We’re into the third week of storms with no prospect of birding or ringing for several days. Storm Ella is lined up to be next.
Almost every day has been so awful that I have struggled to get out birding or ringing, even for the occasional “window of opportunity”.
Everyone is pretty fed up, not least those people whose homes have been flooded. Fortunately here in coastal Lancashire, apart from fencing panels, we have escaped any serious damage, but there’s more to come from the current cycle with its misplaced and overactive jet stream.
UK 2020 - Getty Images
Meanwhile the Government is happy to blame so called “climate change” for the damage and destruction while muddying the waters, diverting attention from building on flood plains; or forgetting to mention the Environment Agency’s failure to properly maintain dykes, ditches and rivers because of the European Water Framework Directive 2000.
Roll on 2021 when Britain becomes again an independent nation, free from the dictats of unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, and when our politicians will be paid for making decisions of their own.
For those of an enquiring mind willing to read other than mainstream media I recommend:
That’s the whinge over for now. Meanwhile a few pictures from January 2011 and a holiday in sunny Egypt where we saw a somewhat limited range of species within the confines of the resort of Makadi Bay, Hurghada. A couple of miles of beach plus 15 or so lush hotel grounds provided ample time and opportunity for birding while soaking up the winter sun.
Makadi Bay, Egypt
Red-throated Pipit
Bluethroat
Kingfisher
Kestrel
Laughing Dove
Makadi Bay
Sleepy Camel
Striated Heron
Osprey
Cattle Egret
Makadi Bay, Egypt
Makadi Bay, Egypt
Hooded Crow
Bluethroat
Kingfisher
Greater Sand Plover
Greenshank
Cattle Egret
We had a great time with two weeks of unbroken sunshine in the eighties when back home there would be rain, wind and whatever else the British weather might throw at us.
I know someone who went to Hurghada just two years ago. Following terrorist atrocities in Egypt the rules are now more controlling whereby tourists are unable to leave the confines of their hotel grounds, barred even from walking into neighbouring hotel surroundings because of security concerns - such a shame.
It's raining now. Back soon - sometime, never?
Linking today to Anni's Birding and Eileen's Saturday Blogspot.
Linking today to Anni's Birding and Eileen's Saturday Blogspot.
15 comments:
This morning we had rain again … just for a change!
But this afternoon we had some sunshine, Eddie and I had almost forgotten what that looked like. Quick he said lets forget the soup and enjoy a salad! No, he didn't really because he knew we were going to have some Roast Pork … and though I say so myself it was delicious :)
I did enjoy seeing all of your photographs - your holiday ones and the birds - great to see.
With another storm on the way I hope you stay safe.
All the best Jan
The weather there is horrific and I feel so sorry for the people who have flooded homes. Hopefully, you will remain dry.
Lovely set of photos but the Kestrel is my favourite. I am very fond of the birds of prey. I spent a lot of time with a former boss of mine when I was in my 20'S who used to do falconry.
Have a good weekend, Diane
Hello Phil. Fantastic photos.
Storms from England came and come here to Finland too. Right now it is windy and raining. Rivers flooding and the sea level is very high. It is just terrible weather.
Hello,
I am glad you escaped damage from the storm. That first photo looks bad for those homes. The holiday photos from Egypt look beautiful. The bird sightings were wonderful, gorgeous photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.
plover plover come over -love them -lost my home in 2017 hurricane- i empathize big time with flood damage
I love seeing that Kingfisher and I've never heard of that kind of Dove...very pretty! Sure has been crazy weather this winter. But whatever....Come back SOON! Love your bird photos and insights!
This crazy winter brings a lot of water to Finland too...but luckily not so much as in your first shot.
...and still you end this with more rain to come?! And yes, typical government beauracracy. Here it is often dubbed the "act of God". I've often been tempted to claim there is no God and tell the so called smart engineers to get a handle on it and FIX. You got me riled again. Stay safe & dry. And I hope soon the jet stream will move out.
Love all your beautiful birds by the way. Thanks so much for sharing your link at I'd Rather B Birdin this week.
That is a very odd bird lying there in the sand with the red saddle on its back!
Only joking. I love all of your images, birds and otherwise.
People have been building on flood plains for thousands of years. Much of mid American is a flood plain and nearly all of the state of Florida is. Even in flood plains there are areas too low to build and people do. It's a problem throughout probably the world. Lovely photos as usual. Wishing you sunny days and no floods.
Great bird photos especially the kingfisher. which is one of my favourites.
Loving your beautiful photos as always, especially the sleepy camel!
Happy Tuesday, Phil!
Beautiful shots - especially the kingfisher.
The government really should be doing a lot more to help the people whose homes are flooded.
I always enjoy your photos!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/02/a-few-features-around-shop.html
These birds are beautiful. The most important thing is that they survived the storm and you could show them to us. Thank you for such wonderful photos of birds.
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