Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Well in the end it was if nothing was happening underneath the streets, and the traffic was more normal than usual. But for the sake of completion, here is yesterday evenings list.
Black Headed Gull
Cormorant
Herring Gull
Crow, Carrion – not Bob
Wood Pigeon
Mallard
Starling
Canada Goose
Kestrel
Magpie
Jay
Stunning, eh?
No owls unfortunately, nor could I see much bombing past Rainham at 70mph in the failing light....
Monday, October 04, 2010
Some time ago I wrote about how I (internally) beat the tube strike - read it here if inclined.
So we find ourselves in the same position today, but with considerably less pleasant weather and largely darkness as a companion. But I have three times the distance to travel and a metropolis to cross. Bitching doesn't even get half way to describing the commute this morning. However, when a river has to be crossed there are birds to be seen. Somehow this morning I found myself on the Woolwich Ferry, and while on said ferry there were three Common Terns to watch around the side of the boat. A nice interlude.
I'll count the birds on the way home tonight but don't have my hopes up for 26 species, or for that matter finishing the journey within two hours.
Nice.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Eight miles. Two hours. Average speed 4mph. Not good.
Rather than listen to the traffic reports, which were basically bad mixed with very bad and an extra portion of bad thrown in, and sit there in a state of frustration and ire I turned the experience on it's head - turned the radio off, flicked a finger at fate and the RMT and turned the journey into a Bird Race! That's right kids - how many species can I see in the eight mile slog around west London's leafy suburbs? For those with an ornithological bent, it was basically one loooong transect.
And guess what? It didn't half make the journey more pleasurable. I started to look at specific habitat to try and pick up specific species and found myself trying to predict what I was going to see next as certain areas came into view.
I've got a green in about half a mile, might pick up a Pied Wag, got Blackbird, maybe a Mistle Thrush? Seen them round here before. Ok bridge - check the water! Greeeeeebe! etc
I had a couple of unexpecteds, and missed a few that I hoped for - never in my life have I looked so hard for a Blue Tit - and been so disappointed to not find one.
For the record here's the list.
Cormorant
Mallard
Wren - heard
Carrion Crow
Robin - heard
Herring Gull
Greenfinch - heard
Ring Necked Parakeet
Jackdaw
Blackcap - singing (nice tick)
Magpie
Swift
Blackbird
Coot (there had to be really)
Canada Goose
Feral Pigeon
Starling
Pied Wagtail
House Sparrow
Wood Pigeon
Chaffinch
Great Tit
LBBG
Grey Heron
Great Crested Grebe
Mute Swan
Crossbill
I didn't get the expected Blue Tit, Song or Mistle Thrush, Collared Dove, Dunnock or Goldfinch.
As the strike continues tonight, I shall take the same route and try and beat this score but to be perfectly honest, I'd rather get home in good time and not have time to look at the birds.
Ok, I lied about the Crossbill.
Nice, huh?
