[Chris Monk]

I gather from reading a couple of birdwatching magazines we are due for some new optics from Zeiss, Nikon and perhaps Swarovski. Apparently Swarovski are having a stand seperate from the main optics tent...sounds intriguing.

I'm not too sure if there'll be many new books published and presented on the stands, unless anyone knows differently.

As usual I'll be drooling at the superb exhibits in the art marquee.

[paj]

It's Saturday for me.

paj

[Euan Buchan]

Say hi to everyone from me

[Chris Monk]

From the poor response it seems like we aren't going to get many from Bird Forum meeting up at their stand...

[bug eyed eagle]

Hi all

I certainly will be going (on Sunday). It will be good to meet a few members on the BirdForum stand.

Dick

[POP]

ref.Swarvoski,they are bringing to the show their new scope case for the 80HTS,this they say will be available in Oct.
John

[Michael Frankis]

Originally posted by Chris R Monk
From the poor response it seems like we aren't going to get many from Bird Forum meeting up at their stand...

Hi Chris,

Dunno, there's the huge silent majority - 2,847 signed up BF members, and how many ever actually post anything? They don't all live as far away as I do! I reckon you'll get quite a crowd.

I'll also (since no-one else has done so yet!) predict breaking the 3,000 by the end of the BBWF weekend.

Michael

[Grousemore]

Thank God for the silent majority then!
How long would it take to read all the posts if everyone contributed?

[Chris Monk]

Michael,

I think you're right about breaking the 3,000 member barrier. I shall drop in at the stand after lunch and see if I can bump into anyone whose name I recognise.

Are there any birdfairs within a reasonable distance of you, either north or south of the border? I appreciate your problem of being too far from Rutland to make a day trip south feasible.

I hope the prospect of Red Kites being released near Gateshead next year is something you can look forward to.

Cheers,
Chris

[Michael Frankis]

Hi Chris,

No bird fairs near here - there was one at Druridge Pools a while back, couldn't get to that either (bit of a hike from the nearest bus stop), but that hasn't been repeated either. It wasn't profitable enough - there just isn't the money floating around here that there is down south.

It'll be nice to see the Kites when they cross the Tyne (wondering how long it will take them!), even better would be a release on this side of the river, somewhere like Blagdon

Michael

[Andrew]

Will he bring the bird count results?

[Andy Bright]

I'll be there for all three days, though I won't be on the BF stand for the whole duration... I'd go barking! Weather forecast looks promising, last year was too hot in the marquees.

I think Swarovski had two seperate stands last year.... one for the optics, the other for promoting their good work in protecting wildlife around the globe (we'll gloss over the fact that they produce the most popular rifle scopes in the world!)

[Doug]

see you all on Friday

[simondix]

Hopefully I'll pop in on Saturday. I'll wear a pink carnation and carry a copy of "The Sporting Life"

[pauco]

no cant make this year, to all those of you that do make it, have
a great day out. will be going to WWT martin-mere bird-fair
which runs from 14th-16th november.
bert

[Chris Monk]

I'm more than glad to see the numbers from BF going to the Birdfair have increased steadily throughout the day. I shall look forward to meeting those of you going on the Friday.

I hope I can see one or two Ospreys while I'm there and perhaps a few Red Kites on the way home.

[Beverlybaynes]

I just wanna know if anyone will spot the elusive TOny, and if it's who we think it is!

[Chris Monk]

I shall challenge everyone at the BF stand with: "You are TOny and I claim my prize!"

Why is the O in TOny upper case I wonder?

[Chris Monk]

I see from the maps supplied with the current Birdwatch and Birdwatching magzines the marquees have been substantially relocated to accomodate new exhibitors and allow better access. The proof is in eating! I'll give it a whirl on Friday.

[digi-birder]

Originally posted by Chris R Monk
Why is the O in TOny upper case I wonder?

I think it was meant to be a 0 (zero).

[robinm]

I'm beginning to feel sorry for TOny.

[Chris Monk]

T0ny...That still leaves my mystified. Who is T0ny?

[digi-birder]

Someone who was here a long, long time ago and disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

[Chris Monk]

Diane, you have me intrigued!

[digi-birder]

Good!