Sun, sea and Yorkshire Day

I really thought that I would be able to catch up with myself over July and August but how wrong I was. Life events have pulled me in all kinds of unexpected directions and the old adage "best laid plans" has been mentioned on more than one occasion.

Well, we can only do what we can do and, over the years I've learned that people are far more important that lists of jobs to do at the computer. That being so, I hope that I've managed to look after the people side of life at the very least. I've also been kind to myself and spent some time enjoying the sunshine, celebrating Yorkshire Day, paddling in the sea and reflecting on life.

I'm grateful that the people side of my life often involves watching birds and, this year, July and the beginning of August have been filled with more people and bird activities than past Start Birding programmes. My Tuesday and Wednesday classes have experienced their first full day trips and have visited new habitats to watch previously unseen species of birds.

Yesterday we were watching ospreys at Rutland Water. There was an air of excitement and expectation as staff and volunteers prepared the site for the International Bird Fair. I'll be making my annual pilgrimage on Friday 16th August and meeting up with friends and birding colleagues from around the world. I really recommend a visit - have a look at what's on offer here

Here are some photographic (I use that word loosely!) reminiscences of July and August so far.

Bridled and normal forms of common guillemot at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

 

Puffin at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Gannet and chick at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Lesser black-backed gull at YWT North Cave

 

Grey heron at RSPB Blacktoft Sands

 

Snipe at RSPB Blacktoft Sands

Toadlet at RSPB Blacktoft Sands

Ospreys at Rutland Water

Little egret at Rutland Water

For the rest of August, apart from travelling back down to Rutland Water, I'll be focusing on reserves nearer to home. Join me at RSPB St Aidan's in Leeds; Angler's Country Park, Pugney's Country Park and Calder Wetlands in Wakefield or Nosterfield in North Yorkshire. Call or email for further details.