To say that my, 2024/25, Pike season has been an erratic affair would probably be a glaringly obvious summary. Only seven "doubles" to the unhooking mat since October and no pattern to my angling over this period which is in stark contrast to what had occurred during the three previous seasons. The crazy weather patterns we've experienced, plus the distraction of a brand new venue to explore, have conspired to produce a situation where my angling has never settled into any type of pattern. It was with this as a factor, I took a drive across to the "flatlands" to have a look at a couple of drains which I've not visited since November. Due to recent rainfall the water had a little colour, yet both of the drains look in pretty good nick and will see me return to their banks before 14th March.
It was a bright and breezy start to my walk and, once the multi-layers had been put in place, the only accessories required were the EOS 90d and my binos. On my wandering I actually managed to add another six species to my 2025 year list, although it should be of no surprise due to simple fact that I haven't spent a single day actually birding!
The most unexpected sighting was of a Spitfire flying above the marsh. I have been on Google to do a bit of research and have come up with the following. This plane is known as "The Grey Nurse" and is now a twin-seated conversion of the original, Mk VIII, operated by "Warbirds Experience" based at Biggin Hill, Kent.
I should manage to get another session down at the new syndicate fishery during the next week, although Benno will be spending some time there tomorrow. At least I will have some further info to base my decision making upon, prior to the next visit.
Dyl, if my father was still alive, he'd have taken one look at that Spitfire and say well it's a Mk...but it's been changed. He was in the RAF and achieved the only ambition in life I believed he ever had by getting to fly one. He was twenty years old.
ReplyDeleteHi Ric,
DeleteThere's always something special about seeing a Spitfire. The sound of a Rolls Royce "Merlin" or "Griffon" engine is so different to that of modern light aircraft as to attract attention, whenever heard. Because of the links between East Kent, the many air bases used during the Battle of Britain, they are reasonably regular in the skies locally. Your father's ambition achievement was obviously something special and a cherished memory. With the new camera kit, I certainly hope to get more images if the opportunity arises.
All the best - Dyl