My birding years seem to have an over-riding theme, a perception of a pattern, or even just a continuing feeling of something. Last year, the first three months saw me ticking oystercatchers everywhere- I literally couldn't avoid them. I thought then that that either be my overiding memories, or else just the undercurrent.
This year, the theme of the year (so far) has been birding in twilight. No matter the time of day, its been dull, cloudy, with terrible light. Frustrating at the best of times, but utterly infuriating when you're a very keen but equipent- limited wildlife photographer- in other words, I need sunlight.
as I write this, the wind is howling outside and the rain has resumed after a brief pause. My part of the world is known for its rain but the winter so far has reached new levels of wetness. The weather, and appaling light natuarlly impacts on the quality and quantity of birding I've got done.
On the other hand, I've had a spectcular January, and really defied the odds. 71 year ticks (1 lifer) in a month with limited opportunity. Basically, I've hardly been anywhere- my ayrshire trip being the exception- and I've neglected my local RSPB reserve shamefully. Family duties have intervened greatly, and I've been relying on snatching the odd hour or 2 whenever I can.
So, 71 ticks despite restricted opportunities, so I can't complain. So, why do I feel so frustrated? Is it my pipedreams of spending long days and evenings out in the field being so utterly scuppered, or is it just the psychological effect of going a month without sunshine?
In any event, Mrs Green Sandpiper has given me a surprise bonus. After my successful trip to Dumfries and Galloway in November, she has suggested that one Sunday each month, I do the same- just take off at silly o'clock on a Sunday and go somewhere good. Scotland is replete with places to go within a 2 hour drive of my home.
I already have the first trip pencilled in for the first sunday in March. Now, where to go? Decisions, decisions.
Like I said a couple of weeks ago, this has the makings of a very good year. (I can hear Sinatra singing in the background...)
This year, the theme of the year (so far) has been birding in twilight. No matter the time of day, its been dull, cloudy, with terrible light. Frustrating at the best of times, but utterly infuriating when you're a very keen but equipent- limited wildlife photographer- in other words, I need sunlight.
as I write this, the wind is howling outside and the rain has resumed after a brief pause. My part of the world is known for its rain but the winter so far has reached new levels of wetness. The weather, and appaling light natuarlly impacts on the quality and quantity of birding I've got done.
On the other hand, I've had a spectcular January, and really defied the odds. 71 year ticks (1 lifer) in a month with limited opportunity. Basically, I've hardly been anywhere- my ayrshire trip being the exception- and I've neglected my local RSPB reserve shamefully. Family duties have intervened greatly, and I've been relying on snatching the odd hour or 2 whenever I can.
So, 71 ticks despite restricted opportunities, so I can't complain. So, why do I feel so frustrated? Is it my pipedreams of spending long days and evenings out in the field being so utterly scuppered, or is it just the psychological effect of going a month without sunshine?
In any event, Mrs Green Sandpiper has given me a surprise bonus. After my successful trip to Dumfries and Galloway in November, she has suggested that one Sunday each month, I do the same- just take off at silly o'clock on a Sunday and go somewhere good. Scotland is replete with places to go within a 2 hour drive of my home.
I already have the first trip pencilled in for the first sunday in March. Now, where to go? Decisions, decisions.
Like I said a couple of weeks ago, this has the makings of a very good year. (I can hear Sinatra singing in the background...)
