the skies all eight planets were visible at various times, as well as the somewhat disappointing Comet Wirtanen.
In conclusion: thanks to those of you who read my somewhat eclectic blog - I even enjoy
some of the more bizarre comments it receives (although not the offensive or abusive ones...)
Have a safe and happy bird-filled 2019 and don't forget to say hello if you bump into me out there!
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| Coue's Arctic Redpoll, Suffolk |
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| Iceland Gull, Buxton |
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| Bluethroat, Landguard |
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| Horned Lark, Staines Reservoirs |
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| Red-backed Shrike, Winterton |
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| Pied Crow, Cromer |
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| Lesser Yellowlegs, Titchwell |
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| Great Egret, Strumpshaw |
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| Pallid Harrier, Welney |
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| Long-eared Owl, Minsmere |
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| Red-breasted Flycatcher, Southwold |
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| King Eider, Sheringham |
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| Black Redstart, Sheringham |
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| Red-rumped Swallow, Cley |
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