Harry's turn

As the health of Bev's mum continues to dominate our lives, I needed to book an emergency day off work. Fortunately, given my employer, it was no big deal and the arrangements were swiftly put in place. So whilst Bev awaited the arrival of the latest Doctor, it was my task to collect Harry from school as he is staying with us, overnight, as his own mum is away on a course; in Southampton?
Having picked him up I told him that we would be going on an adventure, not straight round nanny's, because of the doctor's visit. What I also told him was that because Emily always got treats/chocolate when out with grand-dad it would be his turn today. Under no circumstances did Harry forget that promise and I was constantly reminded of this undertaking all the while we were out.

Back down to Stodmarsh NNR for a wander along to the Tower Hide, via the nature trail walk, just the right sort of distance to keep him occupied before boredom became an issue. Worked an absolute treat, we had a great time, with Harry asking several questions about the reserve which took some answering.

Harry using my rather tired Bausch & Lomb "Elites" to survey the
incoming cormorant hoards.

The morning had been spent surveying the aftermath of Storm Ciara and, although still windy, collecting up the debris that had been deposited by the gales. My neighbour has a fence panel to replace, we have two posts which snapped like carrots, below ground level, to get sorted. The guys involved with fencing must be rubbing their hands together - how much? The feeding station suffered very little damage, just a broken fitting on the largest sunflower heart feeder - which was easily repaired with some heavy duty wire. Today saw a steady stream of visitors, probably making up for the lack of feeding time yesterday? Ever since the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, I have continued to feed dried meal worms in addition to the fat balls and seeds that have always been provided. All that is required is a nominal twenty minute soak in water prior to placing them into the feeding tray. I tend to soak them overnight, thus allowing me to refill all the feeders at one visit. I was very pleasantly surprised when my B&M mission, to get more sunflower hearts, revealed that this same outlet was selling dried meal worms at a very low price in comparison to what I'd been paying previously. £1/75 gm seems a right deal when compared to my alternative provider?

I must make it clear that I've no links to B&M, nor Glennwood, but am happy
to recommend them as a source for, reasonably priced, wild bird food.

One more photo to add to the garden challenge when a Magpie decided to fly over whilst I was looking for whatever had spooked the gulls. Never did see anything, but their reaction had all the hallmarks of a passing Buzzard.

Species No. 15 of the 2020 challenge.

Lunar see

I'm sat in my study watching the brutal force of Storm Ciara battering the Newlands Farm area beyond our boundary hedgerow. Two garden fence posts have already surrendered to the onslaught and, I fear, more will succumb before the 65/70 mph winds blow themselves out. The wheelie bins are laying on their sides and the summer house is crammed with our wicker garden furniture, which was placed in there yesterday evening in preparation for the arrival of this natural phenomenon. This increasingly regular extreme weather having nothing to do with climate change you understand. If you require an explanation to this situation just ask that fake tanned moron Donald Trump or the equally deluded Scott Morrison - it's all another manifestation of fake news? It really is becoming a case of the lunatics running the asylum or the blind leading the sighted. I'll end it here, choosing, instead, to place my faith in a spoilt brat, swanning around the globe on multi-million pound, but eco-friendly yachts, preaching her version of the climate gospel to the rich and powerful. Sadly there's only one winner and they won't come from Sweden! The only time anything will change is when there is opportunity for money to be made, until then it's just good PR and cheap talk. What a cynical old git I've become.
It seems crazy that less than twenty-four hours ago the scene was so much more Spring-like, with clear blue skies and a beaming sun. To top it off a Common Buzzard came spiralling over, scattering the Black-headed Gulls that were following the harrow on the big field to the north. Not my greatest photo but species number fourteen, for the challenge, all the same. I'm confident of many more chances to improve on this effort during the coming months.

With dusk fast approaching, I took a walk up to the local shop for a couple of cans of San Miguel, purely medicinal I'm sure you'll appreciate? On my way I bumped into one of my neighbours, out walking their dog, who commented on the full moon that was just visible between the bungalow rooftops. It was too good an opportunity to pass by, so on returning home, beer securely stashed in my bait fridge, I went out into the back garden, camera kit and tripod in hand, to attempt my first serious photography of this monthly event. I used a Sigma 1.4 x converter, in addition to the 150-500 mm Sigma lens and probably shouldn't have bothered? The images are the best I ever managed, yet lack that sharpness of focus which I might have achieved without the additional magnification? It's all part of the learning process and I'm perfectly happy to use the experience to ring the changes the next time I'm pointing the long lens in that direction.

Trying times

I'm incredibly fortunate to have a job which I really enjoy and the associated benefits that shift work entails. Compared to Bev's 24/7 commitment to her mum. my week is a breeze and work an escape from this rather stressful episode in our lives. Denise has had a good innings but, as comes to us all, the inevitable finale is looming. Bev has had to get to grips with this and is now facing up to the reality of when, not if, we lose the last of our parents.

It's not been all doom and gloom.

Almost as soon as I'd arrived home, at 13.00 hrs Friday, there was a knock on the door and a community nurse came in to examine Denise, having been requested by the carers who'd visited earlier. It wasn't too long before the nurse was on the phone to the ambulance service, having diagnosed pneumonia and suspecting sepsis as an additional complication. Bev jumped into the ambulance to accompany her mum to QEQM Hospital, Margate, whilst I was left to hold the fort and, also, pick up Emily from school. As I have done every day this week; the simple reality of being a doting grand-parent? Because of the situation we couldn't go off anywhere but, previously, had been to Grove Ferry (Monday), West Stourmouth for a game of Pooh sticks (Tuesday), Stodmarsh NNR (Wednesday) and Ash/Goodnestone (Thursday). I'd instigated this activity in a direct attempt to show Emily what else is out there, beyond the screen of an i-pad! In all honesty she didn't take a lot of persuading and we enjoyed some fabulous time simply looking at whatever we came across. Be it combative coots, fighting over unseen boundaries, the whistling wings of Mute Swans as they flighted in to roost on the main lake or the hooting male Tawny Owl, in the Alder Wood at Stodders, Emily was open to it  all and quick to join in. "Pigeons, Crooks - when you can't decide Crow or Rook. Seagulls, Ducks" I was happy that she was looking, id is of no consequence at this juncture.

Emily and chocolate in the Tower Hide at Stodmarsh NNR

Yes she was a little exuberant on occasions, but I'd rather upset an old'n than discourage a child in this situation. Plus the chance to pit wits with such offended characters could be an interesting scenario should anyone be silly enough to try? Of course it didn't happen, but a guy did leave the hide, at Grove, shortly after we arrived - coincidence? Who, but him, will ever know? Overall it had been a rather varied week, although blogging hasn't been a priority, as you might have guessed.

Marsh Harrier over the reeds at Stodmarsh NNR

Mute Swans at sunset on the main lake at Stodmarsh NNR

Unbelievably, as I was sat at the laptop, just after 19.00 hrs preparing this offering, my mobile rang and it was Bev telling me that her mum has been confirmed as suffering with pneumonia, plus other complications, but there were no beds available and she was being sent home! "Come and get us as there are no ambulances available either!" There isn't time for me to write everything down about the failings of this wonderful system, the front line staff of the NHS have a massive burden placed upon them by the incompetence of multi-level management systems and bungling party political point scoring. If it were a stand alone business it would be in liquidation within an hour such is the lack of cohesion within the organisation. As with our carers, the doctors, nurses and auxiliary workers that have been involved in Denise's treatment over the past few months are hard working, dedicated individuals, doing their best with very little support from those money taking leeches further up the management chain.  With no assistance, Bev and I eventually managed to get Denise home, yet not without drama, and I'm happy to report that she had a restful night, thanks to the medication we obtained from the QEQM staff.

Sunset from the patio, Friday evening, prior to the night's main event

I'll leave it here, as having a shout up about a situation which is a national crisis isn't going to achieve anything. Boris and his gang had better get their fingers out and start delivering on those promises they made during the election campaign. "GET IT DONE!" to paraphrase the Tory, oft quoted, manifesto slogan. With the weather preventing me getting out for any serious angling, it looks like the garden might just have to provide me with some photo opportunities? I'm off to B&M's to get some more sunflower hearts before the wind and rain arrives.

One step at a time

Down in this little corner, of East Kent, the weather is all over the place and, as such, so are the local fisheries. My new syndicate venue is proving to be a very interesting challenge and one which I am looking forward to taking on as time passes. I'd joined in the knowledge that the two ponds (they're described as lakes?) contained some very large carp but, of equal importance for me, also tench, bream and pike of weights that made membership well worth the fee. The fact that these venues are less than twenty minutes from the front door just added to the no-brainer decision when this opportunity became available. I'm now in and will remain so until I decide differently. Basically, once I've delivered on my promise and that split cane thirty has been landed, I'll possibly seek challenges at other venues? However, not wanting to wish my life away, I'll cross any bridges as they appear being in no great rush, just happy to dawdle along life's pathway enjoying each moment as it arrives.
Work is insane, at present, and looks likely to continue as such for the coming while. I'll make the most of this situation, readily accepting every extra penny on offer. Bev and I have our next  adventure already booked and all this overtime money goes straight into the holiday spending pot. No need to raid the savings account under these circumstances - happy days.
The situation with Bev's mum remains very much the same. Carers visiting three times a day to assist with her daily routine, each and every one of these folk totally dedicated and professional in their role. Quite simply it is unsustainable for Denise to remain in our bungalow without them. With all this as the background, it shouldn't be too difficult to spot that my fishing is some way down the priority list, at present. That said, I still manage to sneak in a few hours during the weekends and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Not quite what I was hoping for but, a bite's a bite and I'm sure a match angler would be well pleased with
a net full of these?

I've managed four sessions, thus far, none longer than four hours. Two total blanks, sandwiched between that small jack pike on my first visit and a bream on my latest attempt. I'd have called it a "snotter" but for the fact that it weighed four/five pounds and required the landing net. Certainly not why I was sitting behind the rods, but still another piece of the puzzle and all part of the learning process. I made mention in a previous post that I'd no intentions of starting carp fishing before 16th June. Wrong!!! On three, of the four, outings I've seen signs of carp activity and on one occasion a very large fish showed twice over an interesting spot. With the 1959 Mk IV's still awaiting the magic touch of Steve Boncey, it will be the 1983 Duncan Kay's which will get an airing whenever I am targeting these mud pigs. At this time of year it will simply be fishing for one bite at a time. There's absolutely no way (unlike so many of my fellow syndicate members) that I'll be piling in bait attempting to emulate those Youtube salesmen and their spectacular successes - brand logos being an essential component in any carp related situation? No, not for me, just a single hook bait accompanied by a small pva mesh bag of crumbed boilies and mixed 3 & 6 mm pellets nicked onto the hook prior to casting out. I've not done any serious winter carp fishing since 1983/4 so there's much catching up to do over the next six, or so, weeks

As you can see, I'm rapidly morphing into a complete tackle twat yet will incorporate odd items which will cause a reaction from the hardcore gang and demonstrate a level of eccentricity which comes from being a thinking individual and not a, brain dead, clone!

Poor return

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2020, this weekend, and I got Emily and Harry to assist me with the count. Sadly, the time that they were able to join me coincided with our neighbours doing some work in their own garden and this disturbance certainly had a very negative effect on the numbers and species diversity we were able to record.

Gull numbers were certainly a casualty of the events beyond the adjoining fence line, as I'd fed the lawn with two loaves and would have expected in excess of thirty Herring Gulls to be attracted, but the reality meant just three, along with a single Black-headed Gull, made an appearance during the chosen hour. Feral pigeons, on the other hand, had no such fear of the situation and peaked at 51 birds. House Sparrows remain very numerous around the feeding station and peaked at 39 during the hour, although this number was beaten subsequently with a total in excess of 55 in the late afternoon. Sparrowhawk and Jackdaw were recorded in the garden during the day, but didn't feature in the hour we spent thus didn't count in our effort. No sign of Wren or Dunnock was a bit weird given the regular sightings in the preceding weeks and the other species we did record were Blackbird - 1 male, Robin 1, Collared Dove 2, Magpie 1, Blue Tit 3, Great Tit 2, Starling 2 and Rose-ringed Parakeet 2. Very enjoyable to be able to take part, but rather disappointing for the kids given the build up I'd pitched to them on Friday!

It really was a very gloomy day and I needed to resort to ISO 1600 1/500th sec to secure a few images to accompany this post. Not a true reflection of the drawing power of the feeding station, but I suppose it is a very accurate snap shot of an hour in our Thanet garden? Four more species added to the garden photo challenge; I really can't include Feral Pigeon, it's just wrong! (Unless I'm on 49 species cum December 31st?)

Garden photography challenge

This particular project is purely a whimsicle folly, borne of frustration and the knowledge that garden birds will play a major part in my enjoyment of the natural world whilst Bev's mum remains in our care. Indeed, the moth trap may also feature more regularly as the year progresses, such is my need to make the most of whatever is on offer under these trying circumstances.
To photograph fifty species of birds, in any calendar year, isn't much of an ask. Indeed, I'm confident that I've managed that total ever since I was made aware of digi-scoping way back in 2003. My travels involved in pursuit of my angling targets, plus our  holiday adventures, ensure that I have every opportunity to point a lens in the direction of many species of bird during any twelve month period. To do so from within the boundaries of our bungalow/garden, however, does add a degree of difficulty to the task. I stopped keeping detailed lists some ten years back but, know that the garden list stood at 173 species and my Newlands Farm patch list 219 for the same period (November 2000 - May 2011) Funny how things that once seemed so important can become very secondary with the passing of time? Doesn't change the pleasure derived from any wildlife encounters, just the need to tick boxes and create data has long since passed me by - my choice and my life, so no need for others to get upset.

I would guess that I record between 90 - 100 species annually from the garden, so photographing fifty isn't such a task? That's how I saw it until I started to tot up my options. Oystercatcher, Curlew, Whimbrel and Green Sandpiper are annual, but have never been photographed because they are, almost exclusively, nocturnal records. Meadow Pipit, Grey and Pied Wagtails are also recorded every year, yet I've only one photo of a Pied Wag in the garden from the nineteen years we've lived here and that was in the snow! Green Woodpeckers breed over on the farm, and in Ramsgate Cemetery, yet again, only one photo from the garden. Basically, I'm going to require a fair slice of luck if this challenge has any chance of being completed.

Sneaky little sod, creeping about in the dappled light over
by the, ivy covered, garden shed

The feeding station is providing me with plenty of opportunities to grab a photo or two and, in the run up to the RSPB Garden Birdwatch weekend, I've started to feed mealworms and a wild bird seed mix in addition to our regular fat balls and sunflower hearts. This is all very positive and will certainly allow me the best chance to get off to a reasonable start. Twenty five species shouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility by the end of March? Some "gimme" species being seen every day around the garden. House Sparrow, Blue & Great Tit, Starling, Dunnock, Robin, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw and Magpie are just awaiting the lens being pointed in their direction. I think that the key to a successful outcome will be the ability to make the most in any situation, thus keep the camera kit close to hand whenever I'm sat in my study and remain alert to the sounds and activity in the immediate vicinity. The local gulls are a superb early warning system for the approach of any large species, particularly raptors. In all honesty it won't matter how this idea pans out. I devised it as a project to ensure I keep my focus on the birdlife around the immediate area rather than worrying about those species which are off limits - so to speak. By insisting that I get an image, for the record to be included, just helps me work that little bit harder and keep me on my toes! It will be that extra effort required to record the likes of a flyover Red Kite or Cormorant which will make or break this project. Three more additions today, the Grey Heron being very much the type of record that I will need if I'm to achieve my target?

One of the species which are annual but not always seen
whilst I'm holding a camera

A nice distraction

Free time is very much a scarce commodity at present, such are the other issues which have to be dealt with. It was, therefore, an absolute delight to be able to grab a few hours this morning and head out onto the flatlands in pursuit of pike. The weather was glorious, for January, with dawn breaking to reveal a clear, calm, frosty scene with the wind increasing, from the west, as the morning progressed. Obviously chilly but I was dressed accordingly and really enjoyed my time on the bank. My only action came at 08.05 hrs when I landed a rather sorry looking pike which, on inspection, had been stitched up by another anglers' rig which was lodged in its' stomach. Fortunately, my PAC training allowed me to remove the offending trace, along with my own hooks, and I rested the fish in an ET Pike Tube for over two hours before releasing it back into the drain. I'm happy to report that it swam off strongly, so my efforts were worth while. Unfortunately, on the fish front, that was all that happened!

However, knowing that this session was going to be my only outing, for the foreseeable future, I kept my binoculars and cameras to hand ever hopeful that something might turn up. Four Little Grebes were working the drain, a Water Rail squealed from an adjacent ditch, whilst several skeins of Greylag Geese headed over en route to their daytime feeding haunts, somewhere out on the levels. Common Buzzards, an immature Marsh Harrier, several Kestrels and a couple of Little Egrets did their best to keep me entertained, if not focus the long lens in their direction. It was left to the raucous sound of a cock Pheasant which was to alert me to the imminent appearance of two Foxes. I'd seen them (or another pair?) in the half light of dawn, but it was well after 09.30 hrs and the light now superb. Show time. They were hunting the margins of a large field behind my position and seemed oblivious to my presence. Never coming closer than around one hundred metres, the "dog fox" still provided me with plenty of scope for a few images. Happy days!

Back home for mid-day, I sat in my study listening to the football and watching the feeding station. All of a sudden there was a flurry of activity as a small gang of Long-tailed Tits arrived. I grabbed the long lens and went into the garden, hopeful of a photo opportunity. I had to muck around with the settings, but did manage a series of images, thus added species number six for my garden photo challenge!

I was rather pleased to get this opportunity as I'd mucked up a chance of a cracking male Sparrowhawk, perched on the garden fence, early on Friday morning. I'd spooked it trying to creep into the summerhouse to get that bit closer!