With the pandemic and weather combining to prevent any serious angling effort I am rather glad that work has gone ballistic. Unlimited overtime opportunities for those who want it? I'll have a bowlful of that; thank-you very much!! After nearly wiping out a petrol pump at The Hereson Rd Garage, on Monday night, I've not used the van since. The sideroads are little better than skating rinks so I've chosen, instead, to walk to, and from, work across a snowy Newlands Farm. Tuesday produced a Woodcock, flushed from a field margin by a passing dog walker and I discovered a small group of Fieldfares in The Old Rose Garden as I neared Pyson's Road. Both species would have been additions to the latest BWKm0 list. Wednesday produced a couple of Redwings and a tantalising glimpse of two "possible" Tree Sparrows. Oh how I wish I'd been carrying my binos.
Today got off to decent start, as I was filling the garden feeders, a Fieldfare (BWKm0 - No. 44) was spotted perched in a neighbour's Cherry(?) tree. Six Skylarks were flushed as I trudged across to work, hardly of interest to others but, the best I could manage under the circumstances. Absolutely no point in moaning about the lack of birds, fish, holidays or pubs - everybody else is in exactly the same predicament? (Mockingbird twitchers excepted - obviously!)
Hello mate- Lovely stuff! I've been making do locally, as well. I had an incredible January. I walk for as several miles a day and on my regular walk, I've seen a kestrel pretty regularly on the western undercliffs. Not seen it since it went cold, though, so I hope it's OK. I'm sure it is. I also saw a kingfisher in Ramsgate harbour. Twice, and on both occasions it was just after dark fell. The first time was in early January and it was right by the some lighting so the view was great. Other than that, a barn owl landed in the schoolyard where I teach, a couple of weeks back. And we also got within 8 feet of a resting sparrowhawk last week. Got the best photos I've ever had of one... BUT... No fishing! Haven't gone for a long, long time. When things ease up, I'm going to spend the warmer months bass fishing and doing some carping if I can locate any out on the drains.... Hope you're well, mate. Really enjoying your blog, as always- Gazza
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you mate and glad you're still getting out. Kingfishers in Ramsgate Harbour are fairly regular during the colder months. They tend to favour the slipway behind the Maritime Museum or the "tunnels" in the western section, beyond the Lifeboat Station. Always fancied a spot of bass fishing, but never have! I bumped into a couple of guys (well clued up) who were lure fishing from a breakwater below Winterstoke Steps. All kitted out in chest waders and using very nice gear, they showed me some photos of an eleven & fourteen(?) that they'd captured from around the Thanet coastline. I remember Jim Gibbinson saying that he'd taken two, shore caught, doubles and rated them amongst his greatest achievements. Something to think about once I've retired?
DeleteGot a few snippets about carp in the drains, I'll email you! All the best - Dyl