Sorry to disappoint regular readers but following at least 48 hours of solid rain rather than showery migrant bearing showers, birding would be rather pointless and unproductive at the moent, so apologies for the lack of bird news.
On Monday evening I and many other bird enthusiasts went along to an event entitled “Bird Migration”, an illustrated talk given by Professor Ian Newton and arranged by the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society.
Bird Migration by Ian Newton
Professor Newton is one of the world's leading ornithologists, currently chairman of the British Trust for Ornithology and also the author of several essential-reading bird books. These volumes include a couple of my own favourites, “Finches” and “The Sparrowhawk”, the latter a book which many consider to be the most detailed study ever of any population of raptors.
The evening proved a great success as Professor Ian Newton described to the packed audience some of the mysteries of bird migration, its evolution, and how it is changing under the influence of climate change. His presentation included explanations of some the many challenges that birds face on their immense travels around the globe, together with the remarkable physical adaptations that enable them to take such demanding journeys. For any blog readers who get the chance to go along to one of Professor Newton’s talks I would urge you to do so. In my case it was rainy evening well spent.
For today I trawled through the PC archives to find a few pictures from sunnier days and sunnier places so as to keep the blog alive and well.
Kingfisher
Cattle Egret
Bee Eater
My recent picture of Pilling at high tide was shown as a background to the BBC North West weather forecast last night. They must have decided to use it as illustrating lots of water rather than a sunny day.
A Sunnier Day
As soon as it stops raining or brightens up I’ll be out birding and then report in to readers of Another Bird Blog, so tune in again soon because it can’t rain forever can it?
This post is linking with I'd Rather B Birding and Stewart's Photo Gallery.
Those archived shots come in handy on bad weather days. Love the bee eater and the kingfisher. My knees would go weak if I saw a bee eater around here.
ReplyDeleteYour Sunnier Day shot is really nice. I've always wanted to go to those lectures. I'm hoping I get a chance to do so one of these days. I'm going to read my first birder book which I'm excited about....can't believe I'm doing it:) Crossing over yet again. It's an addiction.
ReplyDeleteThe talk sounds interesting, my bird club often has different speakers visiting for their meetings. I do love your sunnier day shots. I hope you weather turn for the better. Wishing you some sunshine, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteNice set of pictures.
ReplyDeleteI used to drive past Lancaster everyday on the way to work. That a few years ago - but they you are!
Stewart M - Australia (late of Endmoor, south of Kendal!)
WoW-zers, i need to come here more often. that kingfisher is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting discussion about bird migration. I've always thought birds just look too dainty to live outside. Maybe they are remarkable and may be that's why people like us love them. Great two bottom photos. Spectacular colours.
ReplyDeleteWhere was the picture of the Bee Eater taken? From Findlay
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great talk, and love that Bee Eater. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteReally nice shots. Love the Bee Eater.
ReplyDeleteit has been a fit of a bad un this week, but great to see your archived shots Phil, better weather is nearly here!!!
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