Normanton Church, Rutland Water
Tour de Rutland
Mrs looks sporty as always
Barndale Hall Hotel
View from Hotel
Hotel House Martins
Chris Packham
Birdfair pursuits
Henry the Hen Harrier
Manton Bay
Juvinile Osprey
Juvinile Osprey
Wall of Concern
Mary Avery
David Lindo
Mother Osprey
Plenty of reading
After a busy summer I booked the wife and I a two day break to take in the annual Birdfair at Rutland Water.
After checking in at our hotel, Barnstable Hall Hotel, we set off on the bikes doing a full perimeter covering the 27 kilometres. As we reached Manton Bay we could see two Ospreys - most definatley one for bike list. A cracking ride with some super views of the various bays with a few tricky inclines in various habitat.
On Saturday (despite the initial forecast) the weather was beautiful with not a cloud in the sky as we watched the hundreds of House Martin dive in and out of their nest above the hotel reception. A short drive down to the Birdfair reserve was no trouble at all and the volunteer staff made all the visitors welcome.
Being a Birdfair virgin it was interesting to see the amount of stall holders from all round the world. Birding tourism in truly alive and doing very well. I had some very interesting chats with representatives from Iceland & Spain (and many many leaflets).
I completed a card for the Birders against Wildlife stall and bought a pin badge in support of their great work. Lets hope the profile will make a difference to all the crimes that birds of prey are subjected to.
I picked up two new books to read “Behind the Binoculars" by Mark Avery &”Tales from the Concrete Jungle" by David Lindo. I did manage to grab a photo with both Mark & David. Both major conservationists doing a great job for us all.
After lunch we left as the afternoon heat was intense and we retreated to Manton Bay to watch a juvenile Osprey and mother. I also picked up 3 Ruff, 5 Green Sandpiper and 4 Egyptian Geese (year tick).
No comments:
Post a Comment