California uber alles (2 Viewers)

[Jane Turner]

Where are the suede-denim secret police?

Only been to California in the height of summer!

 

[level seven]

And lastly, I think most American Birders would be happy to take a visiter to their local haunts. Perhaps a call to a local Audubon chapter or a forum like this might be a start for a "Contact" here in the New World. Split the fuel cost and treat for lunch. My fellow colonists enjoy the mother tongue and the zeal of those interested.

That's exactly what a friend of mine did last year when he went to California. He found people very helpful and friendly, one even arranging to pick him up from his hotel to show him round some of the local spots.

 

[paul mabbott]

Obsessions

We all have our obsessions - mine are small insects - but you make the point about people being thrilled by something "new" for their locality. No problem, they like their locality and they like the animals.
Now, if I'd been on Islay, I probably wouldn't have got out of the distillery ....
Cheers and a happy solstice, Paul

I must admit that whilst I am perhaps disparaging about the raptor obsessives in America, I'm reminded of the 'Marsh Harrier Man' who apparently used to sit in the hides at Minsmere (maybe he still does) and bellowed loudly whenever a Marsh Harrier appeared. 'Marsh Harrier!' 'Food Pass!' etc to anyone within earshot.

I also know a story about a well-known wildfowl obsessive who once went seawatching in Islay. An adult summer Sabine's Gull flew past along the shore at close range and he calmly pointed out that he'd seen many of these in Spitsbergen. Then a couple of Brent Geese flew by and he went apoplectic with excitement. I know which one would have got me going.