KenM
Well-known member
I was saddened to hear of Phil’s passing away last week.
I first met Phil on the KGV/William Girling reservoir group during the ‘70’s-‘90’s, where we often exchanged local birding information.
Phil was an enthusiastic, committed and extremely helpful birder, who often rang me when there was a local rare or “titbit”.
I remember receiving a call from him with if memory serves, an extremely high count of B.N.Grebes on the Girling…37!
He certainly found some great birds for London, with no less than 3 separate Red-necked Phalaropes!
Can recall seeing him on one occasion descending the 45 degree grass bank looking slightly worse for his exertions exhorting “Red-necked Phal mate!..Red-necked Phal!, seemingly oblivious to the blood dripping off his wrist after vaulting the barbed wire fence!
He was also the first to arrive at the 1990 Naumann’s and greatly assisted with the ID!
In his day he was a “big lister”, with further afield notching up no less than three Wallcreepers!!! (believe one was a returning bird from the previous year).
With that pedigree he certainly deserves a mention and may he still tread the birding “Happy Hunting Grounds”.
Will always have the memories Cheers mate👍
I first met Phil on the KGV/William Girling reservoir group during the ‘70’s-‘90’s, where we often exchanged local birding information.
Phil was an enthusiastic, committed and extremely helpful birder, who often rang me when there was a local rare or “titbit”.
I remember receiving a call from him with if memory serves, an extremely high count of B.N.Grebes on the Girling…37!
He certainly found some great birds for London, with no less than 3 separate Red-necked Phalaropes!
Can recall seeing him on one occasion descending the 45 degree grass bank looking slightly worse for his exertions exhorting “Red-necked Phal mate!..Red-necked Phal!, seemingly oblivious to the blood dripping off his wrist after vaulting the barbed wire fence!
He was also the first to arrive at the 1990 Naumann’s and greatly assisted with the ID!
In his day he was a “big lister”, with further afield notching up no less than three Wallcreepers!!! (believe one was a returning bird from the previous year).
With that pedigree he certainly deserves a mention and may he still tread the birding “Happy Hunting Grounds”.
Will always have the memories Cheers mate👍